Is It Worth It To Get A Bsn?

There aren't many things that can improve the career outlook for a vocational nurse in California or Texas more quickly than signing up for an accredited LVN to BSN program. Along with dramatically raising the nurse's earning possibilities, a BSN degree also allows its recipient to become a RN. What's even better, these popular transition programs can usually be studied online in just four semesters as the LVN is working.

What is a BSN?

The acronym BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and it is, for all intents and purposes, the same as a four-year university nursing degree. Between RNs, those that hold a BSN degree are usually vested with additional responsibility, earn higher wages (in California, the typical BSN is paid over $80,000 per year), and get better opportunities for growth.

LVN to BSN Programs - How to Become a BSN

No matter whether you are currently an LVN or an RN, it is possible to become a BSN by registering in and successfully finishing a LVN to BSN bridge program. Admission requirements for most programs in California require pupils to be a previously licensed nurse or vocational nurse, have proof of a minimum of one year of experience being employed as an LVN or RN, and hold a degree or certification from an accredited LVN or RN program. Some programs carry additional requirements for references, minimum GPAs in completed coursework, and bare minimum scores on standardized entry exams.

The typical material covered by LVN to BSN programs involves both nursing theory and clinical study, and is generally completed in two years (or four semesters). The majority of programs also concentrate a good part of their courses on teaching skills that will enable the BSN to play the role of administrator.

After completion of an accredited bridge program, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam required for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Web-Based LVN to BSN Programs

Because the majority of people who sign up for bridge programs work full-time, it is extremely common for LVN to BSN programs to be offered online. Unlike standard online LVN programs in California, you can actually finish the required coursework in a distance learning format.

Should You Be a BSN?

Any quick online search on the subject of becoming a BSN will give you a multitude of conflicting opinions from those who work in the nursing field. While it is true your starting pay after earning your degree may not be much higher than an RN’s, with time, you will have the cabability to advance far more easily than your peers who haven't finished a BSN. Rising higher up the career ladder, and reaping increased monetary rewards accompany this advancement in addition to the independence to sculpt your own work conditions.

The choice of whether to become a BSN is a personal one, and the added commitment and cost required to chase a higher degree is not for everybody. You should think about, however, the belief that there is a growing sentiment in the health care industry to make BSN degrees a requirement for all RNs. Whatever tomorrow holds, completing an LVN to BSN program is certain to open plenty of doors for anyone contemplating a long-term career in nursing.

By: Ayla Ward

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Would you like to find out more about LVN to BSN programs and their potential benefits to your career? Please stop by Ayla Ward's blog on LVN programs in California where you'll find more information on that subject, as well as other issues related to vocational nursing!