Nursing is a noble profession. It is one that requires sacrifice, dedication, integrity, and hard work. However, without nurses, the medical system would cease to function. The nursing crisis has made it clear that teams of doctors and other medical personnel require the expertise and support of nurses to do their jobs. This is a decisive moment for the healthcare field. The right staffing levels of nurses can reduce the length of patient stays, mortality rates, and preventable events such as infection or the contraction of secondary illness. If making a difference while changing lives appeals to you, you may find the nursing field particularly rewarding. But, when considering any profession, there’s always the question of salary. How much is a nurse’s salary? How much can you earn with a BSN degree? Read on to learn about the BSN salary potential and becoming a BSN-educated nurse.
Becoming a BSN Nurse
Nurses can enter their profession in a variety of ways. For example, future nurses may pursue licensing and employment after earning their associate degree in Nursing. However, for reasons outlined later, earning a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) can prove advantageous, both financially and occupationally.
Coursework
During the course of their BSN program, students are expected to complete general education credits, including pre-nursing credits. These credits can include classes such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Psychology
- Algebra and Statistics
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Lifespan Development
After pre-nursing classes have been completed, future nurses must take coursework in support of their major. These classes can include:
- Health Maintenance and Restoration
- Psych/Mental Health Nursing
- Nutrition
- Research Process in Nursing
- Family Nursing
- Leadership and Management Roles in Nursing
- Health Promotion
In addition to coursework, students must complete a Nursing Capstone project, as well as supervised clinical training.
Licensing
After successfully graduating from their degree program, prospective nurses must pass the nursing licensing exam, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The state of Connecticut is not a member of the nurse licensure compact (NLC). Instead, Connecticut sets its own standards for LPNs, RNs, and nurse practitioners set by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health Board of Examiners for Nursing. The board approves nursing programs in Connecticut, as well.
BSN Degree Benefits
There are a number of reasons why earning a BSN can be a smart choice for future nurses. One of the most obvious advantages is that those who hold a BSN are more likely to be paid more than those who hold an associate degree in Nursing (ADN).
ADN vs. BSN Salary
While it’s possible to work as a nurse with an associate degree in Nursing, those who hold a BSN degree are likely to be paid more than ADN-educated nurses. According to PayScale, ADN nurses are paid an average of $72,000 per year. Meanwhile, BSN nurses can expect to earn an average of $80,000 per year. Additionally, BSN nurses are able to apply to management positions that pay more than some clinical roles. Due to their training in management, BSN holders are ideal candidates for leadership positions.
Employment Opportunities
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 88% of employers prefer nurses who have earned a baccalaureate degree. More and more, medical facilities and hospitals expect new applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Nurses who hold a BSN are uniquely suited for leadership due to their management skills, critical thinking, and ability to solve problems in the moment. BSN nurses are also qualified to educate the public on how to prevent disease and treat illness. As a result, with a BSN, you’ll have a built-in advantage in the job marketplace.
BSN Nurse Salary Information
On average across the United States, registered nurses earn an annual salary of $75,330 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, your specific salary can vary, depending on where you are licensed to practice.
In Connecticut, prospective nurses should be thrilled to know that salaries for RNs are well above the national average. Nurses in Connecticut can expect to earn an average annual salary of $84,850 per year. This makes Connecticut one of the top-paying states for registered nurses in the country today.
Nurses are needed more than ever to provide skilled care and leadership in hospitals, outpatient care facilities, and medical offices. In light of a global pandemic and an aging population, employment is going to increase for nurses across the United States. Those interested in attending a BSN nursing program in CT will be pleased to learn that in the state of Connecticut, nurses’ salaries are well above the national average. Now is a great time to enroll in a nursing program and become part of the solution.
Interested in earning your BSN degree at University of Bridgeport? Find out more about our programs here.