Although these nurses are still able to work at their degree level, the potential to find more lucrative careers may be held back by the change to nationwide nursing requirements. If you are currently working as a registered nurse at the associate's level and want to work towards obtaining your BSN, accelerated online RN to BSN programs may be for you.
What is an Accelerated RN to BSN Degree?
The online accelerated RN to BSN degree ends in the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. This is the minimum requirement for nurses to become licensed within any state, and provides the information needed to accurately help patients seeking medical care.
Through the accelerated program, nurses are given the opportunity to finish the program within a shorter time period. This can mean shorter deadlines and more efficient time-conservation, but can assist in getting on track to a better career without the wait. The average completion time of accelerated online RN to BSN programs is 1 year, with some programs lasting slightly more.
In order to be considered a candidate for these programs, applicants must already be licensed as a registered nurse within their state, provide proof of completion of a previous Associate’s degree in Nursing, and have some work experience (Usually 2-3 years) working as a registered nurse. As a registered nurse, you are probably aware of the job opportunities available to graduates at higher degree levels.
As the standards have changed, more students are entering college and obtaining degrees that can assist them with pursuing the careers that you are seeking. In order to get on track with the crowd, you should research available accelerated online RN to BSN programs within your area.
Common Accelerated RN to BSN Courses You Can Expect
The courses that you took part in during your initial degree program may be the foundation for what you learn during accelerated online RN to BSN classes. The entire purpose of this degree program is to continue your knowledge into the field of nursing and gain a better understanding of the changing role of the registered nurse.
Over the years, registered nurses have gained more responsibility in the healthcare field, which you may be aware of if you have experience working as a nurse. Some of the courses involved in this degree program will add on to what you already know, which is why experience in the field is required for entry.
Our team of education experts has decades of experience in education research. They have gathered some of the common courses involved in this program in order to give you more information on what to expect before enrolling. Take a look below this section at some of the common courses found within this degree program.
Nursing Leadership and Management
In higher degree programs, management skills and knowledge are common topics that may be addressed. Nursing leadership is an important added concept for nurses with the desire to obtain management positions. In this course, nursing students can learn some of the different components of effective management, such as financial planning, team-building, human resources, and conflict resolution.
Community Health
Bachelor’s level nurses are encouraged to stay up to date with the state of patients and the community. This course outlines the importance of analyzing overall community health in order to better understand the people that they serve. Community health data, screening, and public health programs may be discussed throughout this course. This course involves introducing students to data collection, research, and analysis.
Health Informatics
This course helps students understand the importance of health information systems and their uses. By understanding how these programs and technologies play a role in the effective care of patients, students can be a better part of their healthcare team. This course may involve an in-depth look into common informatics programs and devices found within healthcare facilities.
Healthcare Law and Ethics
In addition to standard nursing courses, analyzing the laws and ethics surrounding healthcare is an important component for upcoming nurses. This course outlines the historical and current laws surrounding the field of nursing, as well as the ethical considerations involved in being a health service provider.
How Much Does an Accelerated RN to BSN Degree Cost?
The costs of pursuing higher education can be a deciding factor in whether or not you want to take part in them. While it is important to consider the benefits to moving to a higher degree, you must also take into the consideration the different financial effects that obtaining a degree can have.
If you decide that you want to stop working while in a degree program, this can mean a lack of income for at least a year. Tuition and fees will also affect your overall costs, and can vary depending on the university.
BSN Tuition and Fees
The key to finding the best deal for accelerated online RN to BSN degree programs is research. There are a large number of schools offering this degree program, all with very different prices. The University of Alabama at Huntsville offers an accelerated RN to BSN online with tuition rates at $9,698 per semester. At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the entire program costs $7,500, which is slightly lower than the previous university.
When looking at some universities, you may even see tuition listed as a per-hour charge. The University of South Dakota lists tuition costs as $335 per credit hour, which adds up to about $10,050 for the 30 credit hour minimum requirement. As you can see in these examples, the costs can be different depending on where you look. The costs can also change over time, so it is important to consider this also as you go along your way. In terms of fees, these charges can be found at universities and charged either by the course, by the semester, or just at one time. Some example fees include application fees, course fees, technology fees, and even graduation fees.
Career Outcomes for Accelerated RN to BSN Graduates
Advancing to bachelor’s level can have many benefits, other than just self-satisfaction. Staying up to date with the national requirements for nurses can give you a lead in finding new and exciting careers throughout the medical field.
Some interesting opportunities that may be available for bachelor’s earners include management opportunities, research careers, and even consultation. Take a look below at some interested fields you could work in with a higher degree in nursing.
Potential Jobs For An RN to BSN Graduate
Here are a few of the different career roles you might find pursue after earning your accelerated RN to BSN degree.
- Public Health Nurse: Although some states require that public health nurses obtain a master’s degree, there are still some states that allow bachelor’s earners to take part in this innovative career field. As a public health nurse, you could exhibit your skills in nursing by analyzing and recommending change for your community. You could even play a role in the development of helpful and efficient public health programs for your area.
- School Nurse: School nurses are an important part of school systems all over the country. If you obtain a career in this field, you can work with the most important citizens within your community – the children. This can be a very satisfying career choice for nurses that have the dedication to provide high quality services to the public and find pleasure in working with school-aged children.
- Head Nurse: In order to be a head nurse, you must have leadership skills and knowledge in nursing. Through a higher degree program, you could find yourself leading a team of nurses in a fast-paced hospital environment or within specialty centers across the country. Teamwork skills, conflict resolution, and organization skills are recommended for this line of work.
- Oncology Nurse: In this specialty field, you could work with patients that are receiving treatment for or recovering from cancer. In order to be considered for this specialty, you may need a BSN as well as some training in working with patients that have been diagnosed with cancer.
- Burn Unit Nurse: Burn unit nurses are trained to work with patients that have suffered from minor to severe burns. If you work in this field, you will provide treatment, prevention, and observation to patients that are visiting hospitals or have even been admitted. There are certain skills that are required to work as a burn unit nurse, which are taught through extensive training.
Potential Salaries for Accelerated RN to BSN Graduates
The average nurse in the United States earns $68,450 per year (BLS; 2015). The earning potential for you as a professional can vary depending on the amount of experience you have in the field of nursing and the particular area that you choose to work.
Depending on whether you work for a large hospital or for smaller agencies offering home health, you could see a difference in the rate of pay. In terms of reliability, the field of nursing has shown no signs of decline or reduction in recent years.
The BLS estimates the field of nursing to grow at a rate of 16% through 2024, making this an excellent place to settle into a lifelong career (BLS; 2015).
Related Licenses and Related Ongoing Nursing Certifications
One of the most important components of completing a degree program in nursing is what comes after. Even though you have completed all of the necessary educational steps to becoming a nurse, you must also go through the licensing process.
Nurses are required to obtain and maintain licensure throughout the duration of their career. Licensure requirements may have some variations depending on the state in which you live, so it is important to research what your state requires prior to ever enrolling in a degree program.
The licensure process involves providing documentation of completion of an accredited degree program in nursing, transcripts from all attended universities, and proof of successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have turned in all necessary paperwork to your state licensing department, they will make their decision regarding your licensure. Becoming licensed and receiving your BSN can lead to a wealth of opportunities throughout your career.
Making A Final Decision on Pursuing Your Accelerated RN to BSN Degree
Deciding to further your degree is a noble and wise decision. As a professional, the best thing that you can offer yourself is better financial stability and more career opportunities throughout your career.
As the country continues to grow in population, more nurses will be needed to deal with the higher demand. Healthcare is something that all people require in order to remain well during their lifetime. Nurses are also becoming even more useful within the healthcare field, with some even having practical abilities at the master’s level. With the widespread availability of accelerated online RN to BSN programs, there is no excuse to deny yourself the opportunity of more pay, more career options, and better quality service.
If you decide that this is the right path for you, research your options thoroughly before applying to any particular school. The price variations, quality of courses, and length of completion can be factors that can contribute to getting the best deal for your education.
