What is an RN to BSN Program? Everything nurses need to know

Are you an RN considering your career options and thinking about your future? If so, enrolling in an RN to BSN program may be the right next step. Designed for registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance their education and practice by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, these programs enhance the knowledge and skills you’ve gained and prepare you for broader opportunities and career advancement. With online, in-person, and hybrid formats available, they’re especially helpful for working nurses who and ready to apply their learnings in the field today.

Read on to explore the impact and opportunities of an RN to BSN program and discover how Ohio State Online can help you reach your goals.

Pursuing your BSN not only enhances your understanding of crucial topics such as evidence-based practice, health care informatics, and community health, but it also can prepare you for advanced practice roles with higher earning potential.

Many health care organizations prefer or require a BSN, recognizing that it reflects a commitment to excellence in patient care. By earning yours, you’ll position yourself as an upcoming leader in nursing, ready to invest even more in quality patient care in today’s complex health care environment.

For more details, check out Five reasons why RNs should pursue a BSN degree.

The career outlook for RNs with a BSN is promising, as you can access a broader range of opportunities which lead to higher earning potential and job security. In fact, according to Payscale data from December 2024, nurses with a BSN earn an average annual salary of $96,000—nearly $20,000 compared to their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) peers, who typically earn around $79,000. Three sought-after positions available to BSN graduates include:

• Staff Nurses Average Base Salary: $93,600  

Staff nurses provide patient care across diverse environments, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Their responsibilities include assessing patient needs, formulating individualized care plans, administering medications, and collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide high-quality care. 

• Clinical Nurse Specialists Average Base Salary: $93,600 

Clinical Nurse Specialists direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home, and ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards. 

• Nurse Managers Average Base Salary: $117,960 

The Nurse Manager may be a role that someone with a BSN and multiple years of experience can step into. They oversee nursing staff and coordinates patient care within a specific department or unit. Responsibilities include managing budgets, staffing, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, working to foster a positive work environment and promoting teamwork and professional development. 

The Ohio State University’s online RN to BSN program is a highly regarded program, ranked among the best online RN to BSN programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report year after year. This is a testament to the program’s quality, rigor and excellence.  

With as few as 30 credit hours required for completion, you can earn your BSN at Ohio State in as little as one year. What also sets our program apart is its flexibility: a fully online, asynchronous format that allows for self-paced study while still fostering collaborative learning, practical knowledge application, and a strong sense of community among students.

Graduates of Ohio State’s RN to BSN program share what sets it apart from other similar programs. 

“What distinguishes this RN to BSN program from others is evidence-based practice. In the program, we’re working to put into practice what we’re learning, but also making sure we’re doing what’s best for the patients — and that really sets it apart.” — Christopher W. 

“The online RN to BSN program fits the needs of a full-time nurse, and the understanding faculty worked with me to make sure that I got the support I needed.” — Brittany J. 

“If you’re working and you need a flexible schedule, the online RN to BSN program at The Ohio State University is a great choice. And the faculty work really will with you too — they get right back with you if you’re having problems with an assignment or mandated to work overtime, they’re understanding.” — Jesse G. 

If you’re an RN considering your BSN, pursuing it through Ohio State is a wise choice. You’ll not only refine your clinical skills but also prepare yourself for vital nursing positions — all while benefitting from our strong reputation and extensive professional network, both of which can be invaluable in facilitating your career advancement. 

So, what are you waiting for? Take charge of your future and invest in yourself. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more. We can’t wait to help you succeed.