Wondering the potential salary of a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree? Learn more!

Healthcare is a thriving and promising field. On top of incredible job security and regularly rewarding work, healthcare practitioners can also find comfort in a healthy paycheck and constant room for growth within their dedicated field.

One of the most popular and in-demand professions today is that of the Registered Nurse (RN). Registered Nurses are needed at the forefront of the healthcare field – in hospitals, private practices, long-term care facilities, health clinics, and more – to provide quality care for patients in need. There are many benefits to look forward to with a nursing career – including RN and BSN salary potential.

If you are interested in becoming a Registered Nurse in Connecticut, now is undoubtedly the time to do so. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of Registered Nurses nationwide will grow 15 percent by 2026. In Connecticut, nursing jobs are also on the rise. In fact, Registered Nursing is ranked sixth among occupations with the most annual job openings in the state.

Connecticut is a great place to kick off or advance your nursing career. According to the CT Department of Labor, the average, entry-level salary for RNs is over $60,000 per year! Across the state, the median annual Registered Nurse salary – for all degree levels – now exceeds $77,500. This is higher than the current national average for RNs.

While educational requirements vary by employer, the Connecticut DOL recommends earning a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) degree. Whether you are a seasoned RN nurse or just starting out, a BSN degree can open many doors for you – qualifying you for many advanced job opportunities and posing you for higher earning potential. As a leading nursing school with both Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs, Goodwin College knows these opportunities well.

The fact is, many employers are now preferring (and encouraging) nurses to pursue their BSNs. Almost 80 percent of healthcare employers in Connecticut, for example, prefer to hire BSN graduates. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) also predicts that the number of nurses with a BSN will increase from 50% to 80% by the year 2020. And, while nursing graduates with an Associate Degree qualify for about half of nursing jobs – BSN graduates qualify for approximately 88% of RN job openings today!

In addition to fulfilling Registered Nursing positions, BSN graduates may pursue careers as:

• Clinical Research Nurse
• School Nurse
• Informatics Nurse
• Military/Army Nurse
• Case Management Nurse

Along with more job opportunities often comes higher pay, and there may be additional earning power for nurses who have taken the time to pursue a BSN. RN and BSN salaries often start off at about the same level, however, after some years of experience, BSN nurses may see more down the road – According to Payscale.com, an annual BSN salary has the potential to be $8k more than an ADN salary.

If you are already working as a Registered Nurse and looking to qualify for advancement opportunities in the field, earning your BSN degree could be a great next step. The beauty is, Goodwin College makes it easy for working RNs to pursue their Bachelor’s degree.  Our RN-to-BSN program, offered fully online, is the perfect choice for licensed RNs who have completed an Associate degree or hospital diploma program. The RN-to-BSN curriculum can be completed part-time in 16 months or be designed to meet your individual needs.

Earning a BSN degree may increase your salary potential, may improve your quality of care, and will undoubtedly enhance your knowledge of the nursing field. Do not hesitate to get a jumpstart (or get ahead!) in your nursing career. To learn more about the BSN salary in Connecticut, or to learn about the RN to BSN degree program at Goodwin College, please call 800-889-3282.