RN to BSN Degrees
RN to BSN degree is an appropriate choice for those who are interested in advancing their nursing careers. It is a bachelor’s degree that is specifically designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who are currently licensed and hold a diploma or an associate degree in nursing.
Modes of Study
There are a number of institutes offering this degree. Therefore you’ll have the choice to enroll in either a full time or a part time program, in conventional classroom settings or over the internet as a distance learning course. Although the online variant is equally rigorous in terms of the curriculum, it would give you the freedom of studying from the convenience of your home. You’ll be able to work part time and study according to your own schedule. However before you chose an institute you should ensure that it is accredited by an agency like The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission Requirements
The requirements vary depending on the institute you’re enrolled in. However generally institutes would require you to fulfill conditions like:
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Submit a completed application form. Some may require you to deposit an application fee too.
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A minimum level of GPA
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Official transcripts
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Current RN license in the US
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Prerequisite courses as part of associate degree or prior college work
Curriculum
The program curriculum varies across institutes but you’ll generally be required to complete a specific level of credit hours by taking up some core courses along with several specialization courses. Some examples include:
Core Courses
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Human Genetics
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Human Physiology
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Nursing Research and Informatics
Specialization Courses
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Information & Patient Care Technology for Professional Nursing Practice
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Health Promotion for Professional Nursing Practice
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Pharmacology for Patient Safety
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Issues in Nursing Practice
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Processes in Population Focused Nursing
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Global Perspectives of Community and Public Service
Degree Outcomes
The RN to BSN degree is intended to equip you with many skills including but not restricted to:
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Carrying out detailed and focused assessments of different health and illness parameters in individuals and groups
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Improving patient outcomes by paying attention to clinical management, patient safety and quality improvement.
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Taking account of legal and ethical concerns in health/patient care
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Understanding the importance or involvement of policies, finances and regulatory measures with regards to health outcomes
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Effectively communicating with health care team members and taking decisions in a rapidly changing environment
Employment Outlook
The BSN degree is intended to prepare students for pursuing advanced professional roles like home health nurse, school nurse, community health nurse, case management nurse, industrial health nurse, or licensed practical nurse (LPN) instructor. Potential workplaces may include hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, schools, public health clinics or government agencies.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, nurse practitioners earned an hourly median wage of $43.25 and an annual wage of $89,960.
After attaining a BSN degree, you can also decide to advance your studies further and pursue a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Ask an Expert
Q:What will I be able to do with a rn to bsn degree?
A:An RN to BSN degree program will qualify you for advanced nursing roles in the healthcare sector. You can seek specialization in numerous branches if nursing. Many aspiring individuals are moving up the corporate ladder with this degree. The program will enhance your skill set and increase your knowledge base.
Q:How is an RN to BSN degree helpful for my nursing career?
A:An RN to BSN degree will help you increase your skill set and acquire advanced knowledge about the nursing field. If you plan to move up the corporate ladder and pursue advanced nursing jobs, you will need to acquire further education. The program can also be pursued online making it easier for you to manage your job side by side.
Q:What are the basic courses covered in rn to bsn online programs?
A:The basic courses covered in RN to BSN programs include: human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, adult care, disease and diagnosis, and healthcare administration. The curriculum is likely to vary slightly for school to school. Take a look at our page for more detailed information about rn to bsn online programs.
Q:How can I complete a rn to bsn online degree?
A:An rn to bsn degree is a bridge program designed to help students prepare for more advanced clinical job roles. If you plan to enroll in an rn to bsn degree, you must complete the entire course components. The course usually includes studying various topics such as human anatomy, and also acquiring the necessary credit hours to earn the degree.
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