Information For RN VS BSN When Choosing A Nursing Degree

Nursing is not only an important career that directly improves people's lives; it is also a field with excellent employment opportunities. There will be just over 3.2 million jobs available by 2018 for Registered Nurses according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job market is growing, salaries are growing, there are more career opportunities in the field of nursing than ever before, and there may be more nursing degree choices than you're aware of. Consider these aspects before choosing a nursing degree:

Educational Commitment

For most students, the cost and length of education is a crucial factor when comparing nursing degree choices. An Associate Degree in Nursing is the minimum degree required to quality for registered nursing. Many community colleges offer ADN programs and they usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. The cost to attend a four-year university or college is usually much higher than a community college. Passing the National Council Licensure Examination-RN is also required before an ADN graduate can qualify as a RN.

A BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires a minimum of four years to complete. A nursing student can opt to begin their education at a community college and complete a bachelor's degree at a university or enroll in a four-year school from the start. A BSN graduate is also qualified to take the NCLE-RN if they are choosing Registered Nursing as a career.

Career Choices

More than 50% of RN's work in a hospital setting even though there are several other options available. A Registered Nurse may care directly for patients and/or supervise Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants in a hospital, clinic or skilled nursing facility. Other career choices for a RN include:

• Case Management
• Assistant Unit Manager
• Medical Sales
• School Nurse

Increasingly, administrative jobs require the minimum of a bachelor's degree. For nursing students who aspire to positions such as Unit Manager, Director or Chief of Nursing, completing a BSN would be a decisive career advantage. A few more career choices for BSN graduates are:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Anesthetists
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Nurse Educator

Eager students may land their first "dream job" in nursing with only an associate's degree. As their dreams expand they can return to school and attain the education that will feed the next dream. Choosing a nursing degree that supports your career goals is the best educational choice you can make.

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Susan Haubrich researched online RN to BSN programs so she could further her career around her busy schedule. You can find the information you need for the degree of your choice, scholarships and awards and much more from Colorado Christian University (CCU). Visit http://www.bsnprogramonline.com/ for more information.

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