Nursing is a high-demand field that often provides flexibility, competitive pay, and personal satisfaction. But people are sometimes confused about the difference between a registered nurse (RN) license and a BSN degree.
An RN is a license that is required for any nurse in Georgia to practice. Students can take the exam for an RN license after completing an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Only those RNs who completed the four-year degree are considered BSNs.
Many registered nurses who initially completed two-year degrees or diploma programs, decide to return to college to pursue their BSN degrees. Through USG eCampus, several institutions offer online RN-to-BSN programs. These can typically be completed while RNs continue to work.
Why Many RNs Pursue the BSN Program
Salary is one motivation for completing a four-year nursing degree. According to ZipRecruiter (2024), registered nurses in Georgia with associate degrees earn an average of $81,268, while those with bachelor’s degrees earn an average of $85,500.
This difference becomes more pronounced with further specialization or graduate degrees. For example, the average salary for a nurse with a MSN (master’s) degree in Georgia exceeds $96,000 (ZipRecruiter, 2023). However, this may vary depending on the area of specialization. Admission to a MSN (master’s) program requires a BSN.
Pathways to Nursing Specialties
Higher-level specialties beyond the BSN that provide more autonomy and increased decision-making include the nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife. Under the general supervision of a physician, a nurse practitioner (NP) can treat and diagnose patients in ways similar to a physician. In Georgia, this includes prescribing medicines and ordering diagnostic tests (Georgia Policy, 2022). Nurse practitioners serve a vital role in rural areas in Georgia, where the number of practicing physicians may be low.
Becoming a Nurse Educator
Some nurses choose to pursue careers in academia, sometimes after working a few years in hospitals or other health care environments. Those who go into education can help address nursing shortages by helping to educate the next generations of nurses. Becoming a nurse educator of BSN students requires at least a master’s degree. Once again, the perquisite for a master’s degree is the BSN.
Getting Your BSN After Earning Your RN in Georgia
For those registered nurses who wish to complete BSN programs, there are now streamlined solutions in Georgia. Ten institutions in the University System of Georgia have partnered to provide pathways to the BSN ranging in length from 12 months to two years. Of the approximately 10 courses required, half are offered collaboratively between the institutions and include free text materials.
Among the 13 institutions offering the RN-to-BSN program are Columbus State University, Dalton State College, Georgia Southern University, Middle Georgia State College, and the University of West Georgia. For a full-list and more information, see the USG eCampus website or contact a USG eCampus Enrollment Navigator for personalized assistance.
USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.
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By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu
Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu
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