Although an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) is sufficient for licensure as a registered nurse (RN), healthcare employers are increasingly preferencing candidates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). In fact, the Institute of Medicine recently set a bold target that 80% of registered nurses should hold a BSN degree by the year 2020. Communication skills and leadership abilities are fundamental for tackling the country’s increasingly complex healthcare situations. In fact, the U.S. Army and Navy have recently set the bachelor’s degree as a minimum educational requirement for their nurses.
The role of RN-to-BSN programs
Existing RNs who hold an ADN or hospital diploma can achieve baccalaureate education through an RN-to-BSN program. While a traditional BSN program requires four years of fulltime study, an RN-to-BSN program is just two years long. These programs offer a variety of courses to complement nurses’ existing knowledge, including many flexible online course options. Moreover, some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for their employees, making the BSN an achievable target for the working adult.
BSN graduates are the most in-demand nurses in the healthcare field. Mississippi’s RNs earn a median annual salary of about $55,000; however, BSN graduates often earn top-quartile pay of $66,320 or higher. BSN graduates enjoy greater responsibility, frequently filling managerial roles such as head nurse or department chief. BSN-holders can also pursue additional master’s-level education to progress into specialist roles like advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Brentwood Behavioral Health and Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation are just two examples of local nursing employers explicitly seeking to hire BSN graduates.
Below we provide additional information on the top RN-to-BSN programs offered in Mississippi.