Nursing is generally an applied science that combines elements of biology, medicine, pharmacology and psychology.
Nurses assist doctors and physicians in various activities such as administering injections or medicines. A Registered Nurse (RN) is a highly trained health care professional and has the education, skills and competence to practice all aspects of the care, recovery and progress of the sick and the maintenance of their well-being. RNs ensure that patients receive appropriate care in a timely manner, in a variety of settings. Registered nurses perform basic tasks such as educating patients, recording medical histories, performing various diagnostic tests, and monitoring treatment and medications under the supervision of a physician or a doctor.
Registered nurses can earn further their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Science of nursing degree (BSN). The RN to BSN programs are especially designed to cater to the needs of those RNs who plan to continue with their studies. RN to BSN is a pathway for nurses towards a four year BSN degree and certification to work as registered nurses in various health care centers.
Typically, students successfully complete RN to BSN programs in four years.
Admission requirements for RN to BSN nursing programs
If you choose to pursue a RN to BSN nursing program, the university or college that you intend to apply to may ask you to fulfill certain requirements before they will consider giving you admission. These prerequisites may vary from university to university but normally require you to:
· Have a High school diploma, GED or associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited academic institution
· Have an acceptable GPA, a GPA of 3.0 or above is normally preferable
· Official academic transcripts from all previous educational institutes attended
· A registered nurse license verification form that verifies that at the time of admission you hold an unrestricted RN license or equivalent
· Proof of proficiency in the English language in some cases, such as in the case of international students
· ACT or SAT test scores are not required by any university or college offering this program
· Letter of recommendation
· Personal statement
Some colleges or universities may give preference to applicants with more years of work experience as a registered nurse during the admission process.
What will you learn from the RN to BSN program?
The online RN to BSN in nursing programs are designed to prepare registered nurses to further their knowledge in nursing science without having to compromise their existing nursing duties, as wel as personal commitments.
The program primarily focuses on developing professionalism and leadership qualities in the student by introducing them to various dynamic disciplines, such as healthcare research, community and public nursing, latest trends and therapies in healthcare, health assessment and management.
This transitional program also emphasizes various aspects of healthcare such as promotion of healthcare, healthcare information, diversity, healthcare management, professional nursing ethics and healthcare delivery.
The curriculum also enhances and develops certain important qualities in students, including critical thinking skills, speaking skills, emotional stability, physical stamina, compassion, organizational skills and attention to detail.
Coursework includes a wide variety of healthcare related courses and may vary from university to university, but normally includes the following:
· Orientation to baccalaureate nursing
· Transition to professional nursing
· Registered nursing informatics and research in healthcare
· Health assessment
· Nursing ethics, regulations, law and policy in the United States
· Statistics for decision making
· Nursing management and leadership
· Techniques for evidence based practice
· Global perspectives of public healthcare service and community
· Principles of economics
· Pharmacology
· Anatomy
· Physiology
· Patient safety
Almost all the colleges and universities that offer this program require the students to complete a capstone project as a part of their curriculum. The main aim of this capstone project is so that the students can further advance their knowledge in a specific topic, in addition to learning how to apply theories learned in the class room to real-world scenarios.
Licensure and certifications
All states require that registered nurses must acquire a nursing license to practice. To acquire this license, students must successfully complete an accredited nursing program and then successfully clear the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Although acquiring a certification is not mandatory for a registered nurse, certifications demonstrate professionalism and competency. Registered nurses can choose to become certified in specified areas of nursing science, such as gerontology, ambulatory care and pediatrics.
Career statistics
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median salary of registered nurses was $65,470 in 2012. The bureau also projected that the number of people working as registered nurses would rise by 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average of all occupations.
You must keep in mind that these figures also include nurses who may not have completed a RN to BSN program.
Q:What kind of coursework should I expect in rn to bsn programs?
A:RN to BSN programs are bridge degree programs. These are designed to help registered nurses boos their career by further acquiring a bachelor qualification. The program has a short duration as compared to BSN programs. The coursework comprises of theoretical subjects and practical courses that polish clinical skills needed for advanced nursing jobs.
