The University of South Carolina Aiken has developed an online program specifically for nurses who have earned an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and are ready to take their education and career to the next level. The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program may be completed in as few as 12 months and adds a coveted credential to your resume. As a nurse with a BSN, you set yourself up for job advancement and higher income.
The RN to BSN is considered a “bridge program.” What this means is that upon graduation, your professional title will still be RN, but your skills and abilities are enhanced. The program requires nine courses that are 100 percent online, so you can do the coursework when and where you choose. You never have to miss a day of work or a paycheck.
Why a BSN Makes Sense
Nurse Journal states, “The major advantage of a nursing bridge program is that you can … earn your next college degree in the field without going through a full three or four year college program.” The publication also points out the undeniable benefits of online courses, such as no commute time, a flexible schedule and the freedom to attend classes wherever you can access the internet.
“The State of Nursing” reports that the Institute of Medicine (now known as the National Academy of Medicine) demands future registered nurses obtain higher levels of education. The institute calls for “a more educated nursing workforce. Specifically, the IOM believes that the BSN should be the minimum educational requirement for RNs.”
A minimum of an associate degree in nursing is mandatory for RNs, and more than half of all RNs now have a bachelor’s degree. In 2010, the IOM proposed that the 80 percent of RNs have a BSN by 2020.
Professional Benefits
According to “The State of Nursing,” most professionals with an ADN make $25 to $30 per hour, while the majority of nurses with a BSN earn $40 or more per hour. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that bachelor’s degree programs provide education in leadership, communication and critical thinking. Due to this additional training, nurses who complete a BSN find opportunities to work in administrative positions, on research projects, and as teachers and consultants.
The University of South Carolina Aiken’s RN to BSN online curricula include topics like leadership and management, ethical-legal issues in nursing and pathophysiology. The supportive professors ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to lead your community to optimal health.
Learn more about the University of South Carolina Aiken’s online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
Nurse Journal: Nursing Bridge Programs: How They Work
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Registered Nurse
