Although a two-year associate’s degree is sufficient to launch a registered nurse (RN) career, RN-to-BSN programs have gained popularity in recent years. These programs enable an existing RN with an associate’s degree to attain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. With part-time, full-time, evening, and online options, RN-to-BSN programs are tailored to the needs of working nurses and build upon their existing skill sets and knowledge base.
While two additional years of schooling entails tangible costs, a BSN degree pays dividends in the long run. There is a growing employer preference for nurses educated at the baccalaureate level. This includes the major nursing employers in South Carolina, such as Piedmont Medical Center, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In fact, studies have demonstrated that baccalaureate-prepared nurses are correlated with lower patient mortality rates, higher patient satisfaction score, and better outcomes of care in the facilities that employ them.
A BSN also opens new doors to career advancement, including positions in management, research, and specialized nursing fields like midwifery and anesthesia. Finally, BSN-educated nurses develop an enhanced understanding of the healthcare system. This may translate into improved patient care and greater self-satisfaction, which can far outweigh any increase in monetary compensation.
Registered nurses are at the frontlines of a rapidly evolving healthcare system, one in which technology and aging populations will place greater demands on healthcare providers. South Carolina’s RNs can improve the quality of their patient care by enrolling in one of the RN-to-BSN programs listed below.