Registered nurses (RNs) frequently return to school to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as more employers require advanced degrees. Many working RNs find online RN to BSN programs the most effective option to advance their education and careers while juggling work and family responsibilities.
Programs like Lamar University’s affordable online RN to BSN complement the education and work experience of registered nurses. These programs help students expand their professional development by learning more about the societal and cultural issues patients face, along with new technologies and a broader scope of practice standards.
BSN Degree Programs Readily Available
According to 2022 data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), over 780 RN to BSN programs are available nationwide, more than 650 of which include at least partial online learning options. The programs typically take one to two years for a nurse to complete. Lamar University’s online RN to BSN program, for instance, can be completed in as few as 13 months.
AACN reports that enrollment in RN to BSN programs surged from 2002 to 2018, increasing by roughly 355% as the industry raised standards for professional degrees in nursing. As an example, to be eligible for Magnet Recognition Program designation, hospitals must require RNs in nurse manager or nurse leader positions to hold at least a BSN degree. Moreover, according to 2022 research from AACN, “27.7% of hospitals and other healthcare settings are requiring new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while 71.7% of employers are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates.”
While the push for BSN-level preparation for the nursing workforce is ongoing, AACN reports that enrollment in RN to BSN programs dipped by 9.6% from 2020 to 2021 — perhaps due to the widespread disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, according to the most recent National Nursing Workforce Survey, the percentage of nurses with a BSN or higher-level degree rose to above 70% for the first time in 2022, indicating the BSN is fast becoming the new standard for minimum nursing preparation.
Prior Planning Leads to Success in Online RN to BSN Programs
Working registered nurses advancing their education through online RN to BSN programs can follow simple steps to set themselves up for success. In addition to researching the program’s costs and offerings, one should determine the technical requirements for the online BSN degree program.
Equally important is blocking time and space to succeed. Creating a consistent time for program coursework and a suitable study station is crucial to success. Connecting early with professors to build relationships will also pay dividends throughout the RN to BSN program and a nursing career.
Nurses are expert multitaskers who continually learn new practice standards and face challenging work situations. Completing an online RN to BSN program can be an essential and fulfilling step to career advancement as the healthcare industry shifts toward new technologies, value-based care and higher educational standards.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online RN to BSN program.
