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

Professor Broussard: This Georgia College Professor Teaches History from a Very Unique Point of View

Not only is Dr. Ray Broussard a UGA/USG eCore History professor still teaching in his 90s, but he’s also a World War II and Korean War veteran. eCampus visits Dr. Broussard’s home in Athens, Georgia for an update on his love of life and teaching. We last interviewed Dr. Broussard in 2012 , when we learned about his time in the Navy, his early teaching days, and his genuine surprise when he realized you really could teach History online. Today, he is not only the oldest, but also one of USG eCore’s most engaging instructors and consistently receives gushing comments from students in his course evaluations-- many who are amazed to learn world and United States history from someone who helped make the history. At 91 years old, Dr. Broussard and his wife (a retired high school history teacher), haven’t been up for traveling as much, so he invited us to visit with him at his home. We arrived at his peaceful, quaint little house on the Eastside of Athens where he eagerly welc
3 comments
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 which you pl
20 comments
Read more

Developing Your Elevator Pitch: USG eCampus Career Focus

Your elevator pitch is a 30-second summary of who you are and how you impact others. It’s called an elevator pitch because it’s a statement that you could use to introduce yourself in the time that it takes to ride an elevator. Sounds simple? Not necessarily. Even when our career goals are clear in our minds, it can take some practice to introduce yourself in a brief yet impactful way. Why You Need an Elevator Pitch An elevator speech is really all about first impressions. You’ll use it in networking. Networking occurs not just in formal situations such as career fairs, but also when you meet a new person in a social or academic setting. Sometimes, these new connections lead to jobs or career leads. You’ll also use a version of your elevator speech in job interviews. This may be when you first meet an interviewer or after the interview begins and you are asked to tell about yourself. In many USG eCore and USG eMajor online classes, you’ll have an introductory discussion post to help yo
Post a Comment
Read more