Recently, a prospective student came to us with this question:
A certificate in phlebotomy from Labour茅
鈥淗i there! I鈥檓 just now starting to think about getting my BSN online. I鈥檝e been working on a med-surg floor since graduating with my associate degree 3 years ago. I love what I do, but since the pandemic hit, I鈥檝e been thinking about what鈥檚 next for me. I鈥檓 wondering if I鈥檓 ready to finally go for my BSN. I feel like it might open some doors for me, right? I don鈥檛 want to change careers, but I鈥檓 wondering what else is out there. Any info is appreciated!鈥�
This is such a great question and one we have heard from lots of nurses lately. Here鈥檚 what we said in our reply.
鈥淭hanks so much for getting in touch! Getting your BSN online is a big commitment, but it sounds like you might be ready. Here are a few things to think about as you make your decision:
You can complete our online BSN program in as little as 16 months. You can also pace the program to fit your lifestyle. As far as studying goes, you鈥檒l need to make sure that you have enough time to dedicate to your work each week. Even though the program is online, you still have deadlines to meet, discussions to participate in, and/or videos to watch.
An online BSN program is the first step of many that you can take to develop your nursing skills and further your career. The skills you learn in the online BSN open doors for you that can take you in so many different directions in the nursing profession. If you鈥檙e thinking about going into nurse management or nursing education, getting a BSN is the first step you need to take. Some jobs you may be able to apply for with a BSN include nursing director, nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, and clinical nurse manager. You鈥檒l also get to work on more complex cases and more complex floors the more education you have. BSNs are often required if you want to work in a specialized area like oncology or physical rehabilitation.
There is also a huge financial incentive to get your BSN online. Nurses with a BSN earn on average 22% more per year than RNs with an associate-level education. You can read more about the differences between RNs and BSNs here.
The best thing about online learning is that you can pace the courses and homework to fit your lifestyle. We have so many students at Labour茅 who are working parents, students who are caring for elderly or ill relatives, and students who are just busy people. Online learning allows them to take classes during hours that other students are sleeping or at work. We know that nurses are busy and there are so many schedules and shifts that you are working. An online BSN can accommodate all of those and it can be a great complement to your life while you continue to work as a nurse throughout this program.
Want to learn more or apply? Click here.
Good luck with your decision!
-The Admissions Team