Michigan RN to BSN Bridge Programs
As a nursing professional in Michigan, you are the critical element in the delivery of primary care, the conservator of patient resources and the provider of health education to patients and their families. According to Forbes Magazine, the shifts of healthcare reform and the physician shortage have increasingly prompted the expanding nursing practice in Michigan. As a result, nursing programs in Michigan have expanded to include bridge options like RN to BSN programs.
RN to BSN programs in Michigan offer a way to apply your previous nursing knowledge and experience to earning your Bachelor’s degree. Attending one of the BSN programs in Michigan can provide you with a widened scope of practice and an opportunity for more career mobility. A BSN in nursing also provides you with informative resources, extends your knowledge of patient care and strengthens the profession as a whole.
With BestNursingDegree.com you can compare and request information from multiple schools including those that offer online RN to BSN programs in Michigan. Be sure to consider online schools that may be out of state as well, as they can provide a similar learning experience with clinical sites that are often found in your local area.
According to the Michigan Center for Nursing, Michigan had about 131,235 licensed RNs as of January 1, 2010, with about 82 percent working in nursing or related fields. The majority of Michigan RNs work in a hospital setting – in either inpatient or outpatient departments. Other areas of significant employment include home health, skilled nursing facility/long term care, and physician offices. License renewal in Michigan requires 25 hours of continuing education every two years with one hour of pain and symptom management.
According to the above report, about 64 percent of Michigan RNs have associate degrees or diplomas, while about 39 percent have BSN degrees. Nationally, about 36 to 37 percent or RNs have BSN degrees. A degree can prepare you for additional opportunities in health management of specified populations and leadership in health care organizations. The RN to BSN path has never been easier, and Michigan RNs have a variety of choices available to them.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in Michigan
Although the debate of baccalaureate in nursing continues in legislation, the fact remains undeniable that a BSN provides nurses with more support to advance their knowledge-base, give them more career mobility and assist them with the confidence to tackle new advances in medical technology. Classes are designed to increase your perspectives, build on your existing experience and advance your knowledge in areas such as:
- The humanities provide you with intense insight into the human condition, the evolution of culture and sharpen critical thinking skills
- Nursing leadership empowers nurses to make more required business decisions, demonstrate professionalism and organize complex administrative duties
- Nursing management provides the skills to supervise support staff, construct policy and assist with reliable nursing coverage
- Health promotion and disease prevention presents the required health information format for compliance with the new Affordable Care Act guidelines
- Advanced health assessment sharpens your nursing diagnostic reasoning, physical assessment and patient evaluations
- Nursing research empowers the nurse to practice evidence-based treatments and provide appropriate referrals
Full-time BSN study may be completed by an RN is less than two years. For nurses who require a flexible schedule, part-time programs are available. Online programs also provide added flexibility to learn on your own time while allowing you to work, care for a family or spend time with other activities.
Careers for RN to BSN Graduates in Michigan
Michigan RN to BSN programs can help prepare you for an expanded role within the nursing profession. Healthcare employers are often impressed by the RN with a BSN, and you may be highly valued by hospitals, healthcare facilities and other care settings that can benefit from your advanced knowledge in nursing and the healthcare system. Opportunities in Michigan are widespread and those afforded to the BSN graduate include:
- At the bedside, your patients may benefit from your extensive knowledge in advanced nursing care, related research and coordination of services
- Clinical research nurses organize statistical data, provide physicals of participants and set-up clinical study sites
- Nurse case managers are avid patient advocates that are highly knowledgeable about patient resources, patient rights and avenues of care
- Physician offices, such as cosmetic surgery, in Michigan prefer the BSN prepared nurse for training on special medical equipment, procedures and patient education
- Nurse educators train hospital staff on protocol and policy, train students in colleges and universities and supervise clinical components
- Nurse administrators and executives are educated in business acumen, possess organizational skills and exude professionalism
- Although Michigan does not require a BSN for critical care, catheterization lab nursing and pediatrics certification, it is highly preferred.
Career Outlook for BSN-Prepared Nurses in Michigan
According to an 2013 article by AnnArbor.com, the outlook for nursing graduates is favorable in the state. In fact, Carole Stacy, the director of the Michigan Center for Nursing was quoted saying “The employment picture has certainly gotten brighter here in Michigan, as the economy has gotten better and people have gone back to work.”
Although, BSN educated nurses may not necessarily earn a higher wage than their ADN educated counterparts, there is a trend with hospitals giving favor to those nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing over those with an ADN for available jobs. A BSN also opens more doors for furthering your education and pursuing new nursing specialties like becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, a Nurse Midwife or a Gerontological Nurse. As of 2013, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a the medial annual salary for a Michigan registered nurse is $65,820.
Take a moment to started expanding your education and career by requesting information from the accredited nursing schools in Michigan listed below that offer RN to BSN programs.
Nursing Programs to Consider in Michigan
- University of Michigan (Detroit). The RN to BSN program can be completed through part-time study at several locations including the McNichols campus, Grand Rapids/Muskegon locations, and in partnership with various health care systems. The program offers classes in health promotion, risk reduction, and healthcare economics. Online and on-site options are offered.
- Northern Michigan University (Marquette). The RN to BSN program can be completed full-time or part-time, with applications accepted twice yearly. Some classes are offered online. The program includes classes in nursing care of populations, leadership and management, and transition into professional practice. Enrollment is limited.
- Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti). A writing intensive course is a requirement of this program. Some courses may be available online. Course offerings include nursing research, community health nursing, health assessment, and nine hours of essentials of professional nursing practice. A minimum of thirty hours must be earned at EMU.