Q:How are online rn to bsn programs covered?
A:Online nursing programs are steadily gaining popularity. This mode of education has proved to be more efficient and cost friendly. The coursework is completed through video tutorials, online lectures, classroom conferencing, and presentations. Some schools offer hybrid formats. This means you may also be required to attend a few classes at the campus for training.
Q:Do I need a high school degree for bachelor to bsn programs?
A:Yes, you need to have a high school diploma to qualify for bachelor level nursing programs. You also may have to study the nursing prerequisite courses such as the following: physiology and anatomy. It is important to remember that the admission requirements will depend upon which institute you plan to join. Bachelor programs in nursing can also be studied online.
Q:I want to enroll in rn to bsn programs but I can't take out the time for classes. What should I do?
A:RN to BSN programs are offered by a number of online schools. These are designed for individuals who do not have the time for campus based classes. You can study at your own pace and according to times that suit you best. By enrolling in an online RN to BSN program, you can continue working without having to compromise on either.
Q:Are online rn to bsn programs accredited by some board?
A:Not all institutes offering online RN to BSN programs are accredited. Accreditation is one of the most important factors to check before enrollment. You should only consider enrollment in Schools which are accredited by the nursing board. Accreditation reflects the institute's compliance with quality standards. Browse through our page for more information.
Q:Why are rn to bsn online programs also called bridge programs?
A:RN to BSN programs are also known as bridge programs. Registered nurses who wish to advance their nursing career must acquire a BSN degree. Instead of opting for the four year program, RNs can pursue a shorter route to getting a BSN degree through a bridge program. Many schools are offering online and campus-based bridge programs.
Q:What are rn to bsn scholarships?
A:There are a number of Scholarships designed specifically for nursing students. A scholarship program will cover the educational costs of the program and help a student complete nursing school. Some programs are need-based while others are performance-based. There are many federal agencies and private organizations offering nursing scholarship programs to students.
Q:Which rn to bsn online cheap program should I go for?
A:If you plan to enroll in a RN to BSN program which is less expensive, make sure you check the accreditation status of the school, the ranking of the school, and the facilities being offered. You can apply for federal aid to help fund your educational pursuit. Online bridge programs are less expensive as compared to campus-based degrees.
Q:Are the best rn to bsn programs cheap?
A:The costs of RN to BSN programs will vary from school to school. Some schools may seem affordable while others may not. If you wish to enroll in nursing programs, you can always consider the option of receiving financial aid. The federal aid office offers a range of scholarships, grants, and students loans to students who have difficulty in covering costs.
Q:What can I expect to study in the best online rn to bsn programs?
A:RN too BSN programs are designed to help RNs move ahead in their career by acquiring advanced skills and knowledge. The coursework of the program will include topics such as anatomy, advanced nursing practice, adult nursing, gerontology, and more. Students can also choose to specialize in areas such as emergency nursing, pediatric nursing, and community health nursing.
Q:Which specialization should I opt for in accredited online rn to bsn programs?
A:The area you choose for specialization will determine your career ahead. It is important that you pick a field that reflects your interest and career goal. Some of the most popular specialization areas include: gerontology nursing, adult care nursing, pediatric nursing, oncology nursing, nursing administration, community health nursing, and forensic nursing.
Q:How do I find accelerated bsn programs by state?
A:You can easily search online for BSN programs by state. There are many websites that offer information regarding nursing programs. When selecting a school, make sure you check the accreditation status of the school. You can also consider enrolling in an online BSN program. Take a look at our page for more information.
Q:Which nursing bsn programs will suit me best?
A:It is important that you select a BSN program that not only fits your budget, but also matches your academic goals. With the rising demand of nursing education, many schools have started offering BSN programs. It is important that you make sure the program is accredited by a recognized agency. Browse through our page for detail.
Q:Are rn to bsn nursing programs short in duration?
A:Yes, RN to BSN nursing programs are shorter in duration as compared to regular BSN programs. This program is designed for registered nurses who want to excel in their field by earning a bachelor degree. You can also opt for an online RN to BSN program if you do not wish to compromise on your career.
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