More Information About Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN)

• Registered nurses make up the largest health care occupation.
• The three major educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.
• Registered nurses often receive competitive wages and bonuses.

What does a registered nurse do?

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, perform basic duties that include treating patients, educating patients and the public about various medical conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients and their family. More specifically, RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. A RN may choose to specialize in a particular type of care and department of health care and they can work in hospitals, specialized doctor's offices, universities or private homes. Most work as staff nurses and provide critical health care services along with physicians, surgeons, and other health care practitioners. Others choose to earn higher degrees and become nurse practitioners, which is considered a higher level of nursing.

Job opportunities for RNs in all specialties are expected to be excellent. In fact, registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations. Among all the different workplaces for a nurse, employment in nursing care facilities and in-home care are expected to have the greatest need.

The average annual salary for a registered nurse is $55,000 and ranges from $50,000 to $70,000. Many employers offer signing bonuses, flexible work schedules, child care, educational benefits, and bonuses. Heath and retirement benefits vary according to workplace.

All registered nurses are required to graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN. There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: A bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma in nursing. Individuals considering nursing should consider going through a BSN program because some career paths are open only to nurses with a bachelor's or master's degree.

• University of Phoenix - Healthcare Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited university in the U.S. The healthcare programs offered include bachelor's degrees in health administration and nursing, master's degrees in healthcare management, nursing, and healthcare education, and a doctoral degree in healthcare administration. Many healthcare professionals find a way to continue working in their field, while they earn a degree in as few as 2 years. ( More Info )
• Grand Canyon University Online Founded in 1949 as a private, non-denominational Christian university, Grand Canyon University emphasizes individual attention and staff support. Students learn professional essentials for success in Education careers—all with the convenience of flexible online classes. ( More Info )
• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Stevens-Henager Online Stevens-Henager College Online offers highly flexible programs and degrees which can be easily worked into busy professional and personal lives. Students are able to complete a master's degree in as little as 15 months in subjects including Healthcare Administration and Nursing Administration. ( More Info )
• Arizona State University Arizona State University was established in 1885, and it presently has four Arizona campuses located in Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix. Over 64,000 students attend the school in Phoenix. The school has students from all fifty states and from more than one hundred countries across the world. Arizona State University offers over 250 Bachelor's programs as well as a large number of Master's and Doctorate programs. ( More Info )
• Independence University Independence University offers distance learning healthcare degree programs to accommodate busy working adults. They offer comprehensive online associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare, Nursing, Gerontology, Public Health, and Healthcare Management. ( More Info )
• Kent State University Established in 1910, Kent State University is a nationally-recognized residential public research university in Kent, Ohio. With emphasis on research, students are held to a high academic standard in the development of successful professionals. The school offers specialized healthcare training in RN/BSN Nursing through online education. ( More Info )
• Keiser University eCampus Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, 404.679.4501, to award associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Computer Networking, Medical Assisting and Medical Administration. ( More Info )
• Colorado Technical University - Online Colorado Technical University's online degree programs include Bachelors and Associate degree programs in Business, Criminal Justice and Information Technology. CTU's online programs also offer unique professional certification program that enables students to advance their careers while studying to get their degree. ( More Info )
• Colorado Christian University Online Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is a private, Christian university located a few miles from Denver, Colorado. The school offers a large number of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees online, as well, through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies' Global Online program. All programs allow students to integrate their faith into the knowledge and skills they acquire in the classroom. ( More Info )
• Post University Online Post University Online provides quality career education to those students seeking associate, bachelor, master and certificate training in various business, healthcare, information technology, human services, education and legal fields. Online education enables students to receive quality training without entering a classroom. ( More Info )