Fast Track RN to BSN: What is it Like to Study at an Accelerated Pace?
There are two levels of education that you can choose from to pursue a career as a registered nurse. These two levels of education include an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing). Regardless of which path you follow, you will sit for the same NCLEX exam for you to become a registered nurse. However, there are some major differences between the two.
ADN programs are designed to compress nursing information into fewer nursing courses. ADN programs often focus on the acquisition of nursing skills and NCLEX preparation. On the other hand, BSN programs equip students with nursing skills and also prepare them for the NCLEX exam, but they often have a broader educational perspective.
Why Should you Pursue your BSN?
Although the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) doesn’t discount ADN nurses and their usefulness, they have supported a bachelor’s degree in nursing as the minimum preparation for practicing nursing for the last 20 years. Some of the reasons cited by the AACN include:
- Nurses should be well prepared for the ever-expanding professional roles due to the evolving healthcare environment, which has become more complex.
- A BSN prepares nurses to practice in different settings from case management to home care.
- Today, healthcare has shifted to preventive and primary care and has less focus on the inpatient setting.
Other Reasons to Pursue a BSN
- Possible promotion into leadership positions
- As a new nurse, with a BSN degree, you might land your first job quicker
- You could venture into other specialized positions with more focus and experience on the job
Although a Bachelor of Science in Nursing may be the best way to advance your career, and compete for better nursing jobs, the thought of going back to school to pursue a four-year degree, especially if you already have another degree may not be appealing. However, you can consider an accelerated BSN program. This program will offer you the ability to take the needed classes and could significantly cut down the time you're in school.
An Accelerated BSN Program
This program helps nurses who area already RNs and hold an Associates Degree in Nursing to expand their career options as quickly as possible. It draws on the knowledge learned in the ADN program as well as experience on the job to craft a well-developed curriculum to help students take the next step in their nursing careers.
Just like any other educational commitment, making up your mind to pursue a BSN through an accelerated program is not something that you should take lightly. To begin with, it will require time, effort, and remember that for the next few months, your life will revolve around the program. However, there are some benefits of choosing this program including:
Advantages of Pursuing your BSN at an Accelerated Program
- While you can work as a registered nurse without your BSN, most employers will often indicate that they prefer candidates with a BSN. This means that for you to gain access to more exclusive opportunities, you will require a bachelor’s degree. This may also go for promotions and other advanced opportunities.
- By completing this intensive program, you will have the opportunity to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- You should be well prepared to move ahead in case you decide to pursue advanced nursing jobs. Some specialized jobs will require you to have a master’s degree in nursing. So naturally, you must first obtain your bachelor's.
- Although your starting salary will be similar to that of others including those without a BSN, employees with strong education credentials have the potential to earn more.
While an associate degree in nursing is often less expensive and can get you into the nursing profession in two years, it is ideal for students who can’t commit to the stringent and full-time schedule required in an accelerated BSN program. However, because most ADN RN-to-BSN programs are meant for working nurses, you can complete your degree online.
Getting Ahead of your Nursing Career by Studying with an Accelerated Program
If you have an ADN and you have already passed the state boards, then you’re already a registered nurse. But, you can still pursue a degree through an accelerated program to enjoy the benefits of pursuing a bachelor’s degree. However, you will need to check the prerequisites and confirm whether you have completed the requirements. You may be required to take a few classes before starting the program if you don’t meet the prerequisites.
Accelerate your Career
Are you ready to move ahead in your nursing career and want to move from RN to BSN? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, ECPI University offers this accelerated course. For more information about classes, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – RN to BSN - Bachelor’s
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