Earning Your BSN Degree

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a degree that will help train you for a career as a registered nurse. If you’ve already earned your RN and are looking for career advancement, a BSN program would be the next logical step.

  A BSN program will take approximately four years as it will include your general requirement courses as well as your core nursing courses. If you have previously received your RN through an associate’s degree program, you can expect it to take another two years to acquire your BSN degree.

If you have already earned your RN and are currently working, you can enroll in an RN-BSN program which is a program that will allow you to continue working while you earn your bachelor’s degree.  Working as an RN and finishing your BSN degree is a strategic move if your goals are to advance within the nursing field. 

Is A BSN Degree Right For Me?

What kind of student are you? For some students, a campus atmosphere with interaction with professors and other students is what’s needed to thrive. Other students  may excel in an online degree program which offers more flexibility and they can work at their own pace.  Nursing is a very competitive career, so you may want to consider if you’re prepared to work hard and make the time commitment.  Another factor when going back to school for your BSN is the financial commitment. If you are already employed with a hospital or another facility as an RN, they may offer tuition reimbursement, which would allow you to continue while you also take BSN courses.  If your employer doesn’t offer tuition reimbursement, you may be eligible for financial aid. 

If you are thinking of applying to a BSN degree program, it’s important to think about the different commitments you will have to make and how you will benefit in the long run from continuing your education.  If you think that a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or a Ph.D may be in your future, earning your BSN degree is the first step to that goal.