There’s a lot of information discussing online nursing degrees and if you’re unfamiliar with some of the terms, that information might seem a little cryptic. What’s a BSN anyway? And what the heck does “RN-to-BSN” or “RN-to-MSN” mean?? Well, we’re going to explain it all right here in this brief introduction to online nursing degrees.
BSN
BSN stands for Bachelors degree in the Science of Nursing. It’s received after completing a four-year college or university program that qualifies a graduate nurse to take a national licensing exam to become a registered nurse. (Source: http://www.deha.org/Glossary/GlossaryB.htm)
With a BSN, you have the necessary (albeit, basic) education to work as an RN (Registered Nurse). Since many hospitals and clinics all across the nation require BSNs from their nurses, you’re strongly encouraged to earn yours through an online nursing program. The requirement is so strong in fact, you might have trouble finding employment without one.
RN-to-BSN
As mentioned, RN stands for Registered Nurse. An online RN-to-BSN program helps nurses who’ve achieved an RN status with an associate’s degree or diploma program move on to earn a BSN degree. As we said, just about every state in this country requires a BSN from its nursing applicants, so it’s imperative that working RNs get a BSN if they’ve already graduated from a nursing program and/or even if they’re already working as a registered nurse.
The good news is that nursing programs will accept credits earned from an associate’s degree or diploma program. They’ll also credit work experience, so you needn’t worry about having to start your education from scratch. Online, education is even easier considering classes are available right over the Internet.
MSN
The MSN stands for a Master of Science in Nursing, and it can be achieved within 18 to 24 months. With an MSN, a nurse specializes in a specific field like research or training. To participate in an MSN nursing program, students must already have an RN license, a BSN from an accredited nursing school, GPA and GRE scores, and clinical work experience.
Similar titles include MPH (Master of Science in Public Health), MBA (Master of Business Administration), and MHA (Master in Health Care Administration).
Doctoral Nursing Programs
A doctoral nursing program gives nurses the skills to (1) lead within the entire nursing industry, (2) research nursing practices, and (3) teach as a nursing professor. You’ll find such qualified nurses working as health care executives, university deans, or senior policy makers.
As long as you remain committed to any one of these programs, you’ll stand in the midst of a radical point in history. For the future of quality nursing could rest in your hands. An online nursing degree will ensure your hands are capable of handling it.