Join the RN-to-BS Success Story

The Benefits of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Earning a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) offers numerous advantages that can significantly impact the quality you can provide your patients. Here are a few key benefits you can expect from this level of education.

1. Comprehensive Education

A BSN program offers a more comprehensive education compared to an associate's degree. It not only covers clinical skills but also topics like nursing research, public health, and leadership, which prepares nurses to think critically and adapt to complex care situations.

2. Expanded Career Opportunities

One of the most immediate benefits of obtaining a BSN is the expanded career opportunities. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities only hire nurses with a bachelor's degree for leadership, educational, and specialized roles. This isn’t specific to leadership roles though. Many healthcare employers are now striving for Magnet status, a designation that recognizes nursing excellence and high standards of patient care.

One of the criteria for achieving Magnet status is having a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses on staff, which has encouraged many employers to hire more nurses with bachelor's degrees to improve their standing in the healthcare community.

3. Improved Patient Outcomes

BSN-prepared nurses have proven to contribute to better patient outcomes. Studies show that hospitals with higher proportions of nurses with bachelor's degrees have lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and better overall patient outcomes.

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing is a strategic investment in your future. However, it’s important to find a program that meets your personal and professional needs as a working nurse in the field. Regis College’s RN-to-BS degree is a highly effective program that has nurtured the future of nursing. But is Regis College's RN-to-BS worth it?

Why Choose Regis For Your RN-to-BS in Nursing

Strong Mission

What truly sets Regis College apart is its mission-driven approach to education. The university’s mission emphasizes the importance of service, social justice, and the pursuit of knowledge, which aligns perfectly with the core values of nursing.

“Regis has a mission and vision to support and educate the community,” says Deborah Roy, director of the RN-to-BS in Nursing degree program at Regis College. “We live by it. The faculty have fully bought in, believe it, and live it. And you can't say that for a lot of larger schools and organizations.”

At Regis College, nursing students are encouraged to engage in service-learning opportunities that allow them to apply their skills in real-world settings while making a positive impact on underserved communities. This hands-on experience not only enhances learning but also fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Course Flexibility

Regis College understands the challenges faced by working nurses. It offers flexible program options, including part-time and online learning opportunities, which allow registered nurses to balance studies with professional and personal responsibilities—without sacrificing current employment.

The curriculum is specifically designed for working nurses, awarding 45 credits for associate's degree nursing courses and an active RN license. This recognition of prior learning ensures that students can swiftly progress through the program.

In addition, the program's duration is shortened due to the absence of a clinical component, enabling working RNs to complete their studies more quickly.

“You can go to school and then you're immediately able to look and apply that knowledge with the patients you're already taking care of in the system that you're already working in,” Roy says.

At Regis, programs typically take 12 to 16 months, with an online modality that offers classes either asynchronously or through synchronous hybrid formats. This flexibility allows registered nurses to tailor their educational experience to their unique schedules and needs.

Skills Development

Regis College's RN-to-BS program is designed to help nurses develop critical skills needed to excel in the field.

“The program takes you beyond the knowledge and skill of the tactile kinetic part of nursing and really brings you into the thought and the science of it,” Roy says.

This approach ensures nurses are not only proficient in their clinical skills but also strong critical thinkers and problem-solvers, which is essential for providing high-quality patient care.

A significant aspect of the program is its focus on developing leadership skills and emotional intelligence. Courses like Leadership in Transition to Practice cover crucial topics such as:

• Conflict management
• Communication
• Ethical leadership

To apply these skills, students complete a capstone project that focuses on an area of interest. This makes the degree both practical and personal to each nurse in the program.

“A lot of schools do this, but ours really allows that student to focus on an area of interest,” Roy continues. “So it's really meaningful to them and it lets them incorporate all the skills they've developed.”

Academic and Student Support

“No matter what program students choose, they have to take advantage of the resources that school offers,” Roy advises.” And Regis has quite a few.”

For example, the faculty at Regis College are experienced educators as well as practicing nurses who bring real-world insights into their teaching. The diversity of their experience both inside and outside the classroom make them valuable sources of expertise and mentorship.

Despite the fact that this program is an online asynchronous program, Regis faculty are passionate nurses who want to help the next generation of healthcare.

“We have faculty who really want to be there and help you,” Roy says.

This dedication doesn’t stop with the faculty though. Regis ensures nurses have the support they need when going back to school.

“We have academic advisors who understand what it's like to work and go to school,” Roy adds.

This proactive support system encourages students to seek help when needed, ensuring they can balance their studies with their professional and personal commitments.

Join the Regis Success Story

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree through Regis College’s RN-to-BS program is an excellent opportunity for registered nurses to advance their careers. This program is designed to enhance critical thinking, leadership, and practical skills to help nurses take on more significant roles within healthcare settings.

If you’re ready to elevate your nursing career at Regis, you’ll need to:

• Complete an online application
• Provide proof of an associate's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7
• Submit a current resume
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but it's essential to apply early to secure your spot and begin your journey to academic and professional advancement. For more information on the RN-to-BS program, contact an admissions counselor.