Taking Your RN to the Next Level |
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March 20, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Registered nurses comprise a vast segment of the American nursing profession. There are close to 900 registered nursing (RN) programs in the country offering associate degrees. It's common knowledge in the healthcare field that graduates of a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) degree program have greater opportunities for career advancement, as well as extra flexibility in the workplace.
The Power of a BSN Degree
Today, there are 600 nursing degree programs--both on campus or online--that assist RNs in converting their RN degree to a BSN. If you already hold a degree, you might consider one of the accelerated online nursing degree programs that can boost the clinical nurse's earning power. A BSN is a basic requirement for advancement to management, clinical nurse specializations, and positions as nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners.
The Nursing Field is Booming
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that nursing will be the second-fastest growing occupation in the American workplace through 2014, with many openings created through hospital and care center expansions, as well as by the retirement of experienced clinical nurses leaving the occupation.
Earning Your Bachelor Degree in Nursing Online
According to the BLS, many working RNs take advantage of their employers' tuition reimbursement benefits when enrolling in RN to BSN programs. Online nursing degree programs are especially well-tailored for working clinical nurses who cannot find sufficient time to attend a campus-based program. These flexible programs also expose clinical nurses to experience in non-hospital settings, further broadening their long-term opportunities.
Colleges offering BSN degrees recognize your experience as well as your prior training. An online bachelor degree in nursing program typically offers core-enhancement training in pharmacology, microbiology, ethics, anatomy, and pathophysiology. For busy RNs, the online nursing degree can level the competitive landscape and, at the same time, open fresh doors in specialized nursing professions.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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