Completing additional training is one of the best ways for registered nurses (RNs) to advance their careers. Although some RNs start with a nursing diploma, most start by earning an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) making a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) the next logical step. Finishing a BSN gives a registered nurse a better chance of reaching higher levels of compensation as well as management, consulting, and teaching positions.
If you’re starting from scratch it normally takes 4 years to complete your BSN. However, bridging programs, called RN to BSN programs, allow nurses to earn their degree in much less time. It often takes less than 2 years to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in RN to BSN programs. These bridging programs are often structured to make it easy for nurses to continuing working while studying.