RN to BSN Guide | Take the Next Big Step in Your Career
With a big industry push for all nurses to have a BSN in 2020 and the growing number of online nursing programs, many RN’s are considering getting their BSN degree. With all the program options, from bridge to online courses, it can be difficult to know what is right for you. This educational guide will highlight what you need to know in order to take the next big step in your nursing career.
What is an RN to BSN Degree?
An RN-BSN degree is a specific program for practicing nurses who have already earned an ADN degree. The RN-BSN program is shorter than a standard BSN, which normally takes four years, and it allows ADN’s to build on the nursing experience that they already have.
How Long Are RN to BSN Programs?
Sumner College’s RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 13 months.
What Classes Are Needed to Go From an RN to a BSN?
In an RN to BSN program, nurses have already taken many of the basic nursing courses so they’ll focus on higher-level courses and can include: Informatics in Nursing, Innovations in Healthcare, Nursing Management and Leadership, Nursing Ethics, Community Health and a Capstone Course among others.
How Much Does an RN to BSN Program at Sumner College Cost?
Programs that are taught 100% online do not require clinical, but may require you to be working full time as an RN. Visit the RN to BSN program page on our website for costs and enrollment information.
Will Hospitals Pay for an RN to BSN?
Most hospitals do offer tuition reimbursement for BSN bridge programs for full-time and part-time employees.
What is an RN to BSN degree?
An RN to BSN degree is a specific type of nursing program for RNs who already hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). Often referred to as a bridge program, it’s a great way for ADNs to level up in their career, while they continue working.
On average, students that attend a BSN program after high school will complete the program in roughly four years. A nurse that starts a bridge program after working as an ADN can complete a BSN program in as little as 12 months or as long as 5 years. This varies based on the program, individual, and home/life commitments.
Benefits of a BSN degree
More prepared for the hospital setting. BSN prepared nurses are thought to be more prepared for the hospital setting because of the time and commitment spent during the previous four years.
- Increased clinical skills. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, BSN nurses have better clinical skills than ADN nurses. Reports indicate that BSN nurses have lower patient mortality rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates, higher proficiency at diagnosis and evaluating nursing interventions, and improved professional integration and research/evaluation skills.
- A step towards an MSN degree. In order to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), nurses must first complete a BSN program. MSNs are required to become a nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetist, or a nurse educator.
- Management and leadership opportunities. BSN prepared nurses can move into management and leadership roles within the healthcare setting. ADN nurses are unable to do so.
- Access to non-hospital opportunities. Obtaining a BSN degree opens the door to non-hospital opportunities. Most nurses do not foresee themselves as bedside nurses when they are 50-60 years old. Nurses who hold BSN degrees can move into teaching, case management, informatics, policy review, and management.
Career and Salary Opportunities for Nurses With BSNs
Most major healthcare systems use clinical ladders to reward nurses for participation in hospital base committees and education. Nurses must be BSN prepared in order to apply for the clinical ladder. Clinical ladder advancement is met with salary increases.
Many hospitals, specifically magnet hospitals and academic healthcare organizations, are only seeking BSN prepared nurses. In fact, on job postings and applications it will state, “do not apply if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree.” Most nurses will not see a bump in their salary after they obtain their BSN. However, they will be at a disadvantage when applying for positions if they do not have a BSN degree.
Obtaining a BSN is a gateway to numerous career opportunities. Nurses seeking to further their care will ultimately need to obtain a BSN whether it is through a traditional program or an RN-BSN bridge program. In order to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), nurses must first complete a BSN program.
So, while there is no direct salary bump, there are more opportunities to advance a career which in turn will lead to a salary increase.
