Types Of Master’s In Nursing Degree Specializations
Now that we’ve covered the types of master’s in nursing programs that there are, let’s dig into the specific specialties you focus on with your MSN.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degrees prepare a Registered Nurse for an advanced clinical role. To become an APRN nurse, in addition to earning an MSN degree, you’ll also need to pass a certifying exam in your chosen specialty field.
Other types of MSN degrees focus on preparing nurses for non-clinical roles such as public health or nursing informatics.
What To Consider Before Enrolling Into A Bsn Program
Choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a big decision and one that should only be pursued after careful consideration. Here are some things for you to keep in mind:
- A BSN program represents a significant time commitment. Though pursuing your BSN is a four-year commitment, it is also an investment in your future. The additional years of education will make a substantial difference in your knowledge and skill. It will not only show up in the level of care with which you treat your patients but also in your earnings potential and your upward mobility within the field.
- BSN programs can be hard to get into. It is true that BSN programs are growing increasingly competitive. Doing the work that is needed to qualify for acceptance requires dedication. But the rewards for doing so are very real and will continue to expand as the need for nursing becomes greater. Nursing is a profession that is highly respected, and those who have worked to ensure that they have the highest level of training and education are viewed as extremely favorably.
- BSN programs are more expensive. Though BSN programs do cost more to attend, there are many organizations and resources to help students with financial aid. Additionally, those who pursue a BSN program will find that upon graduation they will quickly be able to earn back the difference in tuition: the more advanced degree brings both more job offers from attractive positions and higher salary offers.
Additional Rn Vs Bsn Differences To Consider
Demand for RNs remains high, and healthy BLS growth projections for the 2019-2029 period signal strong near-term opportunity. However, while RNs with diplomas or ADNs still benefit from excellent access to job markets, hospitals and healthcare institutions increasingly prefer candidates with BSNs.
In 2011, the National Institutes of Health unveiled its plan for the future of nursing, calling for 80% of RNs to hold BSN degrees by 2020. 2020 came and went without the NIH reaching this target, largely due to the effects of COVID-19 on nursing education. Still, BSN programs have steadily grown in popularity since the NIHs initial announcement. The percentage of working RNs with BSN degrees also rose dramatically during the 2010s.
However, while RNs with diplomas or ADNs still benefit from excellent access to job markets, hospitals and healthcare institutions increasingly prefer candidates with BSNs.
This indicates that BSNs offer both superior long-term job security and an expanded array of long-term career options. RNs can quickly upgrade their diploma or ADN credentials to bachelors degrees through RN-to-BSN programs, offered nationwide by nursing schools.
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What You’ll Need To Become A Bsn
Getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing requires more effort than getting an associates. You should consider the following points before enrolling for the degree:
1. BSN Prerequisites
Different BSN programs have different requirements for candidates looking to enroll. Talk to the administrators at the college where you want to complete your BSN course to find out what the prerequisites are and whether you have the necessary documentation to prove you have completed them. In addition to having the background knowledge about nursing that will help you better understand your coursework.
2. Handling Heavy Workloads
The coursework for BSN is much more comprehensive than an associate’s degree and it takes a lot of hard work to learn everything. In addition to covering the subjects included in the associate’s program, you will also have to learn in detail about emergency care, nutrition, health assessment, public health and the various issues and trends in the world of nursing.
3. Time Management
If you are studying for your BSN along with having a nursing career, you will need to know how to divide your time between work and studies. A nurse’s schedule can be very hectic, and so can a student’s. You need to find a way to ensure that you will be able to give time to both pursuits without shortchanging one or the other.
4. Communication Skills
5. Stress Management
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
How Will The Restructuring Of Health Services Affect Nursing Jobs
With all the changes in the health care system, nurses are more necessary than ever. Hospitals need highly educated health professionals to meet the increasingly complex illness situations that families are facing. As families learn to care for their individual members at home, they need skilled nurses to help them manage these situations. The shifting of health services into the community requires nurses who are versatile, can think on their feet, are good problem solvers, and are creative – our graduates meet these requirements. Though nurses are certainly involved when people become ill, nurses will also play an increasing role in promoting health, particularly in young families and with the elderly – McGill nurses do this.
