Benefits of Having a BSN Degree

Health care is becoming increasingly complex — the result of a changing population and workforce, rapid advances in medical technology, growing health care needs, and a shortage of skilled care providers, among other factors.

All of these challenges make it more important than ever that nurses hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. As a BSN student, your nursing education will cover a lot more than just fundamental skills. Through our 16-month ABSN track, you’ll:

  • Become adept at providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care that treats the whole person — mind, body, heart and soul.
  • Develop strong clinical reasoning and the leadership skills necessary to stand out in today’s nursing workforce.
  • Learn to provide safe, quality care both individually and as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of the issues and policy decisions affecting health care delivery and patient outcomes.
  • Be well positioned academically to pursue further nursing studies, such as a master’s degree or advanced practice certification.

The Nursing Degree Employers Are Looking For

More than ever, hospitals and health care systems are seeking out nurses with a BSN degree or higher. Many are even resorting to hefty signing bonuses to attract BSN-educated nurses and not just because the United States is facing a growing nursing shortage.

UIW nursing student in black scrubs and stethoscope

Study after study has shown that when nurses hold a BSN degree, patients see better outcomes. It’s for this reason that in 2010 the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) proposed the 80% BSN by 2020 Initiative. Though the health care industry has yet to meet this ambitious goal, there’s little question that a bachelor’s in nursing is a must, as more and more hospitals move toward hiring only RNs who have BSN credentials. For example, to receive the prestigious Magnet® designation, all of a hospital’s nurse managers are required to hold a BSN degree or higher.

The Degree You Need

Considering the obvious benefits of hiring BSN-educated nurses, it’s no wonder employers pay RNs well. In Texas — where more than 210,000 nurses are already employed (and many more are needed) — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports RNs earn a mean annual salary of $80,010 a year.

But earning potential and knowing you’ll make a difference every day aren’t the only advantages of choosing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. A BSN provides a crucial first step toward obtaining a master’s degree and the certification required for advanced practice nursing roles, such as:

  • Nurse anesthetist
  • Nurse educator
  • Nurse midwife
  • Nurse practitioner

Ready to take the first step toward a world of possibilities? Give us a call today to learn more about our 16-month Accelerated BSN track.

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