Interested in how to become a registered nurse but not sure which pathway is the best choice? Although there are many paths to becoming a registered nurse, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway not only provides the most comprehensive and dynamic approach, but incorporates key clinical, skill lab and immersive learning elements with foundational nursing care practices.
Through the University of Providence’s Division of Nursing, multiple pathways are available for current and aspiring nursing seeking their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of earning a BSN and the three BSN pathways available at UP:
Bachelor of Science In Nursing Degree
The best path to becoming a registered nurse is with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is the most common, comprehensive, intensive, and lucrative pathway in nursing education, and is often the preferred degree of choice for current or aspiring nurses to enter or advance in the field.
Unlike two year or diploma programs, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing provides students with a comprehensive approach to nursing education that ensures students possess a strong command of not only the clinical, administrative, pharmacological, and technological skills required of today’s nursing professionals, but also a foundation of nursing practice and application.
Although BSN programs do require additional time, commitment, and monetary subsidy, a BSN enables nursing professionals to open a variety of doors in nursing practice and specialization.
Advantages of BSN Programs
- BSNs are the most common nursing education pathway
- BSNs are the most widely accepted and pursued degrees in the nursing field
- Graduates of BSN programs can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become certified RNs
- Graduates are eligible to pursue advanced careers through graduate nursing programs
- Graduates can pursue unique nursing specializations and certifications
- BSN graduates receive higher salaries and increased job opportunities than non-BSN holders
- There are multiple paths to obtaining a BSN
- Accredited BSN program credits are easier and more efficient to transfer
The length of BSN programs is often dependent upon the type of program being completed. Programs can last from as little as 12 months for accelerated programs to 36 or 48 months for traditional courses. Total program length is not only dependent on the type of program but the credits being transferred and if previous RN licensure has been obtained.
Depending on the type of program entered, BSN programs can be much longer than other nursing routes. Accelerated programs can also be intensive, require a large time commitment, and require uprooting for an extended period. When considering whether a BSN program, it is important to understand these drawbacks and their potential impact.
Disadvantages of BSN Programs
- Four years or more of continual schooling, depending on the specific program
- Accelerated programs can require intensive and demanding work and commitments
- BSN degrees require more time than diploma or two-year programs
- BSN programs cost more to complete on average than diploma or two-year programs
- Graduates are delayed in their entry to working the field
Although a BSN program may take longer to complete, have higher associated costs than other pathways, and can delay direct entry into the nursing field, a BSN pathway is the best option for those interested in becoming a registered nurse. Not only do BSN program provide an intensive, comprehensive overlay of hard and soft nursing skills, a BSN can open new and exciting doors for nursing specializations, advanced degree programs, and career advancement.
While there are disadvantages to BSN programs, the University of Providence’s BSN programs aim to mitigate these concerns by providing a comprehensive, in-demand product that can provide lifelong learning and career growth opportunities.
The University of Providence’s BSN programs address the following disadvantages:
- Program Length: BSN programs at the University of Providence range for 12 months for accelerated and bridge programs to 48 months for the traditional program. Total course length is dependent upon program selected and number of credits transferred.
- Intensive Coursework: UP structures each course, session and semester for maximum curriculum delivery. While students in the Traditional program complete 16-week standard semester, students in the RN-BSN and accelerated program complete accelerated 8-week sessions
- Time Commitments: Although BSN programs require more time commitment then other RN pathways a BSN from UP prepares nurses not only for the current RN needs but future ones as well. Graduates can directly enter graduate program of specialty programs without needing additional academic credits or requirements from other programs.
- Program Costs: UP is committed to providing financial support and services to students. While over 95% of students receive some form of financial aid at UP, incentives like the Healthcare Professional Tuition Incentive offer healthcare workers tuition incentives when they apply at UP.
- Delayed Entry into Field: UPs Accelerated and Traditional BSN programs provide students with the opportunity to apply hands on learning and real-world nursing experience through clinical immersions, preparing them for entry into the field upon successful licensure.
University of Providence BSN Programs
The University of Providence is offers three Bachelor of Science in Nursing paths for students interested in becoming a registered nurse. Each bachelor degree in UP’s lineup is centered around preparing students to deliver quality, compassionate nursing care that is focused on treating the patient as a whole through the patient-centered care model. In addition to the clinical and curriculum acolytes, each of UP’s nursing programs are regionally and nationally certified, a critical step in any nursing program NCLEX licensure and transferring credits to graduate programs.
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
UP’s newest path to becoming a registered nurse is the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Vander Werff) program. The Traditional BSN program is the first on-campus nursing program in UPs lineup to be offered exclusively on UP’s main campus in Great Falls, MT. The program is designed to provide recent high school graduates and transfer students a four-year path to earning a BSN degree. Graduates of the program will be prepared to secure licensure through NCLEX and start working as a registered nurse. While enrolled in the program, students will receive two years of liberal arts education followed by two years of nursing courses, including in-person lectures, skill labs, and clinical placements. Through this blend of liberal arts curriculum and clinical nursing education, graduates are well-suited to deliver quality, patient-centered care while advancing the nursing profession as a lifelong learner.
Online RN-BSN
The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway (RN-BSN) is an accelerated bridge program delivered 100% online through asynchronous lectures and didactic courses. delivered through the Moodle Learning Platform. The program is tailored for currently registered nurses with an active, unincumbered NCLEX license to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 12-months. Graduates of the program will be prepared to apply leading skills in nursing leadership, patient centered care and transformative nursing practice. While enrolled in the program, students will complete nurses courses designed to build on skills nurses already apply and practice while branching into emerging disciplines.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is an accelerated degree program that combines online didactic coursework with in-person skill labs and clinical immersions at one of two available satellite campus locations. The program is tailed for second-degree or second career students with a previously earned Bachelor’s degree in any field who is interested in becoming a registered nurse. Designed for completion in 12-months, the program offers an intensive, engaged pathway for nursing professionals that combines foundational skills in nursing practice with leading clinical competencies and applications. Graduates of the Accelerated BSN program will be prepared to sit for NCLEX licensure while being well-suited to deliver quality, patient-centered care while advancing the nursing profession.
If you’re interested in learning more about UPs programs, visit the nursing page to explore all bachelor and master degree programs, accreditation information, and learn more on how to apply.