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What Is The Difference Between Rn And Bsn
Now that weve defined RN and BSN, you may be wondering, Is BSN the same as RN? or Is BSN higher than RN? The main difference between an RN and a BSN is the level of education someone has received. A registered nurse is able to practice within their field with only an associates degree, but a BSN is the preferred level of education for many nurse specialties throughout the medical career landscape.
Should I Pursue A Bachelors Degree In Nursing
If youre already an RN and are looking to advance your career, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing could be a good fit for you, especially if you are planning to work in the healthcare field for the long haul. BSN programs can be completed online while you still work as a nurse, so you can move forward in your career without having to take time off. Some hospitals even offer tuition reimbursement programs for nurses who choose to continue their education.
While employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 12%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , it is important to note that for decades, the U.S. has been dealing with a nursing shortage of varying degrees. Earning a BSN, not only prepares students to enter the field and fill the demand for nurses, but it may also help them to stand out to employers among an increasingly competitive group of candidates.
Having a BSN may also put you closer to a masters degree or a doctorate, should you decide to pursue an advanced degree like Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice .
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Case Managers/ Claims Reviewer
For those nurses who complete their degree, but dont necessarily want to remain at the bedside, there are other career opportunities. Many hospitals and healthcare systems hire nurses to help with paperwork and insurance issues. In fact, insurance companies also hire nurses to help with claims and medical coding questions from patients. These positions use nursing knowledge directly to help companies and healthcare systems become more efficient and serve patients in a different way.
There are plenty of ways to use a bachelors degree in nursing for a long and prosperous career. The ability to choose a work environment and the amount of nursing positions available make nursing an easy choice for students. Many different career opportunities open up with a bachelors degree in nursing to help you reach your long-term goals in a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Learn more about the new nursing program at St. Andrews University by contacting our admissions office. You can also request more information about this exciting degree program and talk to an admissions counselor about joining us on campus soon!
What Are The Different Types Of Bsn Degree Programs
Some universities offer different types of BSN degree programs. These are designed to meet the needs of individuals at varying stages of their careers. For example, if you are a high school student or recent graduate who would like to enter healthcare, you could enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
This degree enables you to establish a thorough framework of nursing skills and knowledge. You will learn everything you need to successfully care for patients and work with other healthcare professionalsfrom conducting health assessments to preparing hospitalized patients for a safe discharge. This program prepares you to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination exam to obtain licensure as an RN.
Some individuals become registered nurses after earning an associate degree and passing the NCLEX exam. This enables them to enter the nursing field without a four-year degree. Unfortunately, however, nurses with an associate degree wont earn as much as their BSN-holding counterparts, nor are they as likely to be promoted to high-level positions. This is why many RNs opt to go back to school to earn an RN to BSN degree. An RN to BSN is an accelerated program that is customized to meet the needs of working professionals who seek in-depth nursing knowledge and skills.
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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.
Why Is The Bsn Becoming The Expected Degree
A number of forces are driving the RN vs BSN conversation: research indicating BSNs may influence better health outcomes for patients, recommendations from the Institute of Medicine and emerging state legislation.
1. The Future of Nursing Report: A Blueprint for Action
The Institute of Medicine , in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, published an influential 600-plus page report entitled, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.
One of the recommendations made in the report has been a driving force behind making the BSN degree the desired entry point for new nurses: Academic nurse leaders across all schools of nursing should work together to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 to 80 percent by 2020. – The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
2. American Nurses Credentialling Center Magnet Status
In part to help meet this IOM goal, the ANCC set up a Magnet Recognition Program. This program requires a healthcare organization to undergo a rigorous examination including detailed documentation and a site visit to demonstrate that nurses working in the facility feel that they contribute to decision-making, have opportunities for advancement and are satisfied with their work.
3. Emerging State Legislation
In June of 2017, the BSN in 10 act amended the education law for the state of New York. The act states:
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What Accreditation Should A Nursing Program Have
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education are two of the most accrediting bodies in the United States. Both accrediting bodies have high standards in nursing education. CCNE vs ACEN nursing school accreditations have one major difference, the ACEN accredits lower-level LPN, Diploma, or ADN programs while CCNE nursing accreditation only accredits higher-level bachelors and graduate program. So, CCNE vs ACEN, what accreditation should a nursing program have?
Both ACEN and the CCNE follow the guidelines stipulated in the 11 core competencies of nursing to promote nursing education. The 11 core competencies of nursing are:
- safe and quality nursing care
- management of resources and environment
- health education
ACEN or CCNE, both accrediting bodies recognize only the best nursing education programs.
