What You Should Know About This Degree
ADN and BSN programs may seem similar, but they are actually quite different. In addition to clinical skills, BSN programs cover topics such as critical thinking and research. Also, BSN nurses tend to earn at least $10,000 more per year.
Students must either pass the NCLEX or RN license exam or have an RN license that’s active and in good standing to qualify for these programs. Most workplaces will set these as the basic qualifications needed to apply to any nursing job.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online accelerated RN-to-BSN programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? With the BSN now becoming the minimum education requirement for all nurses, practical experience and an ADN are minimum eligibility requirements. This ensures that students have a practical basis on which to build.
- What licensing or certifications are required? All students need an RN license that’s in good standing. They may also have specialized certifications, such as a CPN (Certified Pediatric Nurse) or OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse).
Make sure to pay attention to deadlines. These accelerated programs are often run on a cohort basis, which means you may have to wait for the next session if you miss the deadlines. Certain employers may offer some tuition assistance, but to make up for the shortfall, it’s a good idea to fill out a FAFSA application to help you locate eligible scholarships and grants.