Rn Vs Bsn: Salary Differences
The salary difference between RN vs BSN degrees is that those who hold a BSN degree are likely to make more than RN’s who only have their associates degree. A BSN degree is favored over just an associates degree for many entry-level nursing jobs, therefore a BSN has more opportunities to make more money. Also, in order to grow within the nursing field you may need to further your education to qualify for certain positions. Having a BSN degree allows for an easier and faster transition to obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree and will benefit you later in your career.
Six Furthering Your Nursing Education
Becoming a nurse is often just the first step. Many nurses go on to continue their education. Some immediately after graduation while others take time in between degrees in order to gain much-needed experience or determine exactly the type of advanced practice degree they are interested in.
Here are some of the ways you can advance your education as a nurse:
Rn Vs Bsn: Education Requirements
Despite the two different categories of education level for a registered nurse, both are required to pass the NCLEX exam in order to become a licensed nurse.
In order to become a registered nurse, you must obtain an associates degree and be working within the medical field, usually under a specific specialty. An RN has also passed their state board exam and has completed their licensing requirements set in place by the state they work in.
A BSN is another classification of registered nurse that is defined by their higher education status. To receive a bachelors degree of science in nursing, you must either have completed your associate’s degree in nursing or have committed to the four-year program to graduate with the BSN degree from your undergraduate curriculum.
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Nurse Leadership And Administration
Healthcare organizations need experienced nursing leaders to help them navigate changes in technology and the healthcare landscape. An MSN in Nurse Leadership can help you advance to a variety of management roles, from overseeing a nursing unit to leading the entire nursing department. Possible job titles in nursing administration include Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing, or Healthcare Manager. Learn more about how to become a nursing administrator and what it takes to reach the upper levels of the nursing profession.
Employment for health services managers and executives is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS data also shows that medical and health services managers earn a median annual wage of $99,730. Discover the average salary for nurse administrators and clinical healthcare managers across the U.S.
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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Who Is A Bsn Right For
Earning a BSN does have many benefits over the other aforementioned nursing options, including:
Careers For Rn With Adn
The careers that are available for registered nurses with an associates degree in nursing include positions in hospitals, outpatient care centers, home health care services and doctors offices. Duties for registered nurses with an ADN range from maintaining health records, assisting patients with their daily care, monitor patient health statuses and giving basic nursing card to treat injuries and illnesses.
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Which Is The Faster Route To Nursing Practice
Is the ADN a quicker route to employment as a nurse? There are some accelerated options out there, but in some instances, the associates is actually longer. At Penn State, a second bachelors is an intensive experience that can be completed in 16 months if the prerequisites have been done. And the associates? The Penn State Nursing FAQ notes that even with a prior degree, it will still run two years.
When its time to enter the job market, will you be at any advantage because you have a bachelors, even though its not in nursing in addition to your nursing degree? Some. Still, it depends on the local job market. Some competitive positions are going to favor those with a BSN and more advanced nursing coursework. Degree level could also be an issue if you decide to go on to graduate school and advanced practice. Schools like San Diego State University and Ball State University do consider RNs who have a bachelors in another field for admission to MSN programs. However, additional coursework is required prior to entry.
One thing you may want to consider is articulation between programs. Will it be relatively easy to continue taking classes if you decide you want to as you progress up the nursing ladder?
So What Are My Other Options
There are many potential pathways besides direct-entry programs current non-nurses can pursue to become a nurse practitioner. We offer a wide variety of options for students new to nursing who are ready to take big steps down a new career pathand many online nurse practitioner programs to help you choose your unique educational pathway.
- Earn an Associate of Science in Nursing and become an RN. Hit the ground running and earn a nursing degree in as few as 20 months in an associate degree program.
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and become an RN. Earning a BSN can take more time, but there are many potential benefits, including qualifying for jobs, greater opportunity for specialization, and higher potential salary. We now offer an online BSN program for non-nurses, available in select U.S. states.