Doctorate In Nursing Programs
The doctor of philosophy and doctor of nursing practice are the two most common doctoral degrees in nursing. The PhD is a research-based degree and trains nurses to function as researchers and academics. Most nurses possessing a PhD serve as faculty in universities.
Earning a DNP gives graduates the resources and training needed to work at the highest possible level in clinical organizations. DNP holders typically command higher salaries, and commonly find work as nurse practitioners, university professors, or chief nursing officers.
Students usually spend 2-4 years enrolled, depending on the type of degree they held previously. Those who already possess MSNs graduate more quickly than those with bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Most DNP graduates possess APRN licensure.
RNs interested in a terminal nursing degree can enroll into BSN-to-DNP programs, which allow graduates to qualify for the most elite roles in the field. BSN-to-DNP programs groom students to provide local colleges and universities may offer BSN-to-DNP programs. However, students can also access online programs.
RNs exploring nursing degrees that offer a high return on their investment may want to consider MSN-to-DNP programs. This applied degree offers advanced clinical knowledge and skills that allow graduates to provide excellent patient care. Students also learn about healthcare policies and leadership skills that help healthcare organizations thrive.
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Using Your Existing Knowledge And Experience On The Path To Helping Others
If you already have extensive experience as a nurse or healthcare professional, the last thing you want is to spend more time sitting in a classroom relearning things you already know. But now you need a bachelor’s degree to take the next step in your career. Your experience is a valuable asset at WGU. To complete your degree, you must demonstrate you understand and can perform the necessary skills and knowledge the healthcare industry demands.
With WGUs unique educational approach, you wont have to spend unnecessary time studying the concepts you already know. You’ll prove you know the material through carefully designed assessments under the guidance of a dedicated mentor. There are no class rooms, no need to log-in at a certain time, and no due-dates for assignments. WGUs programs are designed to fit the demanding schedules of busy workers like you.
COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION
What Is The Fastest Way Of Becoming An Rn
Many people might think that pursuing an associates degree in nursing is the quickest way of becoming a registered nurse, particularly as opposed to earning a four-year BSN. After all, an associates degree in nursing takes an average of only two years to complete. But as mentioned above, while an associates degree in nursing may fulfill the technical requirements of becoming an RN, more and more employers now require that any new hires earn their BSN in order to be considered for an RN position.
With this in mind, if speed is important to you, you are likely to be better served by pursuing an accelerated BSN program which will allow you to earn your bachelor of science in nursing in less than the standard four years.
For example, Regis College offers multiple degrees which are specifically designed to help students graduate as quickly as possible so that they can start their career, including:
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Lpn To Bsn Bachelor Degree Programs
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing or LPN to BSN nursing programs offer fast track completion of a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing or LVN to BSN nursing programs also exist. Women and men already licensed as a Practical Nurse can generally enroll into a LPN to BSN nursing program and upon completion, if desired, enroll into the next level RN to MSN nursing program to receive a Master of Science Degree in Nursing . Women and men already licensed as a Vocational Nurse can generally enroll into the LPN to BSN nursing programs.
Remember that your state board of nursing website has the latest information about Registered Nurse RN licensing requirements for your state. Also remember to verify that your Registered Nurse program is approved by your state, otherwise you may not be able to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam upon graduation. When deciding between an Associate Degree vs Bachelor Degree in Nursing, we recommend that you talk to RN nurses currently working at your healthcare facility, potential employers, and to search for Registered Nurse jobs online to review job descriptions and any other requirements. When reviewing job descriptions look for mention of a bachelor degree in nursing or other degree requirements.
Licensed Practical Nursing Programs
Online LPN nursing programs take about a year to complete. They offer the quickest way to become a nurse in the US. Online LPN programs offer a convenient option for working individuals. These are fast-paced programs the students only get to learn the basics. Online LPN nursing programs are available in some of the most affordable nursing schools, so you dont have to worry about costs. Completing an online LPN nursing program puts you on fast track RN to BSN online programs should you decide to advance your nursing education in the future.
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How Do You Become A Bsn Nurse
A BSN nurse is a registered nurse who holds a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing.
Many registered nurses interested in advancing their nursing education will go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program. If you already have your bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, and want to become licensed as an RN, an accelerated program is the way to go.