RN BSN Degree
In the world of nursing, there are many titles. An LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse that typically deals directly with patients in their care. An RN is a Registered Nurse who often oversees or supervises the LPNs on his or her shift. A BSN is a Bachelor's of Science in nursing degree and can often open up many more job prospects than either of the two above listed careers.
There are currently more Registered Nurses in the health care industry than LPNs and BSNs. This may be due to many reasons, one of which being the additional educational requirements that are involved in going from an RN to a BSN. These requirements can be met however, by enrolling in RN to BSN online programs. Online studying gives the RN the opportunity to study during his or her spare time, while still working full time if needed.
The requirements to go from an RN to a BSN include a bachelor's degree, which requires that a student complete four years in an institution of higher learning. Since many RNs tend to obtain an associate's or two-year degree, another two years of higher learning can lead to a BSN. Before one chooses to further their education however, it is important to note the major differences in RN and BSN. The student must then choose whether they feel this path is the best career choice for them individually.
Probably the main difference in an RN and a BSN is the educational requirements. Again, an RN can choose one of many paths including trade school, college and online learning in order to fulfill the requirements for licensing. In order to gain the credentials of BSN, a bachelor's degree is an absolute must.
Another main difference in the two titles would have to be the salary that each receives. In the past year, average earnings for a Registered Nurse were slightly more than $50,000 annually. Those who have gone on to receive their BSN however, have seen average earnings in the upper $60,000 to nearly $85,000 annually. This is a significant salary increase given the coursework that is required to make the licensing change.
There are hundreds of schools that provide the training and education needed to become a BSN. These schools also typically provide training for those interested in pursuing their Master's degree in Nursing, and BSN to doctoral programs. Advanced practice nursing specialties all require that students obtain a Master's degree or higher.
Many of these programs include two more years of full time study and require a BSN to be accepted. Alternative, most RN to BSN programs require at least one to two years of clinical experience as an RN prior to admission.
In all States, students must graduate successfully from an approved nursing program and then go on to pass the national licensing examination in order to receive their license. Students who are considering enrollment in an RN to BSN course should carefully weight the advantages and disadvantages. Typically, those holding a bachelor's degree or higher meet the requirements for admission to graduate nursing programs in research, consulting, teaching and advanced practice nursing specialties.