If you are exploring nursing programs in Michigan with plans to become a registered nurse (RN), there are a couple of degree options to consider. From an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and beyond, how can you know which is right for your career goals? Likewise, how long does it take to become a registered nurse once you complete your formal education? Read on below as we address these questions.
What Is a BSN Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in nursing is an undergraduate program that typically consists of around 120 credit hours and takes about four years to complete for a student who is enrolled full-time. An ADN, on the other hand, requires fewer credits and can typically be completed in two years.
What education is needed to become a registered nurse? An ADN or BSN can qualify you to become a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Michigan, but a BSN nursing program can help you build foundational skills, high-level critical thinking skills. and can provide diverse knowledge that you can apply to your work in the field. Also, if you have plans to someday obtain your master’s in nursing (MSN), you’ll need a minimum of an ADN degree to enroll in graduate studies.
Specializations in BSN Nursing
In addition, it is worth noting that a comprehensive BSN program may offer specific courses and clinical experiences that allow you to focus your studies on an area of nursing that is most interesting to you. Some examples of popular nursing specializations you may want to consider include:
- Pediatric nursing
- Critical care
- Oncology
- Public health
Elective courses and focused training can help students in a BSN program better prepare for the realities of working in their chosen area of nursing.
6 Benefits of a BSN Degree
Compared to an ADN, there are numerous potential benefits of completing a BSN degree program.
1. Improved Job Prospects
For starters, the additional credit hours required with a BSN program mean you’ll have more education under your belt when it’s time to start working as an RN. You can leverage this experience and knowledge to pursue more advanced roles in nursing that are beyond the entry level.
2. Higher Earning Potential
Often, more advanced nursing roles that you can pursue with a BSN offer higher salaries than “traditional” entry-level RN positions. Nurses holding a BSN may access opportunities that pay significantly more, with top earners making substantially higher incomes. By obtaining a BSN instead of an ADN, you can pursue nursing jobs that offer comparatively better compensation.
3. Enhanced Clinical Skills and Knowledge
Because a great BSN program will include not just classroom instruction but also plenty of hands-on, real-world clinical experience, this can enhance your clinical skills and understanding of various areas of the field. This is especially true if you pursue a specialization in nursing, where you can receive even more comprehensive, focused instruction and training.
4. Opportunities for Career Advancement
Having a BSN may also lead to more opportunities for career advancement, particularly if you use your BSN as a foundation to pursue a graduate degree (such as an MSN). This, in turn, could open the door to future opportunities in nursing leadership roles and even nurse educator jobs.
5. Greater Job Security
Although an ADN alone can indeed qualify you to become an RN, the reality is that many healthcare facilities these days are looking to hire RNs with a minimum of a BSN degree. This is especially true for healthcare facilities aiming to achieve Magnet status, which is a certification of nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), as this often requires them to employ a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses.
6. Increased Flexibility and Mobility
Many states accept both ADN and BSN degrees as a prerequisite to becoming an RN, but by earning your BSN, you can enjoy the increased flexibility and mobility that comes with knowing your license will be accepted in every state. This way, if you decide to explore career opportunities outside of Michigan, you’ll be in good shape.
5 Steps to Become a Registered Nurse With a BSN
Wondering how to become a registered nurse? Again, requirements vary by state—so it’s important to check your state’s requirements before proceeding. The information that follows is specific to the state of Michigan.
Step 1: Research and Choose a Nursing Program
First, research nursing colleges in Michigan that offer BSN programs. From there, you can take your time comparing what each program has to offer in terms of class formats, scheduling, clinical experience opportunities, and the like. Other potential factors to consider include accreditation, cost, and program length.
Step 2: Admission Requirements
Once you know where you want to attend your nursing program, look closely at the requirements for admission. This may include prerequisites for certain classes, a minimum GPA from a high school diploma or GED program, and standardized test scores (such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills).
Some nursing programs may require additional application materials, such as a personal statement and letters of recommendation. Regardless of your chosen program’s requirements, make sure you check off everything on the list and give yourself plenty of time to meet the application deadline.
Step 3: Complete the BSN Curriculum
Once your application is approved and you’re enrolled, you will begin taking courses toward completion of your BSN curriculum. This may include classes in topics such as healthcare informatics, pharmacology, and more. Many BSN programs also require students to complete clinical experiences, where they are able to gain hands-on practice in the field.
Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After completing your BSN program, the next step toward earning your RN license is to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam is designed to test your knowledge of key nursing topics, and passing the exam is a requirement for RN licensure.
Step 5: Obtain State Licensure
Once you’ve passed your NCLEX-RN exam, you can apply for licensure in your state. In Michigan, applicants are required to submit to a criminal background check, provide verification of their NCLEX-RN exam scores, and show proof of their formal nursing degree. Depending on where you plan to work, requirements may differ—so it’s essential to research RN licensure requirements in your chosen state.
Nursing Programs in Michigan
If you’re looking at nursing programs in Michigan, there is a wide variety from which to choose (including both traditional and accelerated nursing programs).
The BSN Program at Baker College
At Baker College, our BSN program consists of 120 credit hours of instruction and clinical experience—and is designed specifically for those who are pre-licensure and looking to obtain their RN license.
Curriculum Highlights
You can view our full curriculum here. In a nutshell, though, Baker College’s BSN in nursing program includes:
- Prerequisite courses (25 hours)
- Nursing courses (62 hours)
- Additional required courses (18 hours)
- General education courses (15 hours)
For a student enrolled full time, Baker’s BSN program takes an average of four years to complete.
Program Outcomes
Students who complete a BSN program at Baker College graduate equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to competently provide comprehensive nursing care in dynamic, diverse healthcare settings. Plus, RN candidates are better prepared to perform well on their nursing exams.
Available BSN Scholarships
To make paying for school more feasible, Baker College also offers a number of financial aid options to students. This includes scholarships specifically for adult learners with zero to minimal college experience, first-generation college students, and beyond. You can learn more about both renewable and non-renewable scholarships available at Baker College (as well as how to apply) here.
Student Resources
Additionally, Baker is committed to making sure students have access to the support and resources they need to succeed in their respective programs. This includes access to our Academic Resource Center, robust learning support services, disability resources, and more.
Baker’s Accelerated BSN Program
For students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field, it may be worth exploring our accelerated BSN program as a means of completing your BSN in less time with transfer credits. Students in this program graduate in an average of two years (compared to four years with the traditional BSN program).
Baker Advanced Degrees
Baker College also offers advanced nursing degrees for those who decide to take their education to the next level beyond a BSN. Specifically, our Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Master of Science in Nursing Education are popular options among those who strive to pursue more advanced leadership and management roles in the field.
Start on the Path to Becoming an RN
The path to becoming an RN requires a fair amount of formal education, experience, and passing of the NCLEX-RN examination. Even once you’re certified as an RN, you’ll need to keep your license active by renewing it every two years in the state of Michigan.Still seeking ideal bachelor’s in nursing programs to help you work toward your professional goals? Baker College is proud to offer a BSN curriculum that allows you to learn your way while gaining valuable, hands-on experience in real clinical settings. Get in touch to learn more about our 120-credit-hour BSN nursing degree program—or feel free to get started with your online application today.