How Long Does It Take To Get Your BSN?
Jan 13, 2015 | 9:00 am
When it comes down to getting your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), your truly best bet would be to go for a RN-to-BSN program. The reason for that is the RN-to-BSN allows for a broader range of certified skills; when you finish the course, you will have more items in your resume. Otherwise, there are multiple other ways to get your BSN in multiple time frames.
Conditions for the Course
The focus of getting your BSN program is developing your skills in terms of leadership, the conversation with the patient and the evaluation of a critical situation: essential qualities for every nurse. Those who have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing have the chance to enroll for a RN-to-BSN program; therefore, have access to a wider array for nurse practicing. The BSN program is available in accelerated form, which will take you between 12 and 18 months. Apart from having passed an ADN course, you can also enroll for a BSN program, if you have completed a bachelor’s degree program in another subject.
Course Load
Getting your BSN degree, you will take the following courses:
•Chemistry
•Physiology
•Psychology
•Microbiology
•Nutrition
•Anatomy
You will have an option to take some art courses as well. Additional detailed specializations might involve surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry and maternity. By taking more courses, it will broaden your knowledge within the profession. The places where student nurses train can be health departments, nursing homes, home health agencies and ambulatory centers.
Time Management
It usually takes three years, despite the fact that some catalogues might state two years, in order to complete your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing. You will spend your initial year studying general stuff then in order to get into the nursing program, you will need to spend two more years in full-time education. Simply put, completing your BSN program will take approximately four years. Once you have acquired the AAS degree, you will have to go through additional years of education and this depends, not on your choices, but on the policies of the college. Make sure you research those before you enroll for anything.
There are various combinations that different universities can offer. For instance, you can complete your BSN in one additional year following the three you need for the AAS. However, there are some other universities who won’t accept any sort of degree beforehand and you have to go for the nursing program from the very start. Make sure you research carefully your university and course choice. Always take a proper look into the policy of the university and the program to make sure you have it all planned in advance; otherwise, you might end up wasting years of studying, when you can actually go in for a more concentrated, tighter and more fruitful study on your own. It’s not that starting from the top is bad for your development as a nurse; some just consider it to be a waste of time at the end of the day. Always consider your finances. The more you study, the more you will have to pay. You can, however, find ways to supplement your income during the BSN or AAS programs.