1-877-206-4279
For those aspiring to enter the medical field, nursing seems to be the goal and for good reason. Registered nurses or RNs are able to work in a wide variety of health sectors and specialties. However, navigating the process of becoming an RN can be difficult and a bit misunderstood. To receive your RN credentials, you will need to start with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
To start the journey towards becoming an RN, you will need to complete the ASN program. This program typically includes two-years of coursework and added clinical work for hands-on experience in the field. After completion of the ASN coursework, you won’t stop there.
You will need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination or the NCLEX to be licensed as a registered nurse. Once you take the NCLEX examination, you will receive your results approximately six weeks later confirming your licensure or next steps. If you pass, you will now have the RN credential, completely ready for work.
The National Push Towards the BSN
In New York State, after 14 years of lobbying, they have passed their “BSN in 10” law which requires all nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing within ten years of receiving their initial RN license. For the US, this is just the beginning. According to the Institute of Medicine, it is recommended that 80% of the nursing workforce should have their BSN degree by 2020.
As a national push towards the BSN continues, RNs are beginning to continue their education. A BSN includes more dedicated coursework that the ASN program may lack. And nurses who work with a BSN are offered more responsibility in the field, leading to higher salaries. Those who earn their BSN typically see median salaries $8,337 greater than those with an ASN.
There is an ongoing debate about whether or not the ASN or BSN should be the minimum for entry into practice. To step ahead of the pack and ensure your spot in the field, achieving your Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is a logical next step following your ASN.
Reach Out to Cambridge for More Information
If you are ready to enter the healthcare field as a registered nurse, or if you have an ASN and are interested in Cambridge Institute of Allied Health and Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology’s online RN to BSN program, reach out to us today by calling 877-206-4279 today.
More on