RN to BSN programs are a popular option for registered nurses who wish to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. Candidates typically have an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and are seeking an advanced degree to broaden their skillset and expand their career opportunities. Though RNs have already earned their state-issued license and "registered" status, completing an online BSN program opens the door to potential employment in administrative areas of nursing, including consulting, teaching, and research.Students in online RN to BSN programs will gain clinical experience through a supervised practicum or internship experience, and will be prepared to provide nursing care in non-hospital settings such as home healthcare and community centers. The ideal candidate for an online RN to BSN program is compassionate, organized and detail-oriented, with advanced communication and critical-thinking skills. Graduates of online BSN programs are also emotionally stable with enduring physical stamina for long and potentially challenging shifts.
Online RN to BSN Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | $16,167 | 9.42% | 4 years | $57,700 | $70,600 | 2.2% |
While completing an RN program alone provides credentials needed for employment as a staff nurse, many workers choose to pursue an online BSN program to advance in the field. Online RN to BSN programs typically take four years to complete and cost an average of $16,000. Students are able to continue working as an RN while finishing the degree, and some employers will cover the cost of tuition for qualifying employees pursuing the online RN to BSN. Grads who complete their RN to BSN online show potential for significant ROI, including salary increase and career advancement. Graduates of RN to BSN online programs also enjoy low unemployment and low loan default rates. The majority of the top jobs in nursing, including those listed below, require a bachelor's degree or higher for qualification.
Online RN to BSN Degrees
Online RN to BSN Find Accredited Degrees
Online RN to BSN Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | $96,460 | 31% | 170400 |
| Registered Nurse | $66,640 | 16% | 2751000 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $154,390 | 31% | 170400 |
| Nurse Midwife | $91,070 | 31% | 170400 |
| Nursing Instructor / Teacher | $68,640 | 35% | 57390 |
Online RN to BSN Professional Requirements
State Board Certification
All states and U.S. territories require nurses to be certified through the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Students looking to pursue a BSN program or higher must first obtain RN credentials. Nurses may also be required to obtain individual state-issued certification, depending on their profession and/or area of expertise. Each state board follows the rules and regulations of its own Nurse Practice Act, enacted to secure the ethical practice of nursing in the state and protect nursing practitioners and patients who are receiving care.Licensure compacts, such as the APRN and Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allow nurses to practice in multiple states through a single multistate license. Search for individual state-issued licensure requirements on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
National Certification
While not required for all nursing professions, some national certifications are beneficial to RNs practicing in a particular specialty. The following are among the most common nationally recognized specialty nursing certifications:
- CMCN (Certified Managed Care Nurse): This certification is open to all RNs and is intended to benefit students considering a career in providing direct care, as opposed to practicing in a hospital environment. Candidates do not need to declare a specialty area of clinical study.
- CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality): The CPHQ credential is intended for candidates interested in healthcare quality control and, ultimately, administration in the nursing field. This certification requires experience in outcome measurement, data management, quality improvement, and leadership skills.
- CCM (Certified Case Manager): This certification incorporates elements of patient advocacy and tests the candidate's experience in addressing health and human service needs of each patient. Those pursuing CCM credentials are encouraged to consider a holistic view of each patient. The CCM also aims to maintain an efficient system of wellness care for both physicians and patients.
- CHPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse): CHPN certification covers assessing and supporting the needs of patients with life-limiting conditions. The CHPN credential demonstrates not only physical care, but also spiritual, emotional, and psychological support for terminally ill patients. CHPNs often work within a collaborative team of specialists in this area.
- CMCN (Certified Managed Care Nurse): The CMCN comprises some elements of the CCM certification; those who are CMCN-certified are trained in intensive case management of patients in a managed-care setting. CMCNs are responsible for addressing the medical and social needs of each client in an efficient manner, ideally avoiding the need for hospitalization or critical care by coordinating wellness care effectively.