Registered nurses (RNs) fill a wide variety of fundamental roles in the healthcare system. They plan, implement, and assess individualized care for patients, while also teaching and supervising a team of other nurses and support staff. This high level of responsibility has made RNs in high demand. If you aspire to become an RN, you can choose to pursue either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), each of which has its respective advantages.
Associate’s degree in nursing
The associate’s degree in nursing program usually takes two years to complete. There are also special one-year programs available for existing LPNs. Over 15 schools across Mississippi offer associate’s degree in nursing programs, some of which include online courses in addition to traditional on-campus learning. Earning an ADN is the faster way to launch a career as an RN. Many RNs choose this option to get started in nursing, then pursue higher levels of education after establishing their careers.
Traditional bachelor’s degree programs take four years to complete. There are also accelerated programs available for students who are already licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. The bachelor of science in nursing program builds upon the knowledge gained in the associate’s degree program, providing additional courses in administration, leadership, and research. A BSN degree is a necessary step for those who wish to advance their careers and pursue advanced practice nursing. Although BSN degree programs take longer to complete, they provide for more comprehensive training and confer a significant edge in the job market.
Career prospects
Nurses who hold BSN degrees tend to have higher wages than those who have only earned their ADNs. Recent statistics also show that ADNs are sufficient for about 50% of registered nursing jobs in the U.S., while BSN degrees satisfy the needs of approximately 90%. In either case, registered nurses fill an incredibly high-demand role within the healthcare field. There are around 27,000 RNs currently working in Mississippi, with rising demand. RNs in the state can expect to make around $55,000 per year.
We’ve compiled below a list of the top registered nursing schools in Mississippi, including programs for both the associate’s degree in nursing and the bachelor of science in nursing.