- Additional bridge options for Paramedics/Emergency Medical Technicians , Cardiovascular Technicians and Respiratory Therapists . Current practicing paramedics/EMTs, CVTs and RTs may be eligible to enroll in our Bridge to ASN or Bridge to BSN programs and earn their nursing degree faster.
Once youve earned an undergraduate nursing degree, you can potentially begin working towards an online masters degree in an NP specialty, including:
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This Is How To Become A Nurse If You Already Have A Degree
For those who are considering a career change into nursing and already have a bachelors degree in another subject finance, restaurant management, even music an accelerated BSN as a second degree may be an excellent option for you.
Accelerated BSN programs are popularly known to offer Associate Degree Nurses a fast-track option for obtaining their Bachelors of Science in Nursing. However, there are also many programs across the country that offer an accelerated program for students who already have a bachelors degree – even if its not in nursing. Read on to learn the details of the BSN Accelerated Program for second-degree students.
Registered Nurse Diploma Program
An RN diploma remains one of the fastest ways to become a nurse. Many of these programs last 2-3 years. Students can find some programs that only need one year of study for full-time students. RN diplomas are not as popular as full degrees and offer less opportunity for advancement.
Diploma programs cover the basics required to earn RN licensure. Students complete their required supervised clinical hours while learning about foundational nursing theory and skills. In comparison, degrees include general education courses that can help students with soft skills, like critical thinking and communication. Bachelor’s degrees also tend to include more advanced nursing courses.
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Eight Continuing Education For Registered Nurses
Education never stops when you’re a nurse. You have to maintain your license by completing continuing education units.
Generally, in order for an individual to renew their RN license, they will need to fill out an application, complete a specific number of CEU hours, and pay a nominal fee.
Each state has specific requirements and it is important to check with the board of nursing prior to applying for license renewal.
If the RN license is part of a compact nursing license, the CEU requirement will be for the state of permanent residence. Some states require CEUs related to child abuse, narcotics, and/or pain management.
A detailed look at Continuing Nurse Education hours can be found here.
The Benefits Of Earning An Msn Degree
Regardless of whether you intend to become a nurse practitioner, a Master of Science in Nursing degree is just a smart career choice. Not only can you pursue certification in a number of advanced practice nurse roles as the U.S. healthcare industry moves toward the Institute of Medicines goal of 80% of RNs holding a BSN degree by 2020, youll stand out with an MSN degree. Additionally, many hospitals and other healthcare providers require an MSN degree in order to take on nurse leadership roles. Not to mention, an MSN degree also allows you to work as a nurse educator.
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Reasons To Get Your Bachelors Degree In Nursing
Staff Writer
The Institute of Medicines The Future of Nursing report recommends that 80% of nurses have a bachelors degree by the year 2020. Most health care agencies agree that nurses educated at the baccalaureate level are better positioned to lead the charge on holistic, preventative care.
Its understandable if youre still on the fence. You might have a family or a nursing job already. Going back to school, especially later in life, is a daunting thought. But getting a BSN should be a serious consideration for any career-focused nurse.
1. Youll Be More Marketable
While the need for nurses continues to soar, more and more hospitals are requiring nurses to hold a bachelors degree, even for entry level positions. Healthcare is evolving more emphasis is being placed on preventative care, and the disease process continues to grow more complex. Having your BSN makes you more marketable and in a better position to land the job you want.
Even at hospitals without the BSN requirement, having a bachelors degree in nursing makes your resume more attractive to future employers. By completing your BSN, youll have an edge over other candidates who only have an associate degree in nursing.
2. Youre a Leader at Heart
Nurse executives, federal agencies, the military, leading nursing organizations, health care foundations, magnet hospitals, and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate-prepared nurses bring to the practice setting.
One Steps To Becoming A Nurse
How to become a nurse will vary based on what kind of nurse you want to become and where you are on your healthcare journey. If you’re brand new to nursing and the medical field, you’ll have a longer road ahead than someone who’s already practicing as an RN, but wants to advance their education.
Wherever you are on your path, here are the basic steps you’ll need to take to become a nurse. For more specific routes for each type and level of nursing, keep scrolling.
