How Long To Becoming an RN with a Bachelor’s Degree

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. For potential nurses, the journey to becoming an RN starts with understanding the requirements and how long it will take to become an RN with a bachelor’s degree. Read on to find out more about the path to becoming an RN with a bachelor’s degree and the benefits it brings.

Gaining the Knowledge to Become an RN

Most students hoping to become a registered nurse choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This is because nurses need a sound knowledge base on the fundamentals of healthcare and the skills to demonstrate and apply them. To gain this knowledge, students must undertake coursework in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology and communication skills. In addition to the classroom, knowledge is further gained through hands-on internships, clinical practicums, community citizenship and assignments in the medical field. These experiences provide future nurses with invaluable insight into the field and invaluable experience in preparing them to become an RN.

What Shortcuts Can I Take?

A bachelor’s degree is not the only route to becoming a registered nurse. Prospective nurses may also consider completing a diploma or associate degree program. However, there are drawbacks to taking these shorter routes. For instance, nurses who lack a bachelor’s degree might find it difficult to obtain a higher paying nursing position. In addition, these shorter programs may not fully cover all of the hands-on experience or topics required for a successful nursing career.

Understanding the Requirements

Before beginning the journey to bachelor’s degree, students must ensure they understand the requirements. Generally, this entails taking a combination of science, math and health-related courses as part of the curriculum. Coursework will also include the completion of a student teaching experience and the successful completion of a state licensing examination.

Benefits to Completing a Bachelor’s Degree

Completing a bachelor’s degree has its advantages. Not only does the degree provide a wealth of knowledge, it also opens opportunities for higher-level nursing jobs. Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree allows nurses to be eligible for a career in nursing research, management and education, as well as helping them to become leaders in the nursing field.

Researching the Programs that Work for You

Before diving into the RN program, it is important that students research the programs that fit their needs. When researching, important questions to ask are:

• What types of courses are required?

• Are there any prerequisites?

• What is the success rate of graduates?

• What support is available?

• What specialized RN program is available?

Knowing these answers will make the difference in how long it takes to become an RN with a bachelor’s degree.

Time and Financial Commitment

Becoming an RN with a bachelor’s degree takes time and financial commitment. Generally, an RN program can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to complete. This depends on whether the program is offered part-time or full-time and whether the student takes courses in the summer. As for the financial commitment, tuition fees and other associated costs can range between $10,000 to $35,000 for the entire program.

The Finish Line: With a Bachelor’s Degree, You’re an RN!

It may seem like a long road, but if you are dedicated and passionate, becoming an RN with a bachelor’s degree is possible. Once you have earned your degree, you can officially call yourself a registered nurse and pursue various opportunities in the nursing field.

Conclusion

Becoming an RN with a bachelor’s degree is a worthwhile investment. Not only can it open doors to new opportunities and higher-level jobs, but it is also a pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding career. With dedication, it is possible to complete the path to becoming  bachelor’s degree and begin your journey to living a healthier future.