Earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing Degree

Merging the science and art of healthcare, the nursing profession is both incredibly demanding and fulfilling. As the field continues to embrace new technologies and techniques, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing is a great way to take full advantage of expanding career opportunities. Excellent programs are available for full-time students, as well as those seeking to further their education while maintaining their existing healthcare positions.

 

The bachelor of nursing degree is increasingly becoming a standard requirement for registered nurses (RNs) seeking broader professional responsibilities. In fact, it is essential for those interested in case manager and supervisory positions. Bachelors in nursing programs focus on emerging theories in health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention, along with health care technologies and various management theories.

For those looking to augment their nursing education without the cost or time commitment of traditional medical schools, obtaining an online bachelor's degree in nursing may be the perfect solution. Degree programs in nursingare among the most popular online courses because they allow working professional nurses, who often have irregular hours, to complete their baccalaureate education while maintaining their current work and family responsibilities.

 

Typical course offerings include biology, physiology and pharmacology, although programs can also be adapted to fit individual interests and skills (such as pediatric care or substance-abuse recovery). Leading online curriculums are designed to advance each student's critical thinking, patient assessment, leadership and research abilities, preparing RNs to hold management positions and earn advanced degrees.

Online nursing education is becoming increasingly affordable, as programs are designed to be more and more intensive and efficient. In most cases, students can earn a bachelor's degree in 18 to 20 months at an average cost of $10,000 to $15,000 (including textbooks and course materials).

 

The average cost per credit for leading online nursing programs ranges from $225 to $395. Most programs also require minimal technology fees for each semester of study.

 

In many ways, online nursing degrees are more cost-efficient than traditional programs. Commuting costs and parking fees are eliminated, and flexible schedules allow RNs to complete their courses while also earning money at their current nursing jobs.

Nurses with experience and a Bachelor of Science degree have many career opportunities, especially since demand for nurses is growing at an unprecedented rate. Driven by technological developments and rapid advancements in disease prevention and health promotion, a nursing degree opens up an exciting array of health care job opportunities.

 

A bachelor's degree in nursing also allows RNs to choose between public and private hospitals, schools of nursing, public health or governmental agencies, physicians’ offices or even self-employed private practice. Simply put, career advancement and leadership opportunities in nursing are greater for the registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree.