How to turn from a RN to a BSN Program

Most Registered Nurses are already working at high-paying positions in the career of their choice. But if you wish to go higher in your profession in to the managerial cadre, you should remember that hospitals require you to have a BSN degree. Getting a B.S.N degree is easier for RN students as they already have the practical training and experience to deal with patients and medical emergencies. You can study full-time in the BSN program or you can take up a part-time program, as both are valid for a RN. Another advantage is that RN students who wish to enter the BSN program are granted additional credits which count towards finishing the program faster and in a lesser time frame. Other students who do not have the RN experience have to complete the program in four years.

Entering the BSN program

There are several "RN to BSN"programs at present online or part-time which can augment the skills of RNs and expose them to the latest technology in nursing. The program is also geared to producing all-rounder business and management skills which can assist you in a managerial position in the hospital you are working in. In addition to honing your nursing skills, RNs also trained in accounting, management, critical and logistical management skills requires in managing the nursing department of tertiary level hospitals

In order to enter the program you have to be a Registered nurse with the necessary vocational degree or diploma. If you do not have a RN diploma then you should have a high school diploma. In high school, pick up electives in mathematics and science which will prepare you for a BSN degree. You will have to sit for the SAT and have a good or above-average GPA, ACT or SAT score. RNs also need to have a registered current license, a diploma or an associate's degree from a registered college to get entry into the BSN program. The entire BSN program is about fours years long and the curriculum of the program is highly geared towards producing all-rounder nurses who can carry out the clinical as well as managerial aspect of nursing.

The curriculum of a BSN degree provides general education and basic nursing in the first and second year. In the later years, students are trained in clinical skills that are integral to being a practiced nurse. The B.S.N. syllabus can also prepare students for a future education program as a PhD student. The program prepares a RN student with complete training in patient care, hospital management, planning and a whole lot of nursing related options. If you do not have NCLEX-PN licensure then you will have to apply and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) at the end of your training in the BSN program.

Some online B.S.N. programs allow trained RN applicants, to fast track their careers in the program. Instead of finishing the program in about four years, the can finish the program and get a BSN degree in about twenty months. The exact admission requirements may vary from college to college. But online and part-time programs are also available. Before enrolling for any program, make sure that your chosen program is already accredited with the responsible organization.

Work options!

B.S.N. graduates can work in health care facilities at clinical positions as well as managerial positions in public institutions like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics. Lateral professions like managerial and training positions in the pharmaceutical industry, teaching and publishing industry.