Obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has never been easier. Before you apply to a nursing school there are a couple of things you should know first. The BSN degree goes a step beyond bedside nursing, into more advanced nursing elements such as:
- Nursing science
- Research
- Leadership in the health care setting
- Nursing informatics
Educational and Training Requirements
If you are thinking about getting a BSN degree you will need to have at least a 2.5 GPA in high school and focus your studies in science based courses. A bachelor’s program usually takes four years of college. Some people choose to get their Associate of Science degree first, which takes two years and then they move on to a bachelor’s degree program.
You now have the exciting opportunity of getting your BSN degree through various programs in online universities, including accelerated BSN courses, which include all of the required prerequisite classes. These programs have been converted to the online BSN programs so anyone can attend right from home. Online nursing schools offer an excellent range of opportunities for those who find the cost and time constraints of attending a traditional college a deterrent to pursuing a higher education.
The Internet has become a popular avenue of gaining education and several accredited colleges now offer online nursing programs and great tuition rates. You can now attend nursing schools online to take various courses such as RN to BSN, Master of Science Nursing programs, Licensed Practical Nurse and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) to BSN—all of which provide advancement in the healthcare field. Getting an online BSN degree provides the advancement in your professional practice without ever even having to leave your home. Not only does the Internet provide a significant benefit in terms of time and costs, when you sit down and evaluate an Associate’s Degree vs. a BSN degree, you will find that the education is quite an asset to your career.
Many colleges offer programs for a BSN online as a freshman, transition from different online RN to BSN programs, enter accelerated BSN programs, or even attend second degree BSN programs online. The accelerated online BSN programs take about 15 months, while obtaining a second degree takes about five semesters or about two and a half years. The second degree BSN is an option for those with a degree in any other fields of study who may wish to expand their education to include a nursing degree. Before you enroll in a second degree BSN and take online (or offline) classes, always check with the school to see if any college credits earned previously or in the future are transferrable and always make sure the school is accredited from your state nursing board.
You will discover that online colleges offer virtually any BSN degree path, even RN to BSN completion programs, or online continuing education courses through many accredited universities' online extensions. Counselors are available via online chat rooms to assist you with planning your education. You can also apply for financing online and there are many payment options available for online education.
Job Opportunities
Having a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing will allow you to use the title RN, BSN after your name. This title has many more benefits than an RN with an associate’s degree. While RN’s with an associate’s degree make about $45,000 a year, RN’s with a bachelor’s degree make about $60,000 a year or more. The job opportunities for RN, BSN include administrative nursing jobs such as clinical supervisors, case managers, lead operating room nurses, nurse anesthetists and many more advanced nursing positions.
Distance education is quickly gaining acceptance, as you have access to your nursing program and various BSN nursing resources from anywhere. You could obtain RN to BSN degrees in Texas through various RN to BSN programs in Texas while you are sitting in Florida, as you never have to enter a classroom. There is no better way to attend RN to BSN completion programs, especially with the work demands of an RN. If you have a busy life and want to further your education without attending classes, online nursing school is an excellent option.