Thanks to the growing demands of the healthcare industry, many employers prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Fortunately, there is a way for existing registered nurses (RNs) to reap the benefits of this trend. RN-to-BSN programs allow nurses who already hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) to earn the BSN degree in a shorter amount of time.
Overview of RN-to-BSN programs
RN-to-BSN programs can take as few as 18 months to complete. This is significantly less time than the traditional four-year prelicensure BSN. The RN-to-BSN program covers a diverse range of critical topics, including health assessment, clinical microbiology, information management, applied nursing research, quality leadership, and professional roles and values. Several of Nevada’s accredited nursing schools offer an RN-to-BSN program, including Nevada State College in Henderson, University of Nevada in Reno, and Great Basin College in Elko.
With the demand for BSN-educated nurses far outstripping supply, higher education is a very strategic move for Nevada’s existing nurses. Major healthcare employers like Genesis HealthCare are constantly recruiting BSN-holders for senior roles and managerial positions. The state’s RNs earn over $78,000 per year, which is already impressive. However, those with BSN degrees often earn more than $90,000 annually, and nurses who hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) routinely top six figures.
To help Nevada’s registered nurses accelerate their careers, we have profiled below the best RN-to-BSN programs in the state.