Although it is possible to become a registered nurse (RN) by attaining a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), in recent years employers have shown a strong preference toward hiring applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. Because it is becoming increasingly important to earn a BSN to remain competitive on the job market, RN-to-BSN programs are becoming more and more common.
The RN-to-BSN program allows a nurse who already holds an associate’s degree to work toward a BSN degree on a part-time basis. The program is specifically designed to bridge the gap between the ADN and the BSN, allowing practicing nurses to build upon the courses they took in their ADN programs instead of having to start a BSN from scratch. RN-to-BSN programs are also made to accommodate the busy schedules of working nurses, making it possible to work and study concurrently.
There are several advantages to earning an associate’s degree in nursing before continuing with an RN-to-BSN program. Associate’s degree programs are less expensive and take less time than bachelor’s degrees, so the ADN program can make nursing more accessible for students unsure of how they will pay for their education. With this route, students can begin nursing sooner, enabling them to start earning money to pay their way through the RN-to-BSN program, and ensuring that they will graduate the BSN program with years of experience in the field.
The majority of registered nurses in the state of Hawaii earn well over $80,000 per year, significantly higher than the national average. The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the top RN employers in the state. They provide a salary range from $63,500 to $111,500 per year, depending upon education and experience.
If you are an RN in Hawaii looking to continue your education and work toward career advancement, take a look at the below list of the top RN-to-BSN programs in the state.