What is an RN-to-BSN Degree?

Reviewed By Dr. Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., RN, CRNA

RN-to-BSN bridge programs help practicing registered nurses who hold a diploma or associate degree take their education to the next level. In doing so, they can also expect to earn higher salaries and open doors to more professional opportunities.

While traditional BSN programs admit students with no required previous higher education degree, RN-to-BSN programs support learners who have completed their diploma or associate degree and achieved licensure as a RN and want to build upon their previous coursework to complete a BSN. Students can usually graduate from RN-to-BSN bridge programs in under two years.

When looking for bridge programs, finding an accredited program is essential, as a degree from an unaccredited program might not be accepted as valid for licensure or employment. Bridge program graduates continue working as RNs but their further education primes them for additional, more advanced career opportunities; some students may want to pursue an RN-to-MSN program to expand their job options even wider.

Table of Contents

• Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-BSN Programs
• Types of RN-to-BSN Programs
• Curriculum in BSN Programs
• Benefits of a BSN Degree
• Career and Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses

Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-BSN Programs

Types of RN-to-BSN Programs

There are three types of BSN programs: traditional, bridge, and online. Traditional programs serve first-time learners looking to complete a bachelor’s degree as their first step. These usually take four years to graduate. Bridge programs serve students who already hold a diploma or associate degree in nursing and take approximately two years to complete. Online BSN programs can exist as traditional or bridge degrees but allow students to meet all requirements through digital learning rather than visiting campus multiple times per week.

Admission requirements for RN-to-BSN bridge programs include an unencumbered RN license, minimum GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses.

Curriculum in BSN Programs

BSN courses introduce students to the core tenets of the nursing field and give them the skills needed to work as a qualified and confident registered nurse. The first two years of the degree serve as a foundation for advanced work and cover topics such as human anatomy and physiology, bacteriology, concepts of professional nursing, and issues in cultural health. The second half of the degree focuses on nursing-specific concepts such as evidence-based practice, leadership competencies in nursing and healthcare, and health assessment.

Benefits of a BSN Degree

In years past, many RNs held only a diploma or associate degree. In recent years, however, the industry has encouraged these professionals to work towards a bachelor’s degree as these programs offer a deeper and wider scope of knowledge and skills. A study from the Campaign for Nursing’s Future found that the number of RNs with a BSN or higher is now at 56%, up from 49% in 2010. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has introduced several initiatives to help increase this number over the coming decade.

BSNs help registered nurses build a better understanding of how to adequately care for patients while also positioning them well for higher salaries, opportunities for growth, and leadership positions. Many individuals who already possess a diploma or associate degree complete an RN-to-BSN while still working.

Career and Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses

Registered nurses enjoy salaries that sit above the national average for all occupations. In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported median pay at $73,300 per year. Earners in the top 10% brought home in excess of $111,220 during the same time frame. The BLS also projected that roles for RNs should grow by 12% between 2018 and 2028 — far faster than the national average.

Reviewed by:

Dr. Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., RN, CRNA, is an advanced practice nurse. She graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She is currently a university nursing educator and has authored multiple publications. She has also presented at national and international levels about medical and leadership issues. She enjoys walking, reading, traveling to new places, and spending time with her family.