No matter what diploma you have already, every nurse ends up taking the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse. However, even after becoming an RN, many nurses further their education, especially today. But, isn’t an Associate’s degree or a BSN enough? Yes, but not really.

Nurses who go back to school after achieving their RN status can see a number of different benefits.  Continuing your education can result in more job opportunities, higher credibility, leadership positions, and much more.

Increased Job Opportunities:

Although nurses with an Associate’s will get their license to work, there is a better chance of landing entry-level jobs with a bachelor’s degree or more. While it’s true that the demand for the job is higher today (and there are no signs of slowing down anytime soon), it’s also true that nursing is a highly competitive field. Several hospitals and healthcare facilities, especially those looking to gain “Magnet Status” are giving priority to nurses with a BSN degree or more.

Higher Credibility:

Some can argue that every nurse is a good nurse. But, after going into practice, some may want an advanced education to make them better. With continuous advancements, the development of new systems, and the discovery of new methods for treating patients, today’s nurses are challenged to become competitive in the field. So, choosing to go back to school to get a more solid theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice skills is not really a bad idea. And, by knowing these practices, you’ll gain more credibility, which opens the doors to better financial opportunities.

Leadership Positions:

While it’s true that all nurses can continue practicing as registered nurses, more opportunities will await only for nurses with advanced degrees. So, nurses, after practicing for some time, are choosing to get additional training to make themselves better suited for leadership and management positions. Undeniably, advanced degree programs will equip nurses with sharp decision-making and critical thinking skills, which are important for higher positions. Some nurses choose to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree to make themselves eligible to even become policymakers.

Specific Careers:

Nurses who spend their entire career in a hospital will find it sufficient enough to have, at least, an associate’s degree. But, for others who want to pursue their careers in non-hospital settings, these qualifications won’t suffice. Some nursing careers will be open only for BSN-degree holders. For example, careers in teaching, nursing informatics, and case management require an advanced level of nursing education.

Earning More:

It’s a general scenario that nurses with a BSN degree earn better for their labor than nurses with an associate’s degree. Not only in terms of money but also BSN-holders receive more benefits than others.

Increased Support:

For nurses who are already practicing in healthcare organizations, it won’t be easy to go back to school. Most often, the issues of cost and time can cause more than a few difficulties. But today, the trend is different! A majority of nurses who choose to go back to school have reported that an enormous amount of support from their employers, as well as their institutions, increased their likelihood of returning to school. Registered nurses who found it difficult to decide about their continuing education said that their organizational incentives and/or rewards acted as important motivating factors. Such factors include

• Tuition fee reimbursement
• Compatible working and/or class hours
• Paid sabbaticals
• Forgivable loans
• Pay for attending classes
• Web-based classes
• Worksite classes

Final Pointers:

As the healthcare system changes, there is more of a need for nurses with advanced degrees (BSN and higher). With an increase in the number of the aging population, the world’s healthcare system relies on advanced technology. All of this together means that the world needs more highly educated nurses, both to deliver quality health care and to educate the next generation.