Skip to main content

How a BSN Degree Differs from an RN License

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.

-
By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu
Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu

Comments

Sophia Brownie said…
Wow, the opportunities for registered nurses in Georgia are truly inspiring! As someone contemplating a career shift into nursing, this article provides valuable insight into the educational pathways available in Georgia. but, if there are resources available to assist with the academic workload, like someone need online class help services, to ensure success while advancing the education


June 5, 2024 at 5:27 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spring Semester: Overcoming the January Blues

Spring semester often presents with the excitement of New Year’s Resolutions, new classes and the knowledge that spring break is just a few weeks away. However, it also brings a sense of sadness for many students as December holiday activities have concluded and the days are short. For online students, these feelings of general sadness can be even more pronounced if the student is isolated. Fewer people are outdoors during the cold days of winter and social activities have likely slowed down. Following are a few tips for feeling your best as the semester unfolds. Know that you aren’t alone. The January Blues and the February Slump are well recognized. If you have these feelings, embrace them and understand that occasional blues are normal. Get outdoors . As an online student, it’s very important that you are intentional about spending time in the sunlight. Some believe that the January blues are caused in part by the lack of sunlight (as compared to summer months). Take time for daily...
Post a Comment
Read more

3 Things to Consider Before Taking an Online Class While Overseas

Online Learning allows students the flexibility of continuing their educational journey from anywhere in the world. Online classes are an excellent option for students who are studying abroad for the semester, military members and families who are stationed overseas, or even those who want to take classes while traveling for pleasure. While online classes can usually be accessed from anywhere with a reliable internet connection, there are some things to consider before registering for class if you intend to complete the course while located outside of the U.S.  Availability of a Reliable Internet Connection To access most online classes, students must have a reliable internet connection. This may be a challenge in some areas of the world due to various issues such as local network instability, outages, firewalls, or restrictive local internet policies. Before registering for an online class, research the internet accessibility situation in the area in whi...
21 comments
Read more

USG eCampus Helps HR Staffer Find Second Chance at College After Pandemic

Jasmin Khan recalls the unease she felt when working at a hospital as a Human Resources Assistant during COVID-19. Like so many, Khan found unexpected challenges when the pandemic brought physical and emotional hardships to most Americans. Acknowledging the “chaos in her life” caused by the pandemic, she left the job she loved to take a remote role.  While remote work felt safer, she soon realized that her lack of a four-year degree limited her career opportunities. When considering pursuing a promotion, she became concerned that she had the skill set but was lacking the required level of education. No matter how impressive her experience, career progression was difficult without a bachelor’s degree.  And as a busy mother of two young children, she found flexible and affordable options for returning to school very limited. The Search for Flexibility and Quality Then she discovered Georgia Southwestern University’s online programs through USG eCampus. “It felt like a breath of ...
Post a Comment
Read more