Healthcare greatly depends on the nurses’ level of education and expertise. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that in March 2024, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) revealed that for the first time, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was the most common initial degree for registered nurses (RNs), with 45.4% entering the workforce with a BSN.
Additionally, the AACN notes in the The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey that over 70% of RNs in the U.S. have a BSN or higher degree. These industry trends reflect the growing recognition that a BSN education enhances nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
William Paterson University (WP) offers an RN to BSN online program for those looking to advance their careers, expand their skills, earn higher salaries and improve patient outcomes. Students can complete the program in as few as 10 months, and its online format allows flexibility and affordability for students’ work and life schedules.
The RN to BSN Program
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing Resources Hub, an RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing and wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The degree builds on existing nursing knowledge and skills, offering an education that encompasses leadership, critical thinking, theory, public health and evidence-based practice. To be eligible for enrollment, schools have required prerequisites, a minimum GPA and standardized test score.
The duration to complete an RN to BSN program can vary based on the institution and the student’s prior educational background. While it takes four years to earn a BSN degree on a traditional track, students can complete WP’s program in under a year. In order to enroll in an RN to BSN program, students must meet the minimum GPA requirements, have passing test scores and satisfy prerequisite class requirements.
Benefits of a BSN Degree
Nurses seeking to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to healthcare should consider pursuing an RN to BSN. According to the ANA Resources Hub and the AACN, nurses with a BSN degree can expect:
- Higher salary: BSN-prepared nurses earn an average of $90,000 a year compared to the average $75,000 salary that nurses with an associate degree earn. This increase reflects the advanced skills and knowledge that BSN-prepared nurses bring to their roles, making them valuable assets to healthcare organizations.
- More employment opportunities: The U.S. military, many employers and Magnet hospitals —known for excellence in nursing and patient care — now require or prefer nurses with a BSN degree for hiring and promotion. This is especially true for leadership and management positions, which can lead to more job security.
- Tuition reimbursement: With the push from employers requiring a BSN degree, nurses with an associate degree or nursing diploma may be able to earn a BSN degree with help from their employer through employee tuition reimbursement.
- Greater education opportunities: Earning a BSN is an important step in pursuing advanced nursing degrees. A BSN is often a prerequisite for enrolling in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs or other advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles. These advanced degrees can lead to leadership positions, specialized clinical roles and opportunities in academia.
- Improved patient outcomes: Hospitals with higher percentages of BSN-prepared nurses have lower mortality rates; fewer medication errors; fewer decubitus ulcers; decreases in procedure violations and in-patient hospital stays; and an increase of patients surviving cardiac arrest.
- Bigger impact and expertise: American Progress also finds that higher-educated nurses are key to ending nursing shortages because BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with a broader skill set, enabling them to positively influence patient care and healthcare outcomes. Research has found BSN nurses also have marked professional and competency skills. The in-depth training and stronger critical thinking allow them to take on more challenging clinical and administrative roles.
Given the benefits, pursuing an RN to BSN degree is a wise investment for nursing professionals. The degree enhances nursing skills, broadens career opportunities and meets the increasing demand for nurses committed to continuing education.
The Online RN to BSN Program: Take the Leap
William Paterson University’s online RN to BSN program is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to balance their studies with work and their personal lives. Moreover, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that the program meets the highest standards of nursing education.
Graduates of WP’s RN to BSN program are well prepared to excel in their careers and make a significant impact in the field of nursing. Now is the perfect time to take the next step in your nursing career and pursue your RN to BSN.
Learn more about WP’s online RN to BSN program.