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Clinical Partnerships In Ohio
Whether you enroll for our Cincinnati, Cleveland, or Columbus location, your clinical rotations start during semester one. We schedule your clinicals for you. However, we cant guarantee placement in a specific hospital or facility. We partner with some of the best health-care providers in Ohio, including Mercy Health, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Ohio Health, and the Cleveland Clinic.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Registered Nurse
On average, an incoming nursing student can expect to become a licensed Registered Nurse in roughly three years. This is after a student fully completes the academic program at an accredited college or university.
If you are interested in becoming an RN but already possess a bachelors degree in another field, you may be eligible for an accelerated program. These programs may accept general education credits earned from other degrees, thus eliminating several semesters worth of coursework. When you pursue an accelerated nursing degree, the estimated time until completion is reduced to only 18 months.
No matter which program you choose, becoming an RN requires successful completion and a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination . In order to sit for the exam, students must apply with a state-level nursing board. Preparation is key, and the ability to pass this crucial test may play a factor in how long it takes to achieve RN certification.
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How To Become A Nurse
Most nurses begin with an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Some will then earn an advanced degree, further specializing their practice and gaining greater industry expertise.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Nurse?
Regardless of which educational pathway is right for you, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, to become a licensed registered nurse .
Earning this credential is the minimum qualification needed to become a nurse. To sit for the exam, you’ll need an Associate Degree in Nursing , nursing diploma or Bachelor of Science in Nursing .
The ideal path to achieving a nursing degree should align with your professional goals while also building on your experience in the healthcare field. With that in mind, lets look at the different nursing degree options available to you, should you want to become a nurse or grow your nursing career.
Associate Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma
One educational pathway to becoming a registered nurse is earning an ADN from a two-year program at a community college or vocational school or a diploma from an approved nursing program.
While a BSN is the optimal way to go, some second degree or non-traditional students might choose one of these options, said Dr. Peggy Moriarty-Litz, chief nursing administrator at Southern New Hampshire University .
To this end, many colleges and universities offer degree programs that build on a students existing credentials, such as the:
Can I Become A Nurse Practitioner Without Nursing Experience
Nursing experience is required to become a nurse practitioner, but there are MSN options that do not require a BSN or prior nursing experience.Direct-entry MSN programs, sometimes referred to as accelerated nursing programs, are nursing programs for those without prior nursing experience or education. They enable career changers who have a bachelors degree or masters degree in another subject to pursue a career in nursing. These programs typically take around two to four years to complete and include general prerequisite nursing courses.
During an MSN program, youll gain hundreds of hours of clinical experience. Direct-entry MSN programs specifically provide coursework for you to first become a RN and earn licensure and then pursue coursework to help fulfill your career as an advanced practice registered nurse .
Youll likely be required to earn clinical experience post-graduation to earn your certification as a nurse practitioner and subsequently pursue state licensure. Be sure to check with your states nursing licensure requirements before applying to MSN programs.
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What Is The Job Outlook For Nurses
Quality Management Nurse Consultant
Do you want to play a key role in ensuring the safety and comfort of all patients? Among the highest-paying unconventional nursing jobs, quality management consulting involves reviewing healthcare processes and making recommendations to improve the patient experience. These nurses train staff on regulatory requirements and ensure that their facilities follow accepted standards of practice.
- Median salary: $84K1
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A certified registered nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse who administers anesthesia for surgery and/or other medical procedures.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average income of a nurse anesthetist to be $169,450 per year, with some CRNAs earning over $252,000.
There are currently 42,620 registered CRNAs in the United States, with a projected rise of 31% from 2016-2026.
Know How Many Credits You Need To Graduate
You transferred your credits and successfully completed your prerequisites, support, and signature courses. Now it is time to begin the nursing course sequence that starts the ABSN program.
During Madonna Universitys Accelerated BSN program, you will complete 53 credit hours. Those credit hours are broken down into four, full-time semesters that include a combination of online curriculum, hands-on lab experience, and in-hospital clinical rotations.
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