RN to BSN FAQs

RN-to-BSN FAQs

Amanda Gamboa, RN, BSN

Updated

Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff

What is an RN-to-BSN program?

An RN-to-BSN program is a degree completion program for registered nurses (RNs) who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. These programs offer nurses an opportunity to enhance their professional development, gain a better understanding of patient issues, and prepare for a wider scope of practice.

By earning a BSN degree, RNs can expand their knowledge and skills, which can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job satisfaction. Additionally, a BSN degree can provide RNs with the foundation they need to pursue advanced nursing degrees and certifications, which can further advance their careers.

Why should I apply to an RN-to-BSN program?

There are many excellent reasons to pursue a BSN degree. An RN-to-BSN program may be ideal for you if you can answer “Yes” to any of these statements:

  1. I want to improve my clinical abilities.
  2. I want to advance my career in nursing.
  3. There are jobs for which I cannot qualify because they require a BSN.
  4. I want to be a better nursing leader.
  5. I want to understand my patients better.
  6. The place where I work requires that I have a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
  7. I may want to eventually become an advanced practice nurse.
  8. I want to make more money.

What do I need to do to get into an RN-to-BSN program?

Requirements for an RN-to-BSN program will vary slightly from program to program. The best way to ensure that you are qualified for a particular program is to contact the program directly. That being said, most programs will require some combination of the following:

It is important that you do some research to understand the specific admission requirements for any program you may be considering.

What kinds of RN-to-BSN programs are available?

Currently, there are 747 RN-to-BSN programs in the United States. These programs can be classified as partially online, totally face-to-face in the classroom, or a hybrid of the two. The programs with classroom requirements are offered in colleges and universities throughout the country. A full list of schools offering RN-to-BSN programs can be found on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing site.

If you know you want to eventually pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, you will want to be sure that the RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Foundations and individuals offering nursing scholarships will want to know if the program is accredited. Also, if you are applying for financial aid, program accreditation is often required or strongly preferred.

What classes will I take in an RN-to-BSN program?

The honest answer to this question is: it depends. The courses you will be required to take will depend on the program, the courses you completed for your entry-level degree, and whether or not you can get credit by “testing out” of certain courses. In general, because you are studying for a baccalaureate degree, you will undoubtedly take classes in the sciences (chemistry, microbiology, and physics), humanities (English and history), and social sciences (psychology, human development, and sociology).

Other classes typically included in RN-to-BSN programs include nutrition, leadership, specialized nursing classes (public health, pediatric, geriatric, etc.), ethics, statistics, and specialized nursing classes (for example, critical care, obstetrics, and surgical).

Will I get clinical experience in an RN-to-BSN program?

Again, the answer to this question is: it depends! Typically, all RN-to-BSN programs will require some sort of clinical experience. Although this experience may be organized and directed by the college or university in a traditional clinical environment, the clinical experience may also take the form of special projects sponsored by your current employer or other community facilities.

What will I learn in an RN-to-BSN program that I don’t already know?

The best RN-to-BSN programs will ensure that you are comfortable with:

If I go to an RN-to-BSN program, what difference will it make to my patients?

In The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health in 2010, one of the primary recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) was to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50% to 80% by 2020. This cutting-edge group understood then that, as a group, nurses with a BSN degree provide better care than those with an ADN or Diploma. Agencies with more BSN-prepared nurses tend to have shorter lengths of stay and better outcomes for their patients. Since the IOM report, there has been an increase in RN-to-BSN enrollment from 77,259 to 130,345.

How long will it take to complete an RN-to-BSN program?

Although the program length will vary depending on your previous education and whether or not you attend full-time, you can usually expect to complete an RN-to-BSN program in one or two years.

Can I continue to work while I am studying in an RN-to-BSN program?

One of the beauties of the RN-to-BSN program is that you can continue to work while you work on your degree. Often, students who MUST continue to work full-time will select an online program that does not require classroom attendance.

How much will it cost to go through an RN-to-BSN program?

The costs of attending an RN-to-BSN program will vary considerably depending on the program you select. The best place to start is with the admissions and financial aid office of the schools you are considering. Another great idea is to check with your employer to see if they will help with your tuition or some of your expenses. Often, an employer will view this assistance as an investment in you that will also help the agency. If you do receive assistance from your employer, you should be ready to work for the agency for some period of time after earning your degree.

How much more will I make if I complete an RN-to-BSN program?

Nurses with a BSN make considerably more than nurses with an ADN degree. The chart below shows the average salaries for nursing graduates based on their degree. While these are average salaries, nurses with a BSN can make an even higher wage based on the location of their employment, the type of work environment, and any specialty certifications they may hold. It is safe to say that obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a valuable investment in your nursing career.