If you’re seeing this, something has gone wrong
BSN Guide – Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree: Salary, Benefits & ProgramsWhen you choose a career in nursing, you are committing yourself to play a critical role in the medical system. Depending upon where and how you choose to practice, your responsibilities can range from care to research, to helping create public healthcare policy. Your career path begins with the type of degree that you pursue. A BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is the degree that offers you the widest range of possibilities.
Nurses who have earned their BSN degree will find themselves eligible to apply for many more positions and earning much higher compensation. They will be able to pursue graduate degrees in nursing and will receive training in more advanced skills, including those involving leadership and critical thinking.
In this comprehensive guide, we have collected the information you need to know what pursuing your BSN entails, from why a BSN degree is a smart choice to helping you find the best programs and learn how to pay for your education.
A BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is a four-year degree in nursing that is one of two degrees available to nurses. Unlike the ADN, the BSN degree provides two years of prerequisite courses and general education courses followed by another two years of nursing classes and clinical rotations. Becoming a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree promises higher compensation and opens many more doors. Many healthcare facilities have begun to require that their RNs have a BSN degree, even for entry-level nursing positions.
Though the shortest route to becoming a Registered Nurse is to pursue the minimum requirement — a two-year Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) which provides just enough education and clinical training for graduates to sit for the required exams and obtain their license — those who want to become RNs are strongly encouraged to pursue a BSN.
Having a BSN gives you more opportunities to practice in specialty areas and puts you on a career path that can lead to supervisory and management positions. This is because those positions require a more in-depth level of knowledge and critical thinking skills that the four-year degree provides. Having a BSN is also a required step for pursuing an advanced nursing degree such as an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), NP (Nurse Practitioners), or CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist).
Though every BSN curriculum is different, accredited nursing programs follow the framework provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which outlines the essential curriculum contents and core competencies needed to prepare a BSN for their role and responsibilities. In addition to offering basic prerequisite coursework and general education classes, including Math, Composition, and History, followed by coursework that is specific to their nursing practice, including
- Assessment of Health and Illness
- Anatomy, or Structure of the Human Body
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Health Maintenance and Restoration
- Research in Nursing
- Health Promotion and Risk Reduction
- Mental Health
- Reproductive Health
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management
- Nursing Care I and II
BSN studies also include a significant number of clinical training hours.
RN-to-BSN Program
This program is the next step for Registered Nurses who have earned their Associate’s degree and who want to advance their careers and knowledge. With the advantage of already having learned a great deal of the pertinent information and having extensive clinical exposure, an ADN can often take exams to test out of some of the required coursework. Many of these programs are offered online to allow students to continue working while taking classes. Most students can complete the RN-to-BSN program in less than two years. Visit Sumner College’s RN to BSN program HERE.
Learn more:
Content shared from RN.com
By Abby Schneider, MSN, RN, Clinical Content Manager
The Center for the Advancement of Healthcare Professionals
In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (Institute of Medicine, 2010a). This report not only informs and highlights the need for change in nursing education to meet the changing face of healthcare, but also recommends the nursing profession increase the number of registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) to 80 percent by the year 2020 (IOM, 2010a)
Nursing in the 21st century is more complex than ever before (IOM, 2010b). The complexity of this care requires transitioning from skill-based competencies to those that assess knowledge and competence on health policy, system improvement, research, evidenced-based practice, teamwork and collaboration, complex decision making and leadership (IOM, 2010a). The IOM report adds that BSN-prepared nurses are better equipped to manage this increasing complexity in nursing care (IOM, 2010a).
The increasing complexity of care is not the only factor driving the IOM recommendation. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) document titled The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice (AACN, 2014) considered the different pre-licensure nursing education through three separate lenses: (1) different approaches to nursing education; (2) recognizing differences among nursing program graduates; and (3) public and private support for BSN-prepared nurses. This was done by providing an overview of several studies which indicate BSN-prepared nurses experience better patient outcomes, and higher competency in nursing practice, as well as increased skills, in communication, leadership, professional integration as well as research and evaluation AACN, 2014).
AACN also emphasizes that hospitals hoping to earn Magnet status must provide proof of plans to increase their BSN workforce to 80% by 2020, and that several large national healthcare organizations already have plans in place to promote and increase their BSN nurses (AACN, 2014). For example, the Veterans Administration (VA) has enacted policy that requires RNs to have a BSN to be considered for promotion beyond entry-level, and all branches of the United States Armed Forces now require a BSN or higher to practice as an active duty RN (AACN, 2014).
