Do You Need A Bachelors Degree To Be A Nurse
Nurses play a vital role in the medical field. From infants to the elderly, nurses work directly with patients in efforts to improve their health, wellness, and overall quality of life.
Currently, there are more open positions in nursing than there are qualified candidates to fill them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 16 percent between 2014 and 2024. Nearly half-a-million jobs are expected to open up during those same years. The nursing field is growing at a much faster pace than all occupations.
Specifically in Connecticut, nurse job openings are well-exceeding all other occupations. According to the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, there will be approximately 1,100,000 nursing job openings by 2024. That is twice as many nursing jobs as accounting jobs, more than three times as many nursing jobs as teaching jobs, and about ten times as many nursing jobs as jobs in civil engineering.
If you dream of becoming a nurse, there is no doubt that now is the time to pursue your career path. Amidst an aging baby boomer population, healthcare reform, and advancing medical field, the demand for registered nurses is growing higher than ever. And the opportunities for qualified nurses in Connecticut are steadily rising beside it.
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Associates In Nursing Vs Bachelors In Nursing
The moment you realized that you wanted to be a nurse, you started down the path towards a rewarding and fulfilling career of helping others. Unfortunately, deciding on a nursing career and becoming qualified to obtain one are two different things entirely.
Nursing requires training, education and commitment. To be eligible to take the state certification exam and ultimately become licensed as a nurse, you must earn an Associate of Science in Nursing . To take your nursing career to the next level, you can then obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing . Continue reading to better understand the difference between the two so you can make an informed decision regarding your education and career.
Associate of Science in Nursing
An ASN is an entry-level education credential that qualifies the bearer for employment as an RN. ASN programs take approximately two years to complete, with curriculum covering necessary training, care strategies and more.
Upon completion of an ASN program, graduates are ready to apply for state licensure and examination.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A BSN is a higher educational credential than an ASN and requires approximately four years to complete. BSN programs cover the same material as an ASN curriculum, but with greater depth and added training in leadership, case management, information management and more. In many cases, BSN candidates can choose to focus their learning in a specific type of healthcare.
Which Degree Is Right for Me?
Ask Your College Career Office About Nursing Career Days And Hospital Recruitment Days
Some major universities will partner with local hospitals to hold career days on campus. This will bring healthcare companies and agencies to the university on one specific day.
Nursing students will have the ability to meet with nurse recruiters, learn about openings, discuss new nurse orientation, and submit resumes and applications. This can be a great networking opportunity.
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Bachelor Of Science Bsc
The B.Sc. is a 3-4 year program that focuses on complex and contemporary nursing issues. As a preparation for a nursing career, the program includes innovative courses on fundamental nursing expertise, skills and critical thinking. Completion of this program entitles successful graduates to sit licensure examinations in Quebec, Canada, and other countries. This program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.
Seven Nursing School Accreditation
Whatever type of nursing program you choose, make sure it’s accredited!
Accreditation means that an accrediting body, either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has evaluated a nursing school and its programs to ensure that it means their standards.
The purpose of accreditation is to make sure that the same standards and criteria are being met across all nursing programs. So that nurses come out with the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs correctly.
The accreditation process ultimately improves the quality of nursing education and keeps the curriculum up to date on current trends in advances in nursing and healthcare. Accreditation continues to further the nursing profession and enhances the overall care provided by nurses.
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Seeking Higher Education With Ub Son From Anywhere
There are many routes to advance your education. The University at Buffalo School of Nursing offers an online RN to BS program that can be completed in 12-24 months. Building upon knowledge and experience of registered nurses who have already successfully completed an associate or diploma nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN. Our RN to BS Program is delivered in a student-centered, distance learning/asynchronous format that allows practicing nurses to attend school while maintaining employment.
Meet Necessary Nursing School Qualifications
To qualify for the Marian University ABSN program, you must hold a non-nursing bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution. If you do have a degree in another field, then your next step would be to contact an admissions advisor who will work with you to make an admissions plan unique to your needs. They will also determine if your past credits and GPA meetMarians eligibility requirementsand determine what prerequisites you may need to take.
Once you meet theserequirementsand complete theprerequisiteslisted below, you can successfully enroll in the program. However, academics arent everything. Marian is based on strong Franciscan values, teaching future nurses to respect the dignity of each individual and practice holistic care, taking the entire person into account beyond just their symptoms. If you align with our mission and meet our admissions requirements, though, you can complete the program and earn your BSN degree in as few as 16 months.
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What Is A Bsn
You might be wondering, What does BSN stand for? A BSN is a bachelors degree of science in nursing and is a four-year program for students who seek to become a registered nurse, or those who already are a registered nurse and have an associates degree in nursing. Many RNs will enroll in BSN programs to further their education in the nursing field from an associates degree to a bachelors degree.
A BSN program typically takes 4 years to complete and is the standard for entry-level jobs in the nursing field. Those who obtain a bachelor’s degree of science in nursing are more likely to be hired for many nursing occupations over those who only have an associates degree, especially those who work in hospitals. Nurses with a BSN degree can choose to further their education with master’s or doctoral degree in order to become a nurse educator or a nurse practitioner.
Pursue Additional Training Progress Your Nursing Career
For some this may not be necessary, but for others with specific career goals in mind, this may be a great option. In the field of nursing, much like other professional industries, further schooling often results in senior-level employment opportunities, higher salaries, and greater responsibility. Fortunately, there are many options for advanced degrees in nursing. Be sure to take a look at GMercyUs own Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
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Types Of Nursing Bachelors Programs
Nursing is a career-centric field and as such the avenues for achieving the Bachelors are multi-pronged. Here are the common degree programs that offer nearly everyone interested in nursing an opportunity to get in on this career:
- BSN is the straightforward Bachelors degree you can start from beginning to end. Plan on four-years to completion when you attend full-time. Youll have to pass all classes according to your state board of nursing in order to take the NCLEXlicensure exam.
- RN-to-BSN is extremely popular. Use this when you already have an Associates degree, have been working in the field and want to finish the final two years of study necessary to be a BSN degreed nurse. Many programs are now offered online so working nurses with busy schedules may also earn their degree.
- Accelerated BSN is designed for nursing students that already have a Bachelors degree but in another field of study. Youll have to shop around for this programits not offered everywhere. Expect to devote 1 to 2 years. The curriculum expands on the foundation you already poured with your first degree and provides you with an intensive immersion in nursing theory and practice so you are up to speed and on the job quickly, with your full BSN degree.
Can I Work During The Program
Many accelerated programs can be seen as a full-time position in terms of time commitment. The scheduling may vary, but many programs hold classes daily, sometimes even Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Programs typically discourage working during the length of the accelerated program however, many accelerated BSN students will find the time to work once a week, depending on their needs and availability.
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Salary And Job Outlook Of Registered Nurses
If you are pursuing a career as a registered nurse in California, you have a rewarding career ahead of you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses across the U.S. earn an annual salary of $73,300, while registered nurses in California earn an annual salary of $113,240. Of course, registered nurses care more about improving the lives of their patients than earning a high salary, but the income is an appealing bonus.
The job outlook for registered nurses is projected to grow 12% from now until 2028, which is much faster than the growth of average careers. As a shortage of healthcare workers expands across the U.S., the Health Resources and Services Administration predicts in the Supply and Demand Projections of the Nursing Workforce report a shortage of nurses across the country. The projections also predict the largest shortage of nurses to take place in California. Due to this, registered nurses are in higher demand now more than ever before.
Youll Be Prepared For State Nursing Education Requirements
With the push to employ more nurses with bachelors degrees and prepare them for advanced roles, such as nurse educators, some states have pushed for BSN in 10 legislation, which would require nurses to earn their bachelors degrees in 10 years to continue practicing in that state.
While these laws would only impact new nurses applying for licenses, earning your bachelors degree now will prepare you for future laws or employer requirementsand if youre about to start school or a few semesters into your program, you can work toward a bachelors degree before its required.
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Prepare Your Nursing Resume
Your resume is the first thing your future employer is going to see, so make a good first impression!
Some top tips are to make sure your resume shows your personality and your brand, research the organization you’re applying to, and optimize your resume for the resume-robots. For more detailed tips on perfecting your resume, check out our Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes.
What Degree Do I Need To Become An Np
You will need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing before you can become a nurse practitioneror any other type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse .
This can be a daunting prospect if you have yet to earn an undergraduate degree. However, an advanced degree is required for a reason. Practicing and excelling as a nurse practitioner demands advanced education and meaningful professional experience. There is no fast track to reaching one of the highest degrees in the nursing profession!
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How To Become A Cna
Certified nursing assistants complete a state-approved education program that includes both instruction on the principles of nursing and supervised clinical work.
These programs are available in high schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Upon successful completion of the program and examinations, individuals become certified.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Practical Nurse
In most states, becoming a practical nurse takes roughly one to two years. This is a faster route to becoming a nurse, but students should know that career options may be more limited. LPNs might assist other nurses with routine medical responsibilities, or they may provide basic level care like dressing, feeding, and tending to patients.
LPNs are required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Even students that wish to take an accelerated path should be diligent in preparing for the exam, since there is a 45-day waiting period to retake the test.
There are many choices available when it comes to LPN programs, including traditional and accelerated options. It may be best to speak with an admissions or career counselor before you decide which program is best, based on your timeline and career goals.
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How Can I Become A Nurse If I Already Have A Bachelor’s Degree
Why did you choose your original degree program? Did you pursue a course of study that you were passionate about? Did you follow a path that you thought would lead you to high salaries or important titles? After graduation, some degree holders realize that their original plan doesnt fulfill all of their needs. Feelings of regret can drive them to seek out new ways to apply their existing knowledge and skills.
New Grad Nursing Jobs
You can pursue a rewarding job as a registered nurse in a variety of locations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes how 60% of registered nurses work in state, local, and private hospitals. At this time, most hospitals are looking to hire registered nurses with a BSN, as it qualifies them for accreditation and certification. Hospitals need certain accreditation in order to remain open and desire additional certification to demonstrate that they offer the highest quality of patient care. For instance, the American Nurses Credentialing Center awards health care organizations with Magnet status when their nurses have certain qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
After you graduate with a BSN, you can also pursue a job as a registered nurse in ambulatory health care services, clinics, physician offices, or outpatient facilities. About 7% of registered nurses work in nursing facilities or residential care facilities. You can also earn additional certification and specialize in certain areas of nursing, allowing you to work in skilled nursing facilities or work directly with patients in their homes.
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What Are The Requirements For Admission To The Bachelor Of Science Program
Someone with a science DEC applies to the 3 year BSc program. Out-of-province and/or non-Canadian high school students enter a 4 year program – the first year is spent studying basic sciences. Mature students usually enter a 4 year program – individual advising is done to make sure past education is taken into account. Students already studying science at McGill or another university can transfer into the BSc. Students with a bachelor’s degree can apply to the BSc or our Direct Entry Master’s program, depending on their GPA and other requirements. More details can be found at .
Career Options For Nursing Degree Holders
Nursing is known for its countless career paths and opportunities. The choices are nearly endless. You can pursue clinical or non-clinical paths with numerous specialties in each. Most nursing mentors will advise new graduates to get at least one year at bedside completed before moving onto non-clinical roles.
There are many non-clinical nursing careers you can get with a nursing degree, so its a good idea to start on the clinical side and then go from there to non-clinical options. Some non-clinical opportunities for Registered Nurses include:
- Legal nurse consultant
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Employment Options And Career Advancement
Having a baccalaureate degree expands employment opportunities. Depending on the workplace and/or state where one is licensed, many nursing specialties require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. For example, nurse educators, nurse managers, informatics nurses, nurse advocates, oncology nurses and perioperative nurses are generally required to have or obtain a baccalaureate degree. Additionally, many health care facilities require nurses in administrative or leadership roles to possess a baccalaureate degree. This leads to both an opportunity for professional growth and increased earning potential over the span of their career.
What Is A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, or BSN, is a four-year bachelors degree done at a university or college. A BSN degree offers a much broader education than the 2-year associate degree in nursing and opens a whole new set of possibilities for a nursing career. The benefits include a higher salary, better job offerings, and an advancement in the job market.
Lately, its becoming increasingly more common for healthcare facilities to require BSN degrees for the RNs that they hire. While an associate degree will cover the education and training you need to pass your NCLEX exam and work as an RN, a BSN dives deeper by building on the concepts from the associate degree and taking your skills and education to the next level.
For those who are diploma or associate degree RNs, there are different variations of BSN degree programs for those nurses to reach the next level. These programs – called an RN-to-BSN program, allow RNs without a bachelors degree to continue their education and earn the rest of the credits required for the bachelors degree. Well explore this pathway more in depth later.
The longer study length for a BSN allows nurses to participate in more advanced procedures under a doctors supervision, and manage other nurses.
While there are many pathways to a career in nursing, if you don’t have an RN license yet, jumping straight into a BSN will give you a great head start in your nursing career.
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