RN or BSN - Does it Really Matter?

What's the reason for the shift? Advances in technology, changes in medical practice, and developing sub-specialties in the nursing field all add up to an overwhelming amount of information. A dedicated nurse simply can't learn everything he or she needs to know on the job. Formal education is the key to career opportunities, increased salaries, and leadership roles. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is an important first step for nurses who are serious about their careers. An RN to BSN Completion program is now offered by many accredited institutions to accommodate registered nurses who already have their associate's degree or a diploma level degree.

Before deciding if an RN to BSN Completion program is the next step for you, it's important to understand the differences. Take a look at the important features of each level of education:

Years Spent Becoming A Nurse

It usually takes 2-3 years to become an RN, whether you pursue an AD or a diploma. An RN to BSN degree program typically lasts four years, although there are also some accelerated online programs that allow you to earn your degree in less time. Alternatively, you can choose to spread your BSN degree program over more time if you are working full-time and prefer to take fewer classes at once. Online nursing programs are far more flexible in this regard than traditional ones.

Potential Differences in Salary Between an RN and a BSN Degree

Initially, an RN and a nurse with a BSN degree might both receive the same salary for the same nursing position. However, registered nurses with a BSN can expect to earn more in the long term, because they will be eligible for higher-paying jobs and for further higher education. In addition, many hospitals follow clinical ladder programs, which in a nutshell means that an RN and a BSN will both receive the same base pay, but the BSN will receive a certain dollar amount more per hour.

Nursing Career Opportunities

An RN without a BSN degree is qualified for positions with the following responsibilities: administering medications and treatments in compliance with the physician's orders, interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating care plans, documenting and charting observations and other data related to the patient's clinical condition. An RN with a BSN degree is additionally qualified to review research papers, advocate for a patient and take on managerial positions and other leadership roles. Many specialized jobs usually require a BSN degree at minimum, such as pediatric nurses, operating room nurses, and nurse practitioners. As you can see, holding a BSN degree opens the door to many more exciting and challenging roles. In addition, a BSN degree is required to apply for entrance into higher education programs such as a Master of Science in Nursing.

Many working nurses without a BSN argue that there is no noticeable difference between an RN and a BSN. One participant on a nursing community discussion board stated, "ADN and BSN function the same way and you can't tell the difference by watching their job performance either, no matter what anyone may tell you to the opposite."

While this may be true in positions where two nurses with different degrees have identical duties, the difference between RN and BSN really comes into play when more advanced opportunities are available. An RN without a BSN degree has generally gone as far as he or she can go. Even if he or she continues to work and gain on-the-job skills for the next two decades, higher pay and more challenging roles will continue to be out of reach.

If you are looking at nursing as a way to pay the bills while you explore other options, or if you enjoy the regular duties and predictable routine of an RN, there is no reason to pursue a BSN degree. However, if you are looking at nursing as a long-term career and you plan on applying for better-paying jobs with more demanding responsibilities, than an RN to BSN Completion program is the obvious next step.

Find An RN to BSN Program That's Right For You

Diploma, ADN RNs, and Foreign trained RNs -earn your BSN degree in as little as 12 months and start enjoying better earnings, increased responsibility and authority, more job options, and far more opportunities for career advancement.Explore our featured nursing schools, learn more about each RN to BSN program, and request free, no obligation information from schools with programs that match your needs:

Search Online RN to BSN Degree Programs

Search Campus Based Nursing Schools By State

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• RN to MS in Nursing - Regis University (Licensed RNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing (MSN) - RN Track
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• M.S. in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Online
San Jose
Salida
Costa Mesa
Diamond Bar
Lancaster
Fresno
Roseville
Lathrop
Ontario
Elk Grove
Oakland
Rancho Cordova
Fairfield
Livermore
Gardena
Sacramento
San Francisco
Pasadena
Woodland Hills
Murrieta
Los Angeles
Bakersfield
Palm Desert

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Addison

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• RN to BSN
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N)
• M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

Programs:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Midwifery/Womens Health Nurse Practitioner

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

National City
San Diego
San Marcos

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Anaheim
Ontario

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
San Bernardino
South Gate
Gardena

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing

Campus Locations:

San Leandro
San Jose
Sacramento
Antioch

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Fairfield

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma

Campus Locations:

Redding

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Saint Xavier University

Campus

“Success with Purpose” is the hallmark of a Saint Xavier University education that is grounded in the tradition of liberal arts. SXU offers graduate and post-graduate programs that are recognized and respected by employers and delivered by professional faculty who are experts in their fields. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU is Chicago's oldest Catholic University, and it is recognized as one of the top 40 comprehensive master's universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2010.

Programs:

• MSN in Executive Leadership
• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles