New York RN to BSN Programs

Every day, nurses strive to develop solutions through front-line patient care for some of the most important health challenges that plague our population. With dedication and evidence-based practice, nurses bring their 'all' to their rotation every day they're at work. In order to be at their most effective, however, many nurses decide to return to school to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree - called a BSN for short - which positions them for greater practice and more leadership opportunities as well as higher salaries.

Admissions Requirements for New York RN to BSN Programs

New York RNs who decide to pursue their BSN degree are forward-thinking individuals who are committed to their ongoing professional development - both for career advancement and to advance the practice of patient care across the state and beyond. While each institution varies in how they select the best candidates for the RN to BSN stream, listed here are many of the criteria that you might encounter.

• Present evidence of an ADN from a regionally accredited college program
• Articulate a maximum of 24 nursing credits for transferral
• Have completed up to 36 credits in liberal arts for transferral
• Submit a transcript from each post-secondary institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Applicants must have completed a minimum of 36 credits in liberal arts & sciences
• Possess a valid and up to date RN license for New York State
• Submit evidence of current liability and health insurance
• Submit evidence of up to date CPR credentials

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered throughout New York State provide a robust theoretical and practical framework for graduate and doctoral options. Colleges such as Hunter-CUNY's Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing offers courses like the following in order to broaden undergraduates' understanding of leadership in this culturally diverse era:

• NURS 379: Nursing and Societal Forces
• NURS 380: Nursing Research & Theory
• NURS 384: Nursing Culturally Diverse Families

Online RN to BSN Programs in New York

New York State Board of Nursing and universities are looking toward a future in which every nurse will have a BSN degree as a minimum requirement to practice. This means that there has been an explosion in Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (CCNE) accredited online RN to BSN offerings for nurses who already have their Associate's (ADN) degree and who are looking to upgrade quickly and flexibly while they continue to gain practical experience in the workplace.

Featured Online School

D'Youville College School of Nursing in Buffalo, New York is home to a fully online RN to BSN program. Focused on primary and preventative care, the program's focus is on elevating the nursing profession through working as leaders within the community and amongst vulnerable populations.

Admissions and Program Length

At Mercy College, RNs may earn their BSN degree fully online or through a hybrid format. Generally, it takes students a maximum of two years to earn the degree if enrolled full-time and three years if enrolled part-time. Generally, RNs will be able to transfer a block of credits from their ADN credentials as equivalent to lower division BSN coursework. Evaluated on a case-by-case basis, graduates require a total of 120 new or transfer credits to be eligible for graduation.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Plattsburgh University is another great option for RNs who are looking for an online-only method of course delivery. With a strong on-campus nursing program, distance RNs have no problem getting the help and support that they need from faculty in order to be successful students. Plattsburgh students can expect to incur tuition and fees that total about $4,100 per semester - these costs are in addition to equipment and textbook expenses.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

There may come a day globally where the entry level for RN licensure is that of a bachelor's degree or BSN. In fact, many hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices are already expressing a preference through salary for those nurses who have a degree after their name. With the scope of the role less focused on bedside care and more focused on primary care and prevention, BSN nurses may more commonly hold jobs such as surgical nurse, nursing instructor, or palliative care nurse.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in New York

Because ADN grads and BSN grads are both technically RNs, there is scant data to collect that shows salary differences between the populations without a direct survey. However, we know that ADNs are often hired at base salary (in New York this is about $52,000) whereas BSNs have leverage in negotiating a higher wage from the outset - perhaps closer to the $63,000 level that marks what 25% of nurses in the state earn. With further degrees and responsibility, NYS nurses can earn over $110,000 annually and BSN nurses are well positioned to start down this path.

RN to BSN Programs

Preference is being given to nurses that have achieved their BSN degree or greater, and the preference is being noticed by prospective nursing students. Currently, New York has approximately 50 RN to BSN programs being offered around the state. If you are a graduate from one of these programs you could be a contender in more highly pursued job opportunities, and increased wage offers. Roles in nursing that a BSN graduate would be qualified to apply for include: government organizations, specialty departments, public health sector, etc. BSNs in such roles are making approximately $90,000 per year. Be the preferred candidate by acquiring your BSN degree.