What does all this mean for nurses who have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree? That remains to be seen. Many healthcare facilities have begun requiring RNs to have a BSN for entry level nursing positions (NursingLicensure.org, 2016). These facilities believe that associate degree nurses (ADN) are well trained to manage day-to-day tasks, but healthcare today requires more than what is taught in ADN programs (NursingLicensure.org, 2016). While the future of the ADN- educated nurse is secure, these nurses may find they have fewer opportunities for professional growth and earn less than their nursing colleagues with baccalaureate degrees.
In light of the increasing complexity of healthcare, the IOM has recommended healthcare organizations increase their BSN nursing staff to 80% by the year 2020. In the report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, the IOM raised concerns regarding the numerous pre-licensure education paths of America’s professional nurses. AACN weighed in, providing several studies which found BSN-prepared RNs experience better patient outcomes, greater nursing competency, more effective communication skills and stronger leadership skills than their associate degree colleagues. With 2020 just around the corner, some healthcare organizations have begun to change their policies on hiring and promoting nurses based on their nursing degrees.
BSN Guide – Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree: Salary, Benefits & ProgramsWhen you choose a career in nursing, you are committing yourself to play a critical role in the medical system. Depending upon where and how you choose to practice, your responsibilities can range from care to research, to helping create public healthcare policy. Your career path begins with the type of degree that you pursue. A BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is the degree that offers you the widest range of possibilities.
Nurses who have earned their BSN degree will find themselves eligible to apply for many more positions and earning much higher compensation. They will be able to pursue graduate degrees in nursing and will receive training in more advanced skills, including those involving leadership and critical thinking.
In this comprehensive guide, we have collected the information you need to know what pursuing your BSN entails, from why a BSN degree is a smart choice to helping you find the best programs and learn how to pay for your education.
A BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is a four-year degree in nursing that is one of two degrees available to nurses. Unlike the ADN, the BSN degree provides two years of prerequisite courses and general education courses followed by another two years of nursing classes and clinical rotations. Becoming a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree promises higher compensation and opens many more doors. Many healthcare facilities have begun to require that their RNs have a BSN degree, even for entry-level nursing positions.
Though the shortest route to becoming a Registered Nurse is to pursue the minimum requirement — a two-year Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) which provides just enough education and clinical training for graduates to sit for the required exams and obtain their license — those who want to become RNs are strongly encouraged to pursue a BSN.
Having a BSN gives you more opportunities to practice in specialty areas and puts you on a career path that can lead to supervisory and management positions. This is because those positions require a more in-depth level of knowledge and critical thinking skills that the four-year degree provides. Having a BSN is also a required step for pursuing an advanced nursing degree such as an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), NP (Nurse Practitioners), or CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist).
Though every BSN curriculum is different, accredited nursing programs follow the framework provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which outlines the essential curriculum contents and core competencies needed to prepare a BSN for their role and responsibilities. In addition to offering basic prerequisite coursework and general education classes, including Math, Composition, and History, followed by coursework that is specific to their nursing practice, including
- Assessment of Health and Illness
- Anatomy, or Structure of the Human Body
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Health Maintenance and Restoration
- Research in Nursing
- Health Promotion and Risk Reduction
- Mental Health
- Reproductive Health
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management
- Nursing Care I and II
BSN studies also include a significant number of clinical training hours.
RN-to-BSN Program
This program is the next step for Registered Nurses who have earned their Associate’s degree and who want to advance their careers and knowledge. With the advantage of already having learned a great deal of the pertinent information and having extensive clinical exposure, an ADN can often take exams to test out of some of the required coursework. Many of these programs are offered online to allow students to continue working while taking classes. Most students can complete the RN-to-BSN program in less than two years. Visit Sumner College’s RN to BSN program HERE.
Array ( [external_url] => )
Sumner College Phlebotomy graduates are thriving in Arizona. Are you next?
If you desire an collaborative career, phlebotomy is the occupation for you. Not only is the profession’s abilities regularly expanding, but phlebotomists are able to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
#HealthcareCareer in Phlebotomy – Enroll Today at Sumner College Arizona
Sumner College Arizona provides unique opportunities for our students to learn and develop practical experiences before they begin their career. Phlebotomy continues to grow as…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Assisting Median Annual Wages
Sumner College offers a Nursing Assistant Program on the Arizona Campus. If you’re looking for a career where you can make a difference in the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
CNA – Job Projected Outlook 2020-2030
Job Outlook Nursing Assistants and Orderlies Percent change in employment, projected 2020-30 Home health and personal care aides; and nursing assistants, orderlies, and psychiatric aides…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
CNA – Job Summary – What does a CNA Do?
Now is a great time to pursue a career as a Nursing Assistant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Nursing Assistants Job…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – Financial Aid Officer
Financial Aid Officer Within a centralized financial aid services environment, evaluates, approves, and awards financial aid to students in accordance with federal, state, and college…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Joanna Russell visits with CW’s Nicole DeCosta about the RN to BSN Program at Sumner College
RN's that already have their Associates Degree have so many more options for continuing education. Joanna Russell, President, Sumner College talks with Nicole DeCosta, CW's…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Interview with Joanna Russell and CW’s Nicole DeCosta
Right now is a great time to enter the healthcare field interview with Joanna Russell, President, Sumner College. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwtLsLKZKZc[/embed]…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Informational Sessions – Seats Available June 15th
Sumner College has a few remaining seats open for the June 15th Nursing Informational Session with President, Joanna Russell. It's all online! Sign up now…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Assistant Types
UCNA, CNA, and LNA Note: As of July 1, 2016, Arizona offers two types of nursing assistant credentials in Arizona: Certified Nursing Assistant, designated as…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Class of 2022 Entering the Best Job Market in Years
Great NBC News story highlighting the job search experience for recent grads like Aga Sophia Noel, an Occupational Therapy Assistance graduate from CECU member career…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – Dean of Students
Sumner College is hiring for a Dean of Students. Title: Dean of Students Supervisor: Vice President Job Summary: The Dean of Students is part of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Joanna Russell visits with CW’s Everyday Northwest
President, Joanna Russell visited with Ashley Howard from CW's Everyday Northwest to discuss continuing education options in nursing. [embed]https://youtu.be/2lMNewz-GeY[/embed]…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Celebrating Sumner Graduates | Meet Tiffany
At Sumner College, we like to celebrate our graduates. Tiffany is a recent PN grad. She shares her story, "Working as a phlebotomist at a plasma…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Heartwarming Stories of Nurses Who Went Beyond Their Call of Duty
Article and Image Content shared from Readers Digest. When it comes to kindness, compassion, and caring for others, nurses have us all beat. They work…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Heartwarming Stories of Nurses Who Went Beyond Their Call of Duty
Article and Image Content shared from Readers Digest. When it comes to kindness, compassion, and caring for others, nurses have us all beat. They work…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Heartwarming Stories of Nurses Who Went Beyond Their Call of Duty
Article and Image Content shared from Readers Digest. Image credit: COURTESY MARK SHIPMAN When it comes to kindness, compassion, and caring for others, nurses have…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Heartwarming Stories of Nurses Who Went Beyond Their Call of Duty
Article and Image Content shared from Readers Digest. When it comes to kindness, compassion, and caring for others, nurses have us all beat. They work…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Heartwarming Stories of Nurses Who Went Above and Beyond Their Call of Duty
Article and Image Content shared from Readers Digest. When it comes to kindness, compassion, and caring for others, nurses have us all beat. They work…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Personal Finance – Here’s How Much Money Phlebotomists Make In Every State In 2022
Phlebotomists perform an invaluable role in the medical world and beyond. They draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, and research, not to mention explaining to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Blood Drive
Last week Sumner College held a blood drive. Here are some photos from the day.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Celebrating Sumner Graduates | Meet Sharon
At Sumner College, we like to celebrate our graduates. Sharon is a recent Medical Assisting grad. She shares her story, "Before enrolling in Sumner College’s…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Celebrating Sumner Graduates | Meet Patrick
At Sumner College, we like to celebrate our graduates. Patrick is a recent LPN grad. He shares his story, "Prior to enrolling at Sumner College,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
ALL IN: Johnson&Johnson WellBeing for Healthcare Campaign
ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare is a call to action by #FirstRespondersFirst and The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation as a coalition of leading…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Celebrating Sumner Graduates | Meet Lyric
At Sumner College, we like to celebrate our graduates. Lyric is a recent LPN grad. She shares her story, "Prior to attending Sumner College, I…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
#Hiring a Clinical Coordinator – Nursing Programs
JOB DESCRIPTION Position: Clinical Coordinator for Nursing Programs Supervisor: College President Job Description of Clinical Coordinator: The Clinical Coordinator is responsible for acquiring and maintaining clinical sites…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sunday, May 7th is Mother’s Day
Happy Mother's Day from Sumner College!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Celebrating Sumner Graduates | Meet Kaitlyn
At Sumner College, we like to celebrate our graduates. Kaitlyn is a recent LPN grad. She shares her story, "Wanting to expand my skills as…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Celebrating Sumner Graduates | Meet Julie
At Sumner College, we like to celebrate our graduates. Julie is a recent RN grad. She shares her story, "Prior to enrolling in Sumner College’s…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring! Nurse Educator Associate Labs & Clinicals
Job Summary: The Nurse Educator Associate will teach, guide students in their labs and clinicals, along with enhancing the design of the curriculum. This person…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn