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:
Ambulatory Care Nursing Week is February 6-12
Ambulatory Care Nurses are critical thinkers, leaders, communicators, listeners, courageous, caregivers, and so much more. Join us to celebrate and support them! This celebration takes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What Color Tubes Are Used for Which Tests in Phlebotomy
Tube Colors And What They Mean The various tube colors phlebotomists use denote specific types of draws. The tube color refers to the color of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Registered Nursing – Occupational Outlook
The field of nursing is an occupation that has exploded in recent years and is poised for continued impressive growth. According to the Bureau of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome to Sumner College – February 6th Nursing Classes Start Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College's February 6th cohorts for Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing and RN-BSN.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome to Sumner College – New Arizona Phlebotomy Technician Students Starting Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College-Arizona's February 6th cohort for Phlebotomy Technician.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Interested in Becoming a Nurse?
Learn more about becoming a nurse, nursing salaries, and the future of nursing. Nurses are considered some of the most trusted professionals in the United…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor HealthCare Heroes – National IV Nurse Day
INS celebrates IV Nurse Day each year on January 25th, to recognize the decades of continuing education, advocacy, and professional development that have driven the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Enroll Now in our Phlebotomy Tech Program
Have you been dreaming about a career working in healthcare? Sumner College Arizona can get you there with classes in Phlebotomy Tech, Medical Assisting and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar
Enjoy The DiversityNursing.com, 2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar and remember to honor our healthcare heroes for their dedication to our health and work in our world.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor our HealthCare Heroes – National CRNA Week
A Celebration of CRNAs Since 2000, National CRNA Week has been our annual celebration of the nearly 59,000 practicing nurse anesthetists in the U.S. From…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Laboratory Phlebotomist Projected Growth in the US
Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: Salaries have increased 11% for laboratory phlebotomists in the last 5 years…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Mobile IV Nursing Is Trending Due to Earning Potential
Mobile IV nursing is growing and offers nurses the opportunity for higher pay and a flexible schedule. Explore this popular career. Mobile intravenous (IV) nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How You Can Set SMART Goals for 2023
Did you know 91% of people don't reach their New Year's goals? Dive into how SMART goals for nurses may increase your potential success. SMART…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act Impacts Nurses
The Improving Care and Access to Nurses legislation significantly impacts nurses and their patients. Consider seven ways to advocate for improved access to care. The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It. Do It.
If healthcare is your passion, and a career in the field is your dream, it is time to look at Sumner College. 2023 nursing classes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy New Year!
Make way for 2023!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations
The Oregon Center for Nursing recently published "The Future of Oregon's Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations The Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Health Care Workforce…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Holidays from Sumner College
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What’s the work environment for a Phlebotomy Tech?
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Phlebotomists held about 135,500 jobs…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Holiday Break – December 19 to January 2nd
There will be no classes at Sumner College during Holiday Break - December 19th thru January 2nd.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Expert Simulation Educators Across Oregon – OCN
Sumner College's Simulation Lab provides a comprehensive learning experience for our students. As nursing education and professional development needs evolve, schools and healthcare systems are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2022 Holiday Greetings
Sumner College President, Joanna Russell, shares a big announcement for our nursing school happening in April 2023 and wishes a warm holiday greeting to all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Finding balance around the holidays
The holiday season can be a stressful time. For years, I allowed this time of year to completely take over my mind and wellbeing because…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
It’s a good time to pursue a career in healthcare. Joanna Russell and Nicole DeCosta discuss nursing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQA8dkHbFc…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Well-Being Project
The well-being of all licensed LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, as well as their certified and unlicensed support staff, is essential to Oregon's health [Article shared…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Oregon Facing Nurse Shortage by 2025
With demand for registered nurses in Oregon continuing to grow, Oregon is facing a nursing shortage by 2025, according to The Demand for Nursing Professionals…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Phlebotomists
Sumner College's Phlebotomy Tech classes are held in Mesa, Arizona Next classes start in January 2023 Quick Facts: Phlebotomists 2021 Median Pay $37,380 per year…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Professional Nursing Organizations
There are more than 100 different national and international nursing organizations, many of which have chapters in Oregon. You may want to consider the benefits…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How a nurse is improving health equity with a touch of a button
This article is shared from Johnson+Johnson's Nursing website. LINK Watch a special TODAY show segment featuring nurse innovator Bre Loughlin, MS, RN This segment features…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – Assistant to the President
Sumner College is accepting applications for the position of Assistant to the President. Visit the Careers at Sumner page for details on the position and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn