Georgia RN to BSN Bridge Programs
If you’re ready to use your nursing experience to explore different healthcare specialties, an RN to BSN program may be the next step for you. Whether you see yourself working in nurse leadership or just taking on a greater role in patient care, an RN to BSN program could be the right choice for you. Discover what you learn in Georgia bridge programs, what type of clinical experience you get and where you may work after graduation on this page. Use our list of Georgia RN to BSN schools to request information from schools that fit your needs.
Nursing continues to advance with medical technology, healthcare reform trends and the changes that influence health and wellness. Nurses who desire to play an influential role in the challenges of modern nursing care can advance their knowledge and careers with an RN to BSN transitional program. RN to BSN programs in Georgia build on your current knowledge and expertise to increase clinical practice skills. In a 2017 article, nurses note that GA nursing programs are focused on filling nursing gaps in clinical and academic settings through education, to help abate an increasing nursing shortage.
If you are serious about a career in nursing, now can be a great time to locate and compare both online and campus-based BSN programs. BestNursingDegree.com wants to help you make the right decision for your career, so we have provided a full list of nursing programs in Georgia that offer an RN to BSN bridge program. As a rule of thumb, it is best to request information from multiple nursing schools in GA to ensure you find the right program for you.
Many Georgia nurses are returning to school for a BSN degree, in an effort to elevate professional practice. Take some time to look over your options for the best RN-BSN nursing programs in Georgia and request information from those you are interested in.
Accelerated RN to BSN Degree Programs in Georgia
There are several nursing schools that offer both campus based and online RN to BSN programs in Georgia. Your curriculum will be composed primarily of courses that expand and deepen your theoretical and practice knowledge of nursing. If you want to earn your RN to BSN online, programs in Georgia do offer distance learning options, allowing you to complete your Bachelor’s in Nursing degree at your own pace.
Nursing research courses improve the critical thinking process with the use of scholarly and analytical skills for advanced clinical practice. Diagnostic reasoning and assessment findings empower the nurse to address factors that influence the health of patients, families and communities. Advanced courses provide a strong foundation for the nursing process and include some of the following:
- Introduction to the principles of leadership and management help nurses provide guidance for staff structure and organization
- Health promotion and strategies for home healthcare in the community
- Influencing and preparing nursing policy definitions and legislation
- Cultural influences on health benefits and practices
- Statistics in healthcare research for nurses
- Pharmacology for healthcare providers
- Effective communication and documentation
RNs can usually complete a BSN in approximately 18 to 20 months in a full time program. Pre-requisites can be taken at your own pace and count towards degree credit. Some programs will take the full 60 credits from your ADN and apply them to the BSN. Depending on the policies designed by the program you select, the length of the clinical practicum is usually 12 weeks total of a full time class schedule, and will focus largely on community based nursing.
Opportunities for the RN, BSN in Georgia
Nurses have opportunities for advance practice specialties, administration and non-traditional nursing positions in Georgia. With the advanced credentials of a BSN, healthcare employers value your commitment to your nursing career. Some positions in Georgia that require a BSN are the following:
- Columbus State University requires RN educators for clinical preceptors, academic advisors and faculty members
- Northside Hospital hires RNs for mentoring and training in oncology, neurology and other areas of intensive care
- Several hospitals in Georgia seek Clinical Informatics and Research Nurses for education, evaluation and the organization of data
- Home health positions in Hospice nursing often require BSNs
- Nurse executives and administrators are integral parts of upper management in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics
- Non-hospital positions include telemedicine, physician offices and specialty doctors that train highly skilled nurses in advanced medical interventions, technology and laser therapy
The Outlook for Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses in Georgia
Nurses are preparing for the challenges of their expanding roles in healthcare and are achieving higher education for changing careers, increasing their nursing skills at the bedside and furthering careers in non-hospital roles. Georgia offers one of the highest RN employment rates in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earning your Bachelor’s in Nursing in GA will help to position you as a leader in your profession. Contact the schools that offer online nursing programs in Georgia, or those with RN to BSN programs that you are interested in, then request program materials to learn more.
RN to BSN programs for Georgia nurses include:
- Georgia Southern University. The RN to BSN program at Georgia Southern is completely online. Students may elect to attend an on-campus orientation program and some one-day on-campus classes, but if on-campus attendance is not feasible, students may complete another pre-approved alternative instead.
- Valdosta State University. Valdosta State offers an RN Preference program, which allows nurses to complete some basic coursework before deciding if they want to pursue a BSN (which can be completed in one year) or a MSN degree (which can be completed in two years). Advisors work with students to determine their personal and professional goals.
