Nursing

What Is an RN to BSN?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Jan 3, 2025

What Is an RN to BSN?

For registered nurses (RNs) looking to expand their skills and advance their careers, an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is an excellent pathway. These programs are designed to help RNs with associate degrees or nursing diplomas achieve BSN degrees, enhancing their clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and career opportunities.

After exploring what an RN to BSN program is and its key objectives, this blog post will examine several high-profile career paths that BSN graduates qualify for, including leadership positions, such as chief nursing officer (CNO), director of nursing, and nurse manager.

RN to BSN Programs Defined

An RN to BSN program is an accelerated educational program for licensed RNs who want to earn their BSN degrees. These programs build on an RN’s education and experience, offering a more advanced curriculum that focuses on leadership, research, and community health.

RN to BSN Subject Areas

RN to BSN programs cover a wide range of topics and concepts that enhance nursing practice and career readiness. Common RN to BSN coursework includes the following:

Nutrition: This course teaches nurses the nutrition principles and sheds light on the complex interactions between good dietary choices and good health. Ultimately, optimal nutrition is the foundation of healthy living.
Microbiology for Health Professionals: This introductory microbiology course teaches nurses about microorganism characteristics, requirements for organism growth, and methods of transfer.
Life Span Processes: This course covers the biophysical and psychosocial processes that occur over the life span, such as motor skills and personality development.
Introduction to Applied Health Care Research: This course teaches nurses how to evaluate published medical research and apply their findings in clinical care.
In Sickness and In Health: Analyzing the U.S. Health Care System: This course teaches nurses how health care is delivered across the country, defining and covering disease prevention, financing, public health, disparities, communications, ethics, policy, and future trends.
Pharmacology and Metrology: This course covers the basic principles of pharmacotherapeutics that RNs use.
Health Assessment: This course, building upon existing nursing education, further refines the skills and knowledge that RNs use when holistically examining patients using the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM).
Theoretical Frameworks of Nursing: This course delves into the frameworks of nursing, teaching RNs how to examine, analyze, and evaluate nursing models, philosophies, and theories as a framework for nursing practice.
Population Health: This course teaches nurses about the factors and issues influencing population health care delivery. RNs will develop relevant competencies, including population and community needs assessment.
Nursing Care of the Family: This course teaches RNs about the family-focused approach to care delivery, which focuses on health promotion, therapeutic nursing assessment, disease prevention, and interventions across the lifespan.
Health Care Informatics: This course examines the role of information technology (IT) in health care delivery and how to analyze different applications.
Nursing Leadership: This introductory course covers the concepts of nursing administration. Students learn about nursing leadership theory and management competencies.
Quality Across Health Care Systems: This course explores the numerous variables that influence care quality across different health care systems and addresses ways to overcome barriers to improved health outcomes.

RN to BSN Key Objectives

An RN to BSN program is what elevates a traditional RN into a leader who can oversee medical teams, advocate on behalf of patients, and perform clinical research. Key program objectives include the following:

Understand evidence-based practice. RN to BSN programs enhance a nurse’s understanding of research methodologies and apply evidence-based practices during health care delivery.
Expand health assessment knowledge. Nurses with advanced health assessment knowledge are more inclined to promote preventive care by identifying potential health care issues during the earliest stages.
Refine critical thinking skills. RN to BSN graduates are better equipped to analyze complex health care scenarios and make informed decisions.
Expand clinical knowledge. RN to BSN programs provide advanced training in patient care, public health, and evidence-based practices.
Develop leadership skills. RN to BSN programs prepare nurses for supervisory roles and management positions in health care settings.
Promote lifelong learning. BSN degree-holders understand the value of lifelong learning as it relates to clinical care and remaining ahead of the curve in a field that’s constantly in flux.

RN to BSN Benefits

One of the main considerations RNs make when evaluating degree programs is how they stand to benefit from the additional time and effort they’ll invest. In other words, they want to know if an RN to BSN is worth it. Key reasons why a BSN is important include the following:

It facilitates career advancement into higher-paying leadership roles.
It qualifies degree holders for positions in education, research, and specialized areas of health care.
It imparts advanced clinical and critical thinking skills.
It gives graduates a competitive edge over other candidates, as many health care organizations prioritize hiring BSN-prepared nurses.
It provides the necessary foundation for pursuing graduate-level nursing programs.

