I have an ASN – Why Should I Pursue a BSN?
Higher Education Articles August 1, 2013Having an ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) is a good launching pad for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Those who acquire an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) are qualified to become registered nurses. While an ASN can be a great destination for some, it can be a great platform for others to begin the quest for an advanced degree in nursing. The ASN/BSN students will court better pay and enjoy more prestige in the medical community.
The ASN and BSN student can enjoy the benefits of having a viable job to help pay for an advanced degree as well as the relative flexibility of building a schedule conducive to successfully acquiring that advanced degree. If you already have your ASN, you may want to consider acquiring your advanced degree for a few reasons.
Better Job Qualifications
Because of the work load in a clinical program, an ASN and BSN student will gain experience in advanced patient care, hematology and more. Some of the positions exclusive to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) holders are registered nurses, case managers, genetics nurses or nurse administrators.
While the registered nurse with an Associate of Science degree has a range of challenging responsibilities and will usually have the knowledge to offer considerable help in lethal situations, they are not as trained as the nurse with an advanced degree. The BSN has an easier transitioning time to become a nurse practitioner later on in his or her career. They can also take on educational or expert counseling opportunities. As ASN and BSN students invest in an advanced degree, he or she paves his or her own way to grow professionally, utilize more training to help more people, and, of course, earn a higher salary.
Big Jump in Salary
The jump in salary for a registered nurse with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree to a nurse practitioner (NP) with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or other advanced degree can lead to over $50,000 dollars in compensation. Considering the investment of $10,000 to $50,000, one could score a return on what they pay out in the initial investment. The potential pay differential for the ASN and BSN student makes the journey from Associate’s of Science in Nursing to a Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing, a journey worth the while.
BSN holders will enjoy greater professional prestige in the medical community, better pay potential and a wider range of job type and skills. The ASN and BSN students will also open doors for greater flexibility in his or her professional life. For example, BSN holders are more attractive for consulting jobs and can delve into some of the nurse practitioner field (depending on areas of expertise). Some can operate a small practice or provide leadership for community clinics.
The ASN and BSN trek are one that will open doors for higher pay and greater prestige in the medical community. Associate’s degree usually serves as a solid base for formative professional development. These degrees provide great opportunities to obtain advanced degrees.
