Maybe you already have your associate degree in nursing and you’re considering going back to school for your Bachelor of Science in nursing. Maybe you’re about to finish high school and you’re trying to decide which educational path to choose. Perhaps you already know you want to get your BSN, but you can’t decide if you want a traditional college experience or if you should look into online BSN programs. No matter what your story is – if you are evaluating the different paths to becoming a nurse, this blog is for you.
3 Reasons to Upgrade your Associate Degree to a BSN
- You’ll have more job opportunities
With a BSN, you will have more job opportunities. That higher-level degree will actually qualify you for not only RN positions but also nurse manager roles. You can also add more niche specialties into your training with your BSN.
- You can make more money
Of course, with more job opportunity, this also means you have the potential to make more money. For example, a nursing administrator makes an average of $96,540 per year, whereas a critical care or geriatric nurse will make an average of between $65,000 and $72,000 annually.
- It may soon be the new standard
Having a BSN instead of an ADN could soon be the new standard. This higher degree already puts you ahead of the competition. This is especially the case in travel nursing. So many nurses are competing for the same treasured assignments. The ones who get picked are typically those with more experience and education.
3 Reasons a BSN Might Not Be for You
- It takes a lot more schooling
You can earn your ADN in just two years, whereas going for your BSN is a four-year program. If you don’t want to put that much time and money into school, stick with the ADN degree.
- You are content with what you have
Maybe you are content with where you are at, and so it’s not worth it to you to invest the time and money in school. If you have no desire to take on more responsibility in your role, the additional education is likely not worth it for you.
- The salary increase might not be worth all the extra money
At the end of the day, there is no guarantee that the additional schooling is going to get you more money, especially if your focus is on travel nursing. Although it is likely someone will be willing to pay you more because you have your BSN, it is not a sure thing if you’re switching from state to state. You would want to make sure that whatever specialty you’re focused on, additional education is worth the financial investment.
3 Benefits of Online BSN Programs
- You’ll have a flexible schedule
Choosing online BSN programs vs. a traditional in-classroom schedule will give you more flexibility. You won’t have as much back and forth to school, so this will still give you free time to do other things.
- You can still work while in school
With a flexible schedule, you could still work part time while you are in school. It is not always easy to quit your job to go back to school. With online BSN programs, you don’t necessarily have to do that. You may even have a job that will invest in helping you pay for continuing your education.
- You can take your time or get through it fast
Another great thing about taking classes online is that you can take them as quickly or as slowly as you want to. If you want to take just one or two classes a semester so you have time for work, friends, and family, that’s fine. If you want to rush through it and get your degree in three years instead of four, you can do that too.
Where Can You Find Online BSN Programs?
There are many options for online BSN programs. Some of them have more in-person time required than others, so it is important to do your research ahead of time. There are also specific programs that focus on people who are transferring an ADN to a BSN. The most important thing is to find an accredited nursing program
Do you have any additional questions about taking online BSN programs? Drop them in the comments below!
