WHY EARNING A BSN IS WORTH IT

Why Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Is Worth It—Especially at Sumner College

Nursing has always been a calling, but today it’s also a strategic career move. Whether you’re just exploring healthcare or you’ve already completed some college coursework, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can put you on the fast track to meaningful work, strong salaries, and long‑term stability. Below are the top reasons students choose the BSN pathway—followed by what makes Sumner College’s program in Oregon stand out.

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1. Expanded Career Opportunities

A BSN unlocks far more than bedside roles. Hospitals and health‑systems increasingly require or strongly prefer bachelor‑prepared nurses for leadership, quality‑improvement, public‑health, and specialty areas such as ICU, pediatrics, and peri‑operative care. In Oregon, most Magnet‑designated facilities list a BSN as the minimum requirement for advancement beyond entry‑level practice.

2. Higher Earning Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median salary well above the national average for all occupations. BSN‑prepared nurses, however, often begin at a higher pay grade, see quicker raises, and qualify for differential pay when stepping into charge or clinical‑educator roles.

3. Leadership & Graduate‑School Readiness

If you’re thinking beyond bedside care—nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse manager, or even hospital executive—a BSN is the essential first step. The curriculum includes research, community health, and leadership coursework that ADN programs rarely cover, preparing you for master’s or doctoral study.

4. Improved Patient Outcomes

Multiple studies in Health Affairs and The Journal of Nursing Administration associate higher proportions of BSN‑educated nurses with lower mortality and complication rates. With coursework in evidence‑based practice and population health, BSN graduates bring broader clinical reasoning to the bedside.

5. Future‑Proofing Your License

Many states are exploring “BSN in 10” legislation, which would require new RNs to earn a bachelor’s within ten years of initial licensure. Completing a direct‑entry BSN eliminates the need to return to school later while balancing a full‑time nursing schedule.

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Why Choose Sumner College for Your BSN?

What You Gain	How Sumner College Delivers
Accelerated Path	Complete your BSN in as little as three years with year‑round terms—no waiting list.
Two Campus Options	Study in Portland or Bend, both featuring modern simulation labs and dedicated skills centers.
Direct Admission—No Prerequisites Required	Enter straight into nursing coursework even if your previous credits are in an unrelated field.
Small Cohorts & Faculty Mentoring	Enjoy personalized instruction, clinical prep workshops, and one‑on‑one tutoring at no additional cost.
High NCLEX‑RN Pass Rates	Rigorous test‑prep modules and weekly review sessions position graduates for first‑time success.
Strong Clinical Partnerships	Rotations span major hospital systems, community health clinics, and specialty centers across Oregon.
Dedicated Career Services	Résumé labs, mock interviews, and employer networking events start in your first term—continuing after graduation.
Accreditation You Can Trust	The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the college is licensed by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

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What You’ll Study

• Foundations of Professional Nursing
• Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
• Adult, Pediatric, and Maternal–Newborn Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Evidence‑Based Practice & Research
• Leadership, Policy, and Community Health

Clinical hours begin in your first year and progress from skills lab to high‑fidelity simulation to direct patient care, giving you confidence long before graduation day.

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How to Get Started

1. Attend an Information Session
   • Portland Campus: Tuesdays & Thursdays
   • Bend Campus: Thursdays
2. Apply Online
3. Schedule the TEAS Exam (offered weekly on campus).
4. Submit Transcripts & Background Check.
5. Meet Your Admission Advisor to map out financial‑aid options, scholarships, and a personalized academic plan.

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Ready to Begin Your Nursing Journey?

A BSN from Sumner College equips you with the clinical expertise, critical‑thinking skills, and leadership foundation today’s healthcare system demands. Request more information or reserve your seat at our next information session, and take the first step toward a rewarding nursing career.

Sumner College—Educating nurses who set higher standards of care across Oregon and beyond.