Registered nurses (RNs) play a vital role in patient care, offering comfort during emergencies, delivering life-saving interventions and serving as a steady presence in uncertain or uncomfortable moments. Their hands-on experience, critical thinking and ability to work under pressure make them invaluable in all healthcare settings.
If you’re a working RN with an associate degree in nursing, an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program builds on your existing foundation and knowledge, helping expand your clinical insight, leadership abilities and long-term career potential. In this guide, learn what to expect from this type of program, such as the online RN to BSN program offered at Youngstown State University (YSU), from coursework and timelines to new opportunities and potential career pathways.
Who Should Consider an RN to BSN Program?
An RN to BSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses who want to expand their clinical expertise, take on greater responsibility and advance in their nursing career. Ideal candidates hold a nursing degree from an accredited program, passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and are actively working in the field.
Many nurses pursue a BSN to improve patient outcomes, qualify for leadership roles or lay the groundwork for future graduate studies, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Whether you’re aiming to become a nurse practitioner (NP), nurse educator or advance into administrative roles, a BSN serves as the critical next step.
Online RN to BSN programs are particularly well-suited for working professionals. These flexible, career-focused options enable students to create their schedules and study from anywhere, accommodating their other responsibilities, including shift work and family demands.
What Will You Learn in an Online RN to BSN Program?
An online RN to BSN program builds on your existing clinical experience and strengthens the skills needed to take on more complex nursing roles. The curriculum also broadens students’ understanding of healthcare systems, evidence-based practice, medical innovations and leadership in nursing. Core areas of study typically include:
- Public health and policy
- Leadership and management in clinical settings
- Accurate nursing documentation
- Biology, chemistry and psychology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Specialized health sciences
- The nursing code of ethics and legal considerations
In addition to online coursework, most RN to BSN programs include a clinical or practicum component. These rotations may be completed at local medical facilities or even within your current workplace, so you can apply new knowledge and skills in real-time, without stepping away from your job.
What Career Paths Can You Pursue With a BSN?
Earning a BSN opens the door to both broader and more specialized nursing career opportunities, along with salary growth. With the degree, nurses gain the qualifications to explore new environments, expand their clinical scope or take on leadership roles. Graduates of RN to BSN programs can move into positions such as:
- Urgent care nurse
- School nurse
- Home health nurse
- Pediatric nurse
- Nurse recruiter
- Forensic nurse
- Clinical research nurses
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $93,600 in 2024. However, BSN-prepared nurses may earn up to $500,000 more over a 30-year career than those with an RN degree alone. For those who continue on to graduate studies, the earning potential increases even more. For example, nurse practitioners can earn a median annual salary of $124,680.
Why Choose YSU for Your RN to BSN Online?
YSU’s online RN to BSN program may be the perfect match if you’re looking to bring the knowledge from your RN experience to a bachelor’s degree program in nursing. YSU’s affordable RN to BSN program is tailored for working nurses, offering pay-by-the-course tuition, flexible scheduling and multiple start dates throughout the year.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, ensuring that you’ll receive a high-quality education rooted in care, medical science and best nursing practices in the 21st century. Reach out to YSU today to learn more about this flexible option to move ahead in your nursing career.
Earn a BSN To Meet Your Nursing Career Goals
If you’ve ever considered taking the next step in your nursing career, enrolling in an RN to BSN online program may be the right choice for you. Along with the potential for higher salaries and increased career options, earning a BSN can enhance your existing nursing knowledge and expand your competence in medical leadership, public health and ethics as a medical professional.
Start your learning journey with YSU today. You’ll find support for your career goals and care aspirations from expert faculty to guide you along the way. Apply today for a chance to make a real difference in your workplace and community with YSU’s online RN to BSN program.
