More and more, Utah’s nursing employers are favoring candidates with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree in their hiring and promotion decisions. As a result, many of the state’s registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) are heading back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree. These students can enroll in specially designed RN-to-BSN programs that provide a streamlined path for existing nurses to attain baccalaureate education.
BSN completion programs grant students credit for their associate’s degree coursework and real-life nursing experience. The RN-to-BSN pathway therefore requires less time to complete than a traditional BSN degree. Most programs take at most two years of fulltime study. RN-to-BSN coursework focuses on advanced clinical knowledge, research skills, and leadership abilities. A number of Utah’s top colleges and universities offer BSN degree completion programs. These include public institutions like Dixie State University and Utah Valley University, as well as private schools like Stevens-Henager College and Independence University.
To help Utah’s RNs advance their careers, we’ve profiled below several of the top RN-to-BSN programs in the state.