There are countless reasons why one might become a registered nurse (RN), but here’s a major one: financial security. Modern RNs make a median salary of $86,070 per year. Not to mention, becoming an RN means becoming a valuable community asset and challenging yourself along the way. And if you already have a bachelor’s degree, you don’t have to start from square one.
Those who’ve already completed a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field can become a registered nurse quickly, through an accelerated BSN (ABSN) training program. This can strengthen your professional credentials and open doors to advanced clinical practices, leadership roles, and diverse career opportunities in the field of nursing. The ABSN curriculum is created to fill gaps in your knowledge while preparing you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam as a final step toward RN licensure (a requirement for nurses to practice).
Let’s look at how to turn your prior education into a career that serves others and the community. Take the following steps to become a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree:
1. Research and preparation
If you’re serious about beginning a nursing career, start by familiarizing yourself with your program options and their requirements. ABSN programs are designed for those with previous college credit, offering a fast track to completing a BSN, passing the NCLEX-RN, and becoming a registered nurse.
With that in mind, make sure you meet the prerequisites for the program you’re applying to. An ABSN program will require a bachelor’s degree (in any field) from an accredited college or university. However, other bachelor’s degree pathways might have different requirements. For example, if you’re looking at the RN to BSN path, you’ll need to have previously completed an associate degree in Nursing and/or already hold an RN license. There are many pathways to getting a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, no matter your background!
2. Application process
When working toward your bachelor’s degree in Nursing, you’ll need to get organized. Submit required paperwork—official transcripts from prior colleges and universities, recommendations, and perhaps a personal essay, to name a few. Getting your ducks in a row during the application process will confirm that you’re pursuing the best route to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Additionally, many of your previous credits will transfer into an ABSN program, so research thoroughly. At Goodwin, nearly 50% of our students bring previous college credit when transferring. If you have already spent time in school, don’t pick a program that makes you start from scratch!
3. Financial planning
Understanding the financial aspects of your education is critical. Reviewing the fixed tuition model of the program’s total cost is helpful to proactively plan your finances. Explore government funding options, like FAFSA, as well as state-level financial aid options, including scholarships via the CT Health Horizons Initiative, which can offer up to $ 10,000 to eligible students.
Don’t forget to research within your school’s financial aid office as well. There are grants for veterans, public servants, and teachers available in many cases, certainly no shortage of creative ways to support your education costs and lower your financial burden.
Become a registered nurse through Goodwin University.
4. Program structure and curriculum
As mentioned, there are some common pathways to completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Most commonly, aspiring nurses know about the traditional, four-year BSN programs that you can pursue directly after high school. However, this is not the only option available.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. This is designed for those who wish to become a nurse, without a large investment in school. You must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field for entry, and you can be awarded up to 38 credits for this prior education. Because of this, the ABSN can be completed in as little as 16 months on a full-time basis (versus the traditional four years). Students complete 60 more core nursing courses. Near graduation, students take the NCLEX exam to complete RN licensure.
Another flexible option is the RN to BSN route, designed for those who’ve already completed their associate degree and passed the NCLEX-RN. The RN to BSN is designed with flexibility in mind to wrap up those credits and get your BSN degree, which will position you to advance in your nursing career. The RN to BSN can be completed part-time in just 12 months, allowing you to maintain your career while going back to school. The curriculum covers advanced clinical practices, leadership, and community health, equipping you with the skills needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings.
The RN to BSN program is available entirely online, which is perfect for working professionals, with the convenience of studying from anywhere. You can advance your career smoothly and competently without compromising your current commitments.
5. Support and resources
Next, university support services—tutoring, career counseling, veteran support, and more—are available in the best BSN programs. These resources amplify your learning experience, along with opportunities to participate with peers and faculty through online forums and university events. You can build valuable professional connections that will benefit you throughout your career.
Make sure you fully utilize your student’s access to this wealth of support and resources. You could even attend advising sessions with an academic advisor from the nursing department to plan your course schedule and stay on track.
6. Completion and graduation
Of course, meeting all coursework and clinical requirements is the first crucial step toward graduation—showcasing your newfound theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in various healthcare settings.
Finally, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become a fully licensed professional, and —presto! You’re ready to enter the workforce.
Then there’s nothing left to do except your commencement ceremony—a time-honored traditional occasion to recognize your diligence and hard work in front of your teachers, peers, family, and friends. Make sure you don’t skip this celebratory step! Receiving your BSN degree is not just a time of formal recognition but a gateway to numerous professional opportunities and career advancement in nursing.
You’ve worked hard. You deserve to celebrate!
A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing: Three Pathways
Learn how to become a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree, through three program options:
Traditional BSN Program
A traditional BSN is designed for high school graduates and individuals with no prior nursing experience. This program takes four years, including all non-nursing, nursing, and clinical hours. Students will be ready to take the NCLEX-RN for their license upon program culmination.
Accelerated BSN Program
Even in a non-science discipline, earning a bachelor’s degree is still an exciting first step toward a healthcare career. If you already have a bachelor’s degree but want to shift into the healthcare field, entering an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is one efficient way to get the skills you need. The accelerated program takes about 16 months to complete, followed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Plus, an ABSN degree in Connecticut has led to diverse career opportunities and specializations.
RN-to-BSN Program
If you wish to become an RN quickly, you may consider earning an associate degree in Nursing—a minimum requirement that will make you eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. The associate degree takes roughly two years of nursing school or less to complete and allows you to get into the workforce fast.
What does this have to do with a bachelor’s in Nursing, you ask? Well, once you have your associate degree, RN licensure, and some experience, you can always go back to school for your BSN! Many registered nurses prefer to get work experience immediately rather than sit through more classes—and then later return to school at any time with an RN-to-BSN Program. This type of program is for active registered nurses seeking to advance their education with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. At Goodwin, the RN to BSN program can be completed in just 12 months part-time, and entirely online for added flexibility.
Chart your course—a BSN that’s right for you!
Ready to unlock your career growth and potential? Follow the steps to complete a nursing program that aligns with your career and educational goals. Learn more about the nursing programs at Goodwin University to start your path to becoming a registered nurse.