Examining the Differences Between an RN and a BSN

Have you been looking at a career change? Maybe you’ve been in the same career for years and it’s just not inspiring you any longer. Then again perhaps you are looking to start in your very first career and want something that is challenging and extremely rewarding. The healthcare industry is one that is on the rise right now, with job opportunities all across the country. It could make it the perfect career path, but the question is what kind of role do you want in the industry?

Here we’ll take a look at the difference between an RN and a BSN. It starts with the training and programming and then continues right into the job field, as we will discover.

A Reaction to Change

Just like with so many other industries, the healthcare industry is one that is going through vast changes, not just in the care that patients receive but also on the administrative side, the research, the technology, all of it. With that said, the responsibilities that the various jobs have typically held are also changing in order to keep up with the times. Nurses, in particular, seem to be taking on a lot more responsibilities and tasks, which are requiring them to be better prepared to handle these changes.

One of the best ways that nurses are preparing for these added responsibilities is by enrolling in a bachelor of science in nursing program. These RN to BSN programs can also be done online through websites such as Kaplanuniversity.edu, equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge they will need when stepping into the workplace.

The online RN to BSN courses take a more specialized approach to nursing management and nursing in general. It’s exactly the kind of skills and knowledge that today’s nurses need in order to be successful. When taking these courses online, you can expect to finish in as little as 18 months. That’s really not much time when you figure in a year and a half you could be in your career job.

What is a BSN?

As you look at these online RN to BSN programs, the first question that typically comes to mind is what a BSN is? An RN is, of course, a registered nurse, but most people aren’t so familiar with the RN to BSN online programs.

A BSN stands for a bachelor of science in nursing. This is actually a requirement if you hope to go on to your RN degree. It’s also important to note that once you have your BSN, you are an RN. It means you’ve gone ahead and successfully completed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) that allows you to hold your license and practice here in the US.

Where the big difference between the RN to BSN online programs lies is in the duration and depth of the schooling. In order to become an RN, you will need to complete your associate degree in nursing. This can be done through a university or college program. Meanwhile, for the BSN you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, plus go through extra training courses in administrative roles, management, and leadership.

What it boils down to as you look at these RN BSN online programs is what kind of job you want to find after you finish your schooling. In many ways, the BSN credential prepares you for more wide-reaching responsibilities and tasks, but at the same time that may not be what you’re interested in.

Another option is for RNs to use a bridge program that helps them work towards earning their BSN while working as an RN. This is great for those who are on the fence and want to get into the field before deciding if a BSN is necessary for them.

What About the Job Outlook?

Of course, everyone wants to know what the job outlook is for both. Clearly, you want to pick a degree that has a high guarantee of employment. With a BSN, there are a number of paths you can take including a nurse midwife, a staff nurse, clinical nurse educator, critical care registered nurse, medical and health services manager, and more.

Meanwhile, with your RN, you can look at working in various locations as a nurse. For example, you may want to look into being a public health nurse, a home health nurse, a school nurse, telemedicine nurse (this is a growing field), or even a nurse educator.

Both offer a number of different avenues, but with the BSN degree, you’ve got more opportunities for management, leadership, and administrative type positions.

Both Solid Options

When it comes down to it both the RN and BSN degrees are solid options that can provide you with a number of fabulous career paths. It all comes down to personal preference and what interests you most.