Is it worth it to get your BSN? There is a push to encourage more nurses to earn their bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which means many RNs are now considering programs to bridge the gap from an RN to a BSN degree program. So what are the benefits of obtaining a BSN, and what are the salary and career opportunities available when you have this degree? Here is what you need to know.
Because you already have an RN certification or an associate’s degree, completing a BSN doesn’t have to take several years. Most RN to BSN programs can be completed within 12 months. With basic medical classes finished, the program is focused on higher-level courses such as management and leadership, technology, or ethics.
There are many other questions you may have about an RN to BSN program, including:
According to a recent salary survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for nurses with a BSN is around $85,000 annually. That is just under $41 an hour. By contrast, the median salary for RNs without a BSN is $75,330.
Nurses with a BSN are thought to be more prepared for hospital settings. You can apply with magnet hospitals, a classification is given to only the best facilities in the country by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. A nurse with a BSN is also eligible to move into management and leadership roles.