Learn more:
5 Nursing Trends Heading into 2025
In an ever changing career its important to know what may be coming your way. Here's 5 things to look for in theNew Year! The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
SUMNER COLLEGE STUDENT OF THE MONTH | DECEMBER 2024
Congratulations Kymra for being the December 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Congratulations on your accomplishment!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Continuing Your Education with a BSN
Many individuals enter the nursing profession driven by a desire to help others. As they gain experience, many seek to advance their careers to provide…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from Sumner College! We are grateful to all of our students for entrusting us with taking their nursing dreams to reality.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Upcoming Info Sessions
Looking for some more information on our programs? Join us for an info session! Our upcoming info sessions are all at 11am, November 26, December…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why Become a Nurse?
A career in nursing offers one of the most exciting, rewarding, and dynamic paths in the healthcare field. With over 4 million registered nurses in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome New Class Start November 18!
Happy first day, and welcome, to our newest class starting today, November 18! Thank you for choosing Sumner College to continue your educational career! Dream…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What Are Clinicals?
If you have been researching nursing schools, you may have seen the word "Clinicals" before but not known what they are. Clinicals are a safe…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month | November 2024
Congratulations Olga for being the November 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Olga was inspired to join Sumner College's nursing school after hearing about…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month | October 2024
Congratulations Benjamin for being the October 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Benjamin is a compassionate nursing student who learned about Sumner College through…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Thank you, Veterans
Sumner College thanks and values our veterans on this honorable day. If you or someone you know has an interest in continuing education, please see…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing in the 21st Century
21st Century nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Paying for Nursing School- Scholarships
Sumner College understands that every student’s financial situation is unique. Our financial aid department can provide you with more information about Oregon financial aid options…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How to Prepare for Nursing School
Nursing school can be intimidating, but here are some helpful tips for you to make the most of your time and studies. As always, feel…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bend, Oregon, Our New Home!
In a recent article with the Bend Bulletin, our School President Joanna Russell shared how we are enrolling for February 24, 2025 at our newest…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN to BSN – Career Upgrade!
Here at Sumner College we offer a program for current Registered Nurses, to further their education in a flexible schooling style and get a Bachelors…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Niche Award!
Exciting news! Sumner Nursing College was recently ranked by Niche, listed as #1 in Best Value Colleges in Oregon, #1 in Best Value Colleges in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Check Out Our New Campus!
Welcome to our new campus in Bend, Oregon! We are excited to be welcoming the first BSN cohort February 24th, 2025. Stay tuned as we…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Upcoming Info Sessions
On the fence or have questions about starting your education at Sumner College? Check out our upcoming BSN Info Sessions! Available for on-campus in Portland…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
All About TEAS
If you're considering enrolling at Sumner College (or other nursing schools!) you will be required to take the TEAS Exam. This stands for Test of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing School Study Tips
Nursing school is known to be extremely difficult, but there are ways to make it easier on yourself! NursingWorld.org suggests a few different things to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
$5,000 Education Award Available!
Exciting news! DiversityNursing.com is offering a $5,000 education award, with easy entry and no essays, why not enter for a chance to win $5,000 to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New Member Bend Chamber of Commerce
Sumner College is proud to share we are new members of the Bend Area Chamber of Commerce. Coming soon our official ribbon cutting and social…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Spirit Week!
Happy Spirit Week! Stop by the Lobby or Front Desk throughout the week to say hi and show some school spirit! Monday: Meal Prep and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month | September 2024
Congratulations Kristina, for being the September 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Kristina completed the LPN program from Sumner College and recently returned to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Virtual Tour: SIM Lab 202
Welcome to Sumner College! Before you head in to our Portland Campus take a virtual tour where you can see our Simulation Lab, Hospital Simulator,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New Campus Alert!
We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our new additional campus location in Bend, Oregon! Conveniently located just around the corner from Bend's…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Heart of Healthcare
Nursing can be described as both an art and science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Labor Day Weekend
Happy Labor Day! We will be closed Monday to enjoy a long weekend!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Upcoming Class Start Dates
Join us on one of our upcoming start dates for RN's looking to achieve a BSN completion!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn