If you’re a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree, you might wonder if it’s worth going back to school for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While earning your bachelor’s degree takes work, an RN to BSN program can have many benefits for your long-term nursing career.
In this article, we’ll go over eight reasons why an RN to BSN program might be the right fit for your professional goals.
1. Career Growth
Earning your BSN can help you take the next step in your career. A bachelor’s degree is no longer just a “nice-to-have” credential — it’s expected in many workplaces. Nearly 28% of employers require new RNs to have their BSN, while 72% “strongly prefer” it, according to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
A bachelor’s degree can also open doors to new opportunities, like roles in administration and research. Some non-bedside jobs you can get with a BSN include:
- Public health nurse
- Community health nurse
- Nurse manager
- Charge nurse
- Clinical research nurse
- Nurse administrator
2. Opportunities for Specialization
If you’re interested in specializing in an area of nursing, like pediatrics or cardiology, a BSN can help you get there. RN to BSN bridge programs often include elective courses, where you can explore different nursing specialties and find one that interests you. Some common specializations include:
- Pediatrics
- Gerontology
- Mental health
- Critical care and ICU
- Medical surgical
- Labor and delivery
3. Better Patient Outcomes
Research shows nurses with BSN degrees deliver safe, quality care for their patients. Hospitals with BSN-educated nurses have been shown to have lower mortality rates and improved patient outcomes, according to data compiled by AACN.
Quality care can be delivered through any level of nursing education. But this research suggests that as you further your education, your ability to assess and treat patients can also improve.
4. Advanced Curriculum
Coursework in an RN to BSN program builds on your nursing skills and knowledge. You’ll also take new classes in areas like evidence-based practice, ethics, and healthcare policy.
At West Coast University, our online RN to BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to grow your nursing skills. Classes in our program include:
- Principles of leadership for healthcare organizations
- Pathophysiology
- Introduction to evidence-based practice
- Community and public health nursing
- Nursing roles in policy, ethics, and finance
- Advanced nursing technologies and collaborative care
- Health promotion and disease management
5. Graduate School Preparation
As you plan for your long-term career, you might want to consider getting a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. A master’s degree can help you pursue advanced practice or leadership roles, such as:
- Nurse practitioner
- Nurse educator
- Nurse leader
Most MSN programs require you to have your BSN to apply. If you complete WCU’s RN to BSN program, you can transfer up to 9 credits toward the MSN program, which shortens your path to a master’s degree.
6. Flexible Learning
Think you won’t be able to go to school and work at the same time? Think again! Many RN to BSN programs offer flexible online classes, so you can continue working as a nurse while you work toward a bachelor’s degree.
At WCU, we offer RN to BSN online courses with weekly assignments you can fit around your shifts. Plus, you’ll have access to a dedicated student advisor, who can offer tips and support for staying on track.
7. Length of Time
If you’re going to invest in more education, you’re probably wondering how long an RN to BSN program will take. The answer depends on the program you choose and how much time you can devote to your schoolwork. WCU’s RN to BSN program offers three pathways, each with their own estimated timeline:
- Accelerated Plus pace: At this pace, you’ll take 2 to 3 courses for each 8-week term. If you choose the Accelerated Plus option, you can graduate with your BSN in as little as 8 months.
- Accelerated pace: With the Accelerated pace, you can spread your classes out while still graduating in approximately 12 months.
- Working Professional pace: This pace is designed for RNs who need to balance work and education. At the Working Professional pace, you can graduate in as little as 20 months.
8. Transfer Credits
If you already have your RN license, you may be able to transfer eligible credits from your previous education. At WCU, licensed RNs can be awarded up to 90 credit hours of block transfer credit, no matter where you completed your pre-licensure nursing program.
With this transfer credit, you’ll only need to complete 30 credits, or 10 courses, to earn your bachelor’s degree through the RN to BSN program. Plus, you won’t have to repeat coursework you’ve already done, so you can focus on mastering new skills instead.
Advance Your Education with WCU’s RN to BSN Program
If you’re an RN looking to take the next step in your education, getting a BSN might be the answer. An RN to BSN program can help you build your clinical skills, specialize in an area of nursing, and pursue advanced positions in leadership or administration. Plus, you may be eligible for transfer credits and an accelerated program timeline that can allow you to earn your BSN quickly.
WCU’s RN to BSN program offers a flexible pathway for getting your bachelor’s degree. With three program paces and convenient online courses, you can even keep working as you complete your BSN. For more information, reach out to schedule an information session today!
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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