There are number of different nursing degrees available for students.
These degrees are available from entry level to specific specializations
in the field of nursing. Minimum duration for entry level education in
nursing field is 2 years that further extend to 4 years. Individuals who
are willing to become a qualified nurse can join associates degree.
While individuals possessing more interest in nursing profession who
have strong desire to become highly qualified nurse working
independently may join a 4 year on-campus or online bachelor's degree.
All nursing degree programs are beneficial for its students allowing
them to work as qualified professional. Bachelors of Science in Nursing
offers more advantages as compared to associates' level degree.
Bachelors of Nursing Degree holders can earn high salary and job
promotions. Furthermore, more employers accept students with bachelors
level degree, because they are more capable to carryout various
responsibilities independently.
Benefits of Earning Bachelors of Nursing Degree
Although, an associate's Degree in Nursing has been the quicker way to become registered nurse for 51 years, allowing them to join all entry level jobs in health care facilities earning almost same salaries like Bachelors degree holders. Due to such professional and career similarities, individuals may think that the only difference between these two degrees is two year more schooling in case of bachelor's degree. But actual picture is entirely different. Earning Bachelors of Nursing Degree offers various benefits to students who get enrolled in any accredited college or university to complete this degree. Following are some major benefits of earning Bachelors level education.
Greater Potential
Even with almost negligible differences in earning, both the degrees have very clear differences between them. The major difference or advantage, bachelor of nursing degree offers to its students is the significant rise in available employment opportunities. It is also mandatory to complete BSN degree, if an individual has a desire to get promotion on management level positions as well as becoming an advanced practice nurse or professional in academic and research departments in hospitals. Most of the employers prefer applicants possessing higher level degrees among large pool of applicants.
Higher Salaries
As we know that starting salaries for Associates Degree in Nursing and Bachelors of Science in Nursing is almost same. But candidates with higher level degrees can earn more money due to increased career growth and promotion options. Approximately a qualified nurse with Bachelors of Science in Nursing can earn extra $10,000 every year. Some hospitals also offer small bonuses of $1 extra per hour. Bachelor's degree holder professionals can earn remarkably higher salaries if they get promoted to managerial levels. Associates degree holders are not eligible to work on higher posts. Due to these eligibility criteria Bachelor of Nursing Degree is the best option for candidates who want to earn higher salaries.
Enhanced Training and Hands-on Experience
It is obvious that spending more time in a nursing degree program will give its candidates more knowledge and skills to work independently. Individuals learn how to handle tough clinical situations effectively, how to take immediate decisions for the betterment of patients. On the other hand nurses with bachelor degree are capable to work in operation theaters and increase survival rate of patients due to their efficiency. They also get trained to work in non hospital settings like community health centers and physician clinics.
Advancement Opportunities and Future
Almost all administrative jobs in health care facilities need bachelor's level education. It is also necessary to complete bachelor's nursing degree if you want to specialize in research and teaching. Due to providing high level training and more number of employment options, Bachelor's of Science in Nursing will replace Associates Degree and become mandatory to work as registered nurse. Experts evaluated that as employers get more aware with expertise of Bachelor degree holders, will prefer these degree holders on all entry level jobs.
Conclusion
Considering these benefits, it is very clear that besides possessing similarities among starting salaries and initial career with associates degree holders, a bachelor's degree holder will have more chances to advance their career and earnings. It has now become very easy to obtain Bachelor's Nursing Degree, because number of top accredited colleges and universities have identified students problems and employers demand, and they have started offering all nursing degrees via online programs. All professionals and students, who are currently employed, can earn their bachelor education via online degree programs.