{"id":6686,"date":"2020-02-21T13:53:14","date_gmt":"2020-02-21T18:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=6686"},"modified":"2024-12-17T17:11:47","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T22:11:47","slug":"bsn-school-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/bsn-school-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Considering BSN School? 7 Questions to Ask"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, more and more nurses are pursuing their Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing (BSN) degree. All the while, more and more employers are requiring \u2013 or at least preferring \u2013 it. According to the\u00a0American Association of Colleges of Nursing<\/a>,\u00a078% of healthcare employers\u00a0prefer<\/em>\u00a0to hire nurses with a bachelor\u2019s degree. And that number is growing. Going to BSN school now could translate to greater job prospects, advancement opportunities, and salary potential down the road.<\/p>\n

Deciding to pursue a BSN degree is one thing \u2013 choosing a BSN school can feel like a whole other animal. There are so many types of programs out there, and so many great schools, how can you choose the best one for your needs? Knowing the right questions to ask beforehand can make all the difference.<\/p>\n

Below, we highlight the top seven questions to ask yourself, and your prospective college or university, before getting started.<\/p>\n

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  1. What type of BSN program do I need \u2013 and do they offer it?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You may think the BSN degree path is straightforward, but there are actually several options depending on your current experience. Are you new to nursing and just starting your career path, or do you already have your RN licensure?<\/p>\n

    If you are new to nursing, there are a few possible paths you can take towards a BSN. As a freshman in college, you can apply to a direct-entry BSN program, which (like most bachelor\u2019s degrees) will take about four years to complete. You can also pursue your associate degree in Nursing<\/a> (ADN) to start working more quickly, and go back for your BSN degree later on. An associate degree is the standard requirement to become a registered nurse today, though many employers encourage nurses to go back for their BSN.<\/p>\n

    If you are already a licensed registered nurse, and are considering advancing your career, you can pursue an RN-to-BSN program<\/a>. An RN-to-BSN program is a flexible option for nurses who already have a career, and will be balancing that with school. The RN-to-BSN program at Goodwin\u2019s nursing school, for example, is offered entirely online and can be completed in just 16-months<\/em><\/strong> part-time<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    If you are switching career paths, have a college degree in hand, but want to start fresh in the nursing field, the ABSN path will be for you. An ABSN is an accelerated BSN program<\/a>, designed for aspiring nurses who have their bachelor\u2019s degree in another major. This offers a shorter path than the traditional four-year route, and will allow you to earn a BSN degree in just 16-months full-time.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Now that you know the different types of BSN programs out there, it\u2019s important to determine which is right for you \u2013 and ensure the nursing school you are applying to has that option available.<\/p>\n

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    1. Is the BSN program accredited?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Accreditation ensures that a nursing program meets \u2013 and adheres to \u2013 certain academic standards, set forth by an accreditation agency. Essentially, it confirms that the program, and its clinical facilities, are of high-quality and can prepare students successfully for the nursing field.<\/p>\n

      There are two national accrediting bodies for BSN programs \u2013 the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is granted only to bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees, and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which can accredit any level nursing program.<\/p>\n

      It is important to ensure the BSN program you choose holds one of these accreditations. An accredited nursing school is highly valued among employers, because the school has been reviewed and approved by nursing experts. Graduating from an accredited BSN school is also important if you are considering a master\u2019s degree in the future. If the school is not required, you will not be eligible to attend an accredited MSN program down the road.<\/p>\n

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      1. Is there room to grow after my BSN education?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Speaking of continuing education, that is another important question to ask a prospective BSN school. While a BSN degree will qualify you for near-every nursing position, there are advanced titles that call for a graduate degree \u2013 such as a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Manager, and Nurse Educator.<\/p>\n

        If you wish to become a leader in the field, it can help to a find a school that offers continuing education opportunities like a Master\u2019s in Nursing (MSN<\/a>) program. By choosing a nursing school that offers both, it can make the process much easier \u2013 in terms of transcript and credit transfers \u2013 when you decide to take that next step.<\/p>\n

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        1. Does the school promise flexibility?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Every BSN program is unique. If you require flexibility in your class schedule, it is important to ask about the program\u2019s format options. Most RN-to-BSN programs will offer flexibility for the working nurse, such as online courses and part-time formats. Some require a combination of hands-on and online work.<\/p>\n

          Goodwin\u2019s RN-to-BSN program, for example, can be uniquely designed<\/a> to meet each student\u2019s needs. You can choose to take classes in a part-time format, and entirely online if you wish. This structure is designed to help nurses balance their education with work and other obligations.<\/p>\n

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          1. Which BSN courses will I take?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Just as it is important to find a program that aligns with your experience-level, it is also important to find a program that aligns with your interests and goals. Do you wish to pursue a specialization, or take certain courses while enrolled in BSN school? Think about the topics that are important to you, and determine if these will be covered through the program\u2019s\u00a0 curriculum. Students enrolled in the RN-to-BSN program at Goodwin University, for example, can expect to take courses in:<\/p>\n