The nursing field is full of possibilities; degree programs are no exception and many choices exist. An RN (Registered Nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is sometimes described as a bridge program, where the goal is to “bridge” the gap between the student’s existing knowledge as a practicing RN to that of a bachelor’s-prepared nurse. This type of program is suited for ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and diploma-prepared RNs looking to expand their clinical knowledge and career options in healthcare.
Many RN to BSN programs are offered online with clinical requirements completed in the student’s own community or by receiving on-the-job experience.
Courses
When selecting an RN to BSN (or RN to BS in Nursing) program, students should thoroughly research the school’s admission requirements as well as prerequisite/nursing courses needed for graduation. Programs require specific numbers of credit hours, and courses may differ between universities. Required prerequisite courses toward earned credit may include curriculum from a variety of subjects, including math and English, with heavy emphasis on the sciences. Examples of subjects include statistics, English composition, microbiology, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology and/or psychology.
According to verywell.com, an associate degree is the minimum requirement to become a registered nurse, but an increasing number of employers require a bachelor’s degree for many RN nursing roles. Examples of nursing courses required include studies related to Community Health, Healthcare Technology, Nursing Research, Genomics and Forensic Nursing.
Clinical Requirements
In addition to checking off the prerequisites for an RN to BSN program, students are required to complete a clinical component. These nursing courses provide relevant information useful for the nurse’s current and future career in the ever-changing field of healthcare.
Schools may offer students several ways to obtain hands-on clinical credit: conducting interviews with healthcare leadership, posting clinically relevant discussions between peers within online message boards, writing related to healthcare facility site visits, or other current job experience.
Benefits
Conducting prior research on a prospective school helps candidates avoid future pitfalls and paves the way for success in their chosen program. According to NurseJournal.org, “Selecting a strong online nursing bridge program is a great time and money saver: You do not need to retake any classes that have material you already studied before. This means you will be able to become an RN faster.” Enrolling in an online RN to BS in Nursing bridge program can provide flexibility for busy professionals, allowing them to determine what time of day they will dedicate to education. Many students are able to earn an advanced degree alongside working full time as a nurse, while still balancing their family/personal life. An online option may also be beneficial for those on a budget, as the cost — and time — of commuting is eliminated.
An RN to BSN program is designed for working professionals who want to increase their knowledge and skills and broaden their job options. Many of these bridge programs are available online and can be completed within a short time (in as few as 12 months). The benefits of a lower cost and zero commute time attract many prospective students looking for a way to advance their education while maintaining a flexible schedule.
Learn more about the Fitchburg State online RN to BS in Nursing program.
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