Following LVN to BSN Programs to Better Your Career

Few things can improve the career outlook for a vocational nurse in Texas or California faster than enrolling in an approved LPN-Licensed-Vocational-Nurse-LVN/">LVN to BSN program. Not only does this important degree qualify a vocational nurse to be a Registered Nurse, but it often guarantees that the nurse is going to be paid at the top end of the range for RNs as well. Bridge programs providing this desirable degree can be finished in as few as four semesters, and are typically available online to working LPN-Licensed-Vocational-Nurse-LVN/">LVNs.



What is a BSN?



The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, or BSN, is basically the same as a traditional college degree in nursing. Among RNs, those who hold a BSN degree are usually entrusted with additional responsibility, earn higher wages (in California, the average BSN earns over $80,000 per year), and get greater opportunities for advancement.



LVN to BSN Programs - How to Become a BSN



Whether you're currently an RN or LVN, you can become a BSN by enrolling in and finishing a LVN to BSN bridge program. Eligibility for admission to California bridge programs requires the candidate to hold a current RN or vocational nursing license, be a graduate of an accredited LVN to RN program, and hold at least one year's worth of work experience in nursing. Some programs have added requirements for references, minimum GPAs in past classes, and minimum scores on standardized admittance exams.



The standard material included in LVN to BSN programs involves both nursing theory and clinical work, and is normally completed in two years (or four semesters). The majority of programs additionally concentrate the greater part of their curriculum on training skills that will enable the BSN to play the role of administrator.



After completing an accredited bridge program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination required for licensure as a Registered Nurse.



Online LVN to BSN Programs



Most LVN to BSN bridge programs are offered online to account for the reality that most students are still full-time vocational nurses or RNs. In contrast to standard online LVN programs in California, it is possible to finish all of the required course work in a distance learning format.



Should I Become a BSN?



Assuming you have previously worked in nursing as an LVN, you'll surely hear conflicting recommendations on the topic of becoming a BSN. While it's true your initial pay after earning your degree might not be much higher than an RN's, over time, you will have the chance to advance far more easily than your peers who haven't finished a BSN. Rising further up the professional ladder, and enjoying increased financial rewards come with this advancement as well as the independence to sculpt your own personal work conditions.



Deciding if becoming a BSN suits you involves weighing the amount of time and money needed to earn a degree with the benefits it gives. You should consider, however, the belief that there's a growing sentiment in the nursing industry for making BSN degrees a requirement for all RNs. Whether or not this should come to pass is unclear, but what is clear is that enrolling today in an LVN to BSN program will put you in a great position to excel in professional nursing whatever the future holds.