Working nurses have several options when it comes to advancing their careers. However, it can be overwhelming deciding where to start or what program is best for you. A common pathway is an RN to BSN program, taking working registered nurses to the next level of understanding and experience for their career. At Athens State University, we specialize in helping working adults and transfer students like you achieve their academic and career goals, no matter when they started or where they left off.
It’s a big decision to take the next steps in your academic and career journey, and we’re here to make it as comprehensive and seamless as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about going from RN to BSN at Athens State University.
Basics of a BSN in Nursing
First things first: What exactly is a BSN? By definition, a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing is a four-year degree that expands on the knowledge and skills most working nurses earn with their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. As the next level of training, it provides nursing students with a more thorough understanding of clinical practices and a broader knowledge of the healthcare system in general.
Essentially, a BSN in nursing can prepare registered nurses to:
- Take on leadership roles
- Manage complex clinical care and systems
- Improve health and welfare for their patients
It’s also a huge boost for your resume to show that you have the knowledge and experience from an RN to BSN program that most employers are looking for. Studies have shown that RNs with a BSN are reported as better prepared for their job. They also reportedly demonstrate better critical thinking, leadership, communication and problem solving skills; and more RNs with a BSN in a healthcare facility are also often associated with better health outcomes for patients.
Benefits of Earning a BSN
If you’re looking to advance your career as a working nurse, an RN to BSN program is a common way to do it. There are also several key benefits to earning your BSN as a working RN, including:
- More job opportunities: Due to high demand and positive perceptions of BSNs, some healthcare institutions are more likely to hire RNs with a BSN degree. It also opens up the door to more advanced roles and leadership positions.
- Improved skill set: A BSN will help you hone your skills in patient care while also giving you the experience, skills, and confidence to make a positive impact on the healthcare system you’re serving.
- Better pay: As with more job opportunities and higher-level roles, you’ll also likely experience a dramatic pay increase as an RN with a BSN. Studies show that lifetime earnings for RNs with a BSN tend to be higher than those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
- Closer to specializing: A bachelor’s degree is the first step to earning the advanced degrees you’d need for more specialized roles, like Nurse Anesthetist (which requires a graduate degree).
The RN to BSN Program at Athens State University
For working nurses, Athens State University offers an RN to BSN program that centers around expanding your skill set based on your current experience as an RN. We strive to make learning fun, useful, and effective with student-centered learning experiences in a supportive environment that fosters connection and growth between yourself, your cohorts, and our dedicated faculty.
Also, as an upper division university, we specialize in serving a diverse population of transfer students looking to pursue their degree. We make the transfer process as easy as possible, especially for those who are balancing the demands of work, family, and graduating.
If you’re a working nurse who is ready to move forward into deeper knowledge, more responsibility, and greater pay in your profession, we’ve created a flexible, convenient pathway for you to earn your BSN.
Our RN to BSN program is available completely online and can be completed in as little as 15 months. Cohorts begin in the fall, spring, and summer, so you can get started as soon as you’re ready. If you’d like to find out more, visit our program page or contact our admissions team.
