As the U.S. healthcare industry grows more complex, registered nurses (RNs) need enhanced skills to deliver quality healthcare. RNs with just an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a hospital diploma may be at a disadvantage. This is particularly true in hiring and promotion decisions, since many employers prioritize nurses who hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Fortunately, working nurses can pursue their baccalaureate education by enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program.
Profile of the RN-to-BSN program
RN-to-BSN programs provide a streamlined path to a bachelor’s degree by crediting students for their prior coursework and experience. These degree completion programs typically last two years; several schools offer accelerated or shorter programs. The University of Virginia, for example, offers a 21-month RN-to-BSN part-time program, which allows students to continue working full-time while earning their degree.
Nurses with a BSN degree can access a much broader range of job opportunities, including administrative and managerial positions. Demand for these BSN-educated nurses will significantly exceed supply, making higher education a strategic move for nurses already in the workforce. Virginia’s major healthcare providers, from University of Virginia Medical Center to Inova Fairfax Hospital, are always recruiting nurses with advanced degrees. While the state’s RNs typically earn $62,750 per year, BSN-educated nurses can expect a significant pay raise: most earn $74,000 or more annually.
To help Virginia’s registered nurses further their education and careers, we’ve profiled below several of the state’s top RN-to-BSN programs.