Why Earn an Online LPN to BSN Degree?
The student who is already a licensed practical nurse will need two more years of study to graduate with a bachelor's degree. An online LPN to BSN degree program, however, offers flexibility for the LPN who wants to stay employed while continuing his or her studies. Classes taken at home can be scheduled around a job. LPNs pursuing a BSN degree learn to enhance their skills, while developing new skills needed to move up into higher areas of responsibility in the nursing field. BSN graduates, upon completion of their studies, will be ready to take their nursing certification exams. Certification is needed to further pursue a career.
Career Possibilities
LPN to BSN Job Outlook and Demand
The job outlook for nursing is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of RNs, or registered nurses, is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. The nursing field is large, therefore there will many new job opportunities.
LPN to BSN Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary of RNs was $52,330 in May 2004. The salary range for the field fell between $43,370 and $63,360. It is recommended that those who wish to advance in the nursing field strongly consider pursing a BSN program, as the chances for advancement increase and many jobs are offered only to those with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
Degree Specifics
Online LPN to BSN Coursework
Licensed nurses who go on to pursue a BSN degree increase their chances of advancement. They can choose to specialize in areas, such as emergency medicine or pediatrics and even move into management positions. Coursework in an online LPN to BSN degree program includes the following:
- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
- Research/Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice
- Direct Patient Care
- Clinical and Patient Management
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Treating Patients
- Drug Dispensing
- Nursing Leadership
LPN to BSN Related Skills Learned
Graduates of an online LPN to BSN online degree program enhance their current skills while developing new skills that increase their opportunities for employment in the nursing field. Some of these skills are:
- Interpersonal skills
- Record keeping skills
- Data collection skills
- Critical thinking
- Management skills
