Virginia RN to BSN Bridge Programs
Nurses in Virginia are vital to primary care, patient education and the conservation of patient resources. The nursing profession has been impacted by many of the recent changes in modern healthcare and as a result, nurses are being called upon to fill an even larger role in providing healthcare services in the state.
As a Registered Nurse, you may be called upon to expand your scope of practice and as the boundaries widen around many state nurse practice acts. As reported in The Daily Progress, a massive expansion of 42 percent of Medicaid rolls is expected in Virginia by 2014. These changes present both new challenges and opportunities for RNs in the 21st century.
Nursing programs in Virginia have responded to the need for more highly educated nurses by expanding RN to BSN programs. Virginia RN to BSN bridge programs can prepare you for these anticipated career transformations by expanding your knowledge base and giving you the tools you need for practice.
There are several RN to BSN programs in Virginia to choose from, so get started today by contacting the schools below that interest you!
Use BestNursingDegree.com to find RN to BSN programs in VA by contacting the schools you see on this page. You can request information from multiple schools including those that offer online programs. RN to BSN online programs in Virginia can give you a greater degree of flexibility than traditional on campus programs, allowing you to continue working as a nurse while you maintain the focus on other aspects of your life.
The number of Virginia RNs who already have a BSN degree is higher than the national average, reflecting the dedication of Virginia nurses to high standards of education. With the increase of RN to BSN nursing programs in Virginia, you, too can join this segment of nurses by earning your Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the additional training in critical thinking, communication, and leadership that a BSN degree offers are increasingly important as nursing practice becomes more complex. Such education often leads to increased earnings as well.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in Virginia
Your existing nursing knowledge, intuition and experience can be enhanced by extending your knowledge base with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Virginia nursing programs that offer RN to BSN bridge programs build upon your current critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and diagnostic reasoning through advanced courses in nursing. Some typical courses and outcomes from RN to BSN programs in VA are detailed below.
- Nursing research empowers you to provide evidence-based patient care, gives you a basis for your nursing actions and facilitates appropriate patient referrals.
- The mechanisms of pathophysiology presents advanced information on infectious diseases, and guides the appropriate assessment of multifaceted diseases and chronic conditions.
- Advanced pharmacology discusses the actions, purposes and indications for new generation medications and expands your ability to provide safe and effective care.
- Ethics in nursing help to identify the legalities, ethical considerations and moral implications of various situations in healthcare
Most RNs can complete a full-time RN to BSN program in about two years. Part-time schedules and courses are available as well, but may have to be completed within five years of starting. RN to BSN online programs in Virginia also offer flexibility and self-paced learning, coupled with the clinical skill development you need to move forward with your nursing career. Contact schools today to learn more!
Careers for RN to BSN Graduates in Virginia
A BSN is a degree that demonstrates your dedication to nursing and the value you place upon education. Employers are moving toward a trend of hiring Bachelor’s prepared nurses, reflecting the need for a highly educated nursing workforce. Opportunities can expand once you earn your for the BSN and may include nursing roles in management and leadership.
Completing a Bachelor’s of Nursing program in Virginia can prepare you for upward mobility in your nursing career, as you will be qualified to work more independently than before. Community and home health, nursing management, public health and health resource management are all areas that typically require nurses to have a Bachelor’s degree. Once you complete one of the many Virginia nursing programs that results in a BSN, you will be on your way to more freedom, more impact and more satisfaction with your job options.
Outlook for Virginia BSN Educated Nurses
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions 2010 report, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a 12.6% percent growth in Virginia’s population (approximately one million people) is expected by 2020, and the population 65 years and older is expected to grow by more than 45 percent. With such a large growth in the aging population, healthcare delivery and resources may be stretched to the limit in Virginia.
In order to cope with the increased need for services, much of the healthcare workforce growth is anticipated to be within the field of nursing. It makes sense to expand your education now, so you can be prepared to take advantage of new advancement opportunities as they arise, and to maintain your valuable position in the nursing job market. While the BLS reports that the average annual salary for a Virginia RN is $63,000, earning your BSN can have financial benefits as well, which may be reflected in a higher wage or salary based on your education
One of the largest growth sectors in Virginia nursing is anticipated to occur within the field of Nursing Education. Many nurse leaders believe that any nursing shortage is actually the result of a nursing educator shortage, as there are more available nursing students than instructors. With your baccalaureate degree in nursing, you can teach at the community college level, teaching LPN/LVN courses, CNA courses, and even community based CPR. Some universities will allow you to teach BSN courses as well if you are currently pursuing your master’s degree and have proper nursing experience.
Earning your RN to BSN in Virginia, whether online or on campus, is a great way to move your career forward. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but you can help propel the profession of nursing into the future. To learn more about your options, contact the Virginia nursing schools on this page and request information today. The more you know about the RN to BSN programs offered, the better prepared you will be to select the one that is right for you!
Nursing Programs to Consider:
- Marymount University (Arlington). This is a hybrid program, offering a mix of online and classroom attendance. Most courses require two meetings at the university in addition to the online component. Some clinical and/or laboratory work is required. Courses include health promotion and risk reduction in communities, research and evidence-based practice, and contemporary issues in nursing.
- George Mason University (Fairfax). Upon completion of required general education and nursing prerequisites, students can complete the RN to BSN pathway in one year (two full-time semesters), although part-time options are available. Classes include vulnerable populations, introduction to nursing informatics, community health and epidemiology, and nursing research.
- Old Dominion University (Norfolk). Fall admissions may complete the program in one year of full-time study. Spring admissions offer only part-time study which is generally completed in two years, although a slower pace is possible. Classes are offered at the campus and via distance learning options, which include online, video streaming of live televised lectures, and Teletechnet, with one way video and two way audio being offered at a variety of sites in Virginia.