RN to BSN Professional Outcomes

An RN to BSN degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, from leadership and management roles to specialized positions in education, research, and more. Some roles may require additional certification or advanced education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Chief Nursing Officer

The role of chief nursing officer (CNO) is a pivotal leadership position in health care organizations, responsible for overseeing nursing operations, ensuring quality patient care, and aligning nursing practices with organizational goals. As a member of the executive team, the CNO serves as the voice of the nursing staff as they shape the future of health care delivery within their organization.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a CNO include the following:

Managing nursing staff across departments, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluations
Creating and implementing nursing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with health care regulations and best practices
Driving initiatives to enhance patient care quality, safety, and satisfaction
Overseeing nursing department budgets, resource allocation, and financial planning
Working with executives to align nursing operations with organizational goals and strategic plans
Representing the nursing team in executive meetings and advocating for necessary resources and support
Ensuring that nursing practices meet accreditation standards and legal requirements
Leading nursing staff during emergencies or major health care changes

Medical Writer

A medical writer specializes in creating well-structured and accurate health care and science content. Medical writers bridge the gap between complex medical information and its intended audience, whether that audience is health care professionals, patients, regulatory agencies, or the general public. This role combines strong writing abilities with scientific expertise, making it a unique and rewarding career path for those interested in both science and communication.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a medical writer include the following:

Writing research articles, clinical study reports, regulatory documents, and medical journal manuscripts
Creating brochures, guides, and digital content to help patients understand medical conditions and treatments
Crafting promotional materials, white papers (in-depth reports), and presentations for pharmaceutical or health care products
Assisting organizations in securing funding for medical research or initiatives
Ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in medical and scientific documents
Writing and editing documents required for drug approval processes, such as investigator brochures or new drug applications

Nurse Manager

A benefit of an RN to BSN program is that it prepares nurses to take on leadership roles, including that of nurse manager. These health care leaders serve as a bridge between nursing staff and hospital administration. They’re responsible for overseeing nursing teams, ensuring high standards of patient care, and managing the operational and administrative aspects of their unit or department. This leadership position requires a blend of clinical expertise, managerial skills, and a strong commitment to patient safety and team development.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a nurse manager include the following:

Recruiting, hiring, scheduling, training, and evaluating nursing staff
Ensuring that patient care meets or exceeds health care standards and regulations
Managing budgets, allocating resources, and maintaining inventory of supplies and equipment
Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and protocols within their unit
Providing guidance, mentorship, and support to nursing teams to foster a positive work environment
Ensuring that patients receive high-quality care while addressing their concerns and preferences
Addressing staff or patient complaints and resolving conflicts
Coordinating with other health care professionals and departments to optimize patient care and streamline workflows

Medical Researcher

Medical researchers study diseases, treatments, and medical advancements to improve health outcomes and expand our understanding of human biology. These professionals play a vital role in developing new therapies, medical devices, and diagnostic tools by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing their findings.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a medical researcher include the following:

Designing and performing laboratory studies to investigate medical conditions, treatments, and biological processes
Using statistical tools to interpret research findings and identify patterns or relationships
Creating research questions and objectives based on gaps in medical knowledge
Securing funding for research projects from government agencies, private foundations, or academic institutions
Writing research papers for peer-reviewed journals to share discoveries with the scientific community
Working with multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians, biologists, and statisticians, to ensure comprehensive research
Adhering to ethical guidelines, safety standards, and regulatory requirements in all research activities
Sharing results at scientific conferences and workshops to inform and inspire further research

Travel Nurse

A travel nurse is an RN who works short-term assignments at health care facilities in different locations, often to fill temporary staffing shortages.

This role allows nurses to explore new places, gain diverse clinical experiences, and work in various health care settings while enjoying flexibility and competitive pay. Travel nursing is ideal for professionals who thrive in dynamic environments where adaptability is a necessity.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a travel nurse include the following:

Assisting with staff shortages, high patient loads, or seasonal demand spikes
Assessing patients’ needs, planning care, and implementing treatment for patients across various health care units, including emergency care, critical care, and pediatrics
Integrating into new facilities, learning new protocols, and collaborating with existing teams
Dispensing medications and monitoring patients for reactions or side effects
Educating patients and their families about care plans, treatments, and discharge instructions
Recording patient information and updating electronic health records (EHRs)

Health Education Specialist

A health education specialist designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve health outcomes in communities, schools, health care facilities, and workplaces. Their primary role is to educate individuals and groups about healthy behaviors, preventive care, and wellness strategies.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a health education specialist include the following:

Conducting surveys, interviews, and research to identify the health needs of specific populations
Designing educational materials, workshops, and campaigns tailored to target audiences
Coordinating health education programs in schools, clinics, workplaces, or community centers
Collecting data to assess the success of health initiatives and make improvements as needed
Offering guidance on accessing health care services, nutrition plans, and preventive care options
Partnering with health care providers, policymakers, and community organizations to support public health goals
Promoting legislation or programs that address public health concerns
Educating other professionals, such as teachers or corporate employees, on effective health education methods

Health Insurance Specialist

Health insurance specialists assist health care providers, insurance companies, and patients in navigating the complex landscape of health insurance policies and claims. These specialists ensure accurate billing, timely reimbursement, and compliance with health care regulations.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a health insurance specialist include the following:

Reviewing and submitting insurance claims for reimbursement
Using standardized medical codes to document diagnoses and procedures for billing purposes
Analyzing insurance policies to ensure accurate claims submission and reimbursement
Explaining coverage options, out-of-pocket costs, and payment plans to patients
Ensuring that claims and billing practices adhere to federal, state, and organizational regulations
Addressing denied claims and resolving discrepancies between health care providers and insurance companies
Maintaining accurate patient records and billing information
Working with health care providers, insurance companies, and patients to streamline the insurance process

Public Health Nurse

An RN to BSN program is part of what trains nurses on the importance and applications of public health nursing. A public health nurse is an RN who focuses on improving the health and well-being of entire communities rather than individual patients. These professionals are leaders in disease prevention, health education, and health disparity resolution, often working with underserved populations.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a public health nurse include the following:

Teaching individuals and groups about nutrition, disease prevention, vaccination, and healthy lifestyle practices
Identifying health trends, risk factors, and needs within specific populations to guide interventions
Administering immunizations, conducting health screenings, and implementing public health initiatives to curb the spread of illnesses
Advocating for policies and resources that address social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and access to health care
Designing and managing public health programs, such as maternal health initiatives, smoking cessation workshops, or chronic disease management
Assisting during public health crises, such as outbreaks, natural disasters, or pandemics
Partnering with community organizations, schools, government agencies, and health care providers to coordinate care and services
Helping individuals and families navigate health care systems and access necessary resources

Director of Nursing

A director of nursing is a senior management position in health care, responsible for overseeing nursing staff, ensuring compliance with health care regulations, and maintaining high standards of patient care. This role combines leadership, clinical expertise, and administrative responsibilities to support the effective operation of health care facilities, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a director of nursing include the following:

Recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating nursing staff to ensure that they deliver high-quality patient care
Creating, implementing, and monitoring nursing policies, procedures, and standards
Ensuring that all nursing operations comply with federal, state, and local health care regulations
Monitoring patient care outcomes and implementing quality improvement initiatives
Managing the nursing department’s budget, including staffing, equipment, and resource allocation
Working with other departments to coordinate care and meet organizational goals
Addressing and resolving issues that arise within the nursing team or during patient care delivery
Ensuring that patients receive compassionate and appropriate care that meets their needs

Broaden Your Career Options With a BSN Degree

An RN to BSN program is more than an educational step; it’s a career-enhancing opportunity that prepares nurses for advanced roles, higher salaries, and broader career options. Whether aspiring to become a nurse manager, medical writer, or chief nursing officer, an RN to BSN is what equips nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in diverse health care settings.

If you’re ready to take your career to greater heights, explore the RN to BSN program offered at The University of Tulsa. Conducted in a convenient online format for the modern learner, this program enables you to earn your BSN degree in as little as 12 months.

Learn more about how investing in your education today can lead to a more rewarding and impactful career tomorrow.

Recommended Readings

Clinic vs. Hospital Nursing: Which One Should You Choose?

Nursing Manager: Salary and Job Description

What Is Health Promotion in Nursing Practice?

Sources:

American Nurses Association, RN to BSN: Advancing Your Nursing Career

American Nurses Association, What is a Chief Nursing Officer / Chief Nurse Executive?

Indeed, Director of Nursing Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Indeed, “How to Become a Medical Writer in 8 Steps (With Salary)”

Indeed, Nurse Manager: What They Do, Skills and Job Requirements

Indeed, “Pharmaceutical Sales Rep: What They Do and How to Become One”