Why More RNs Are Returning to School for a BSN

The nursing profession is at a pivotal crossroads. With the healthcare landscape becoming more complex and the demands on bedside nurses intensifying, a growing number of registered nurses (RNs) are making the decision to return to school and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Whether motivated by personal fulfillment, professional advancement or a desire to improve patient outcomes, these nurses are investing in their futures at a time when higher education has never been more accessible or more relevant.

In 2010, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), formerly the Institute of Medicine (IOM), published a report entitled The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, which called for 80% of the nation’s nurses to hold a BSN by 2020. While the industry has not yet reached that benchmark, the proportion of BSN-prepared professionals has risen substantially to more than 70% of nurses in recent years — and the momentum continues to build.

This article explores the personal, professional, societal and financial reasons why more RNs are choosing to earn a BSN, ultimately addressing the question: Why get a BSN degree now?

Personal Reasons RNs Choose to Earn a BSN

So, why get your BSN as an RN?

Renewed Passion and Confidence in the Workplace

For many RNs returning for BSNs, school reignites a sense of professional purpose. Years of bedside experience give nurses deep clinical intuition, but a BSN program builds on that foundation with coursework in evidence-based practice, leadership, community health and critical thinking. Nurses who complete their BSN often report feeling more confident in their clinical decision-making and more empowered to advocate for their patients. The educational experience can remind seasoned nurses why they entered the profession in the first place, fueling a renewed commitment to excellence in care.

Seeking Purpose After Personal Hardships

Life events — such as personal health challenges, family loss or the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic — often prompt nurses to reevaluate their careers. Many RNs who experienced burnout or grief during the pandemic have found that returning to school provides a sense of forward momentum and purpose. Pursuing a BSN can be a transformative experience, presenting a structured path for personal growth while opening doors to roles that allow nurses to make an even broader impact on the communities they serve.

Flexibility of RN to BSN and Online BSN Programs

One of the most significant developments in nursing education over the past decade has been the proliferation of flexible, online RN to BSN programs. These degrees are specifically designed for working nurses, offering asynchronous coursework, accelerated timelines and credit for prior clinical experience. Many programs can be completed in as few as 12 to 20 months, which makes it possible for nurses to advance their education without stepping away from full-time employment. This flexibility removes one of the largest barriers that historically prevented RNs from pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Societal and Professional Reasons RNs Are Advancing to a BSN

Leading with compassion, dignity and integrity, nurses committed to professional development are better positioned to leave their mark on the industry.

Healthcare System Complexity and Expanding Technology

Today’s healthcare environment is dramatically more complex than it was even a decade ago. The integration of electronic health records, telehealth platforms and data-driven care models requires nurses who can navigate sophisticated systems and interpret clinical data with confidence. BSN programs equip nurses with training in informatics, research methodology and systems-level thinking competencies that are increasingly essential in modern care settings. As the IOM’s Future of Nursing report emphasized, nurses need more educational preparation to handle the growing complexity of the healthcare system and the responsibilities they are asked to shoulder.

Hospital and Healthcare Facility Shortages

The United States is facing a sustained nursing shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects approximately 190,000 openings for registered nurses each year through 2034, driven by workforce turnover and a rising demand for healthcare services among aging populations. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has projected a shortfall of hundreds of thousands of registered nurses by 2030, with the crisis especially acute in rural and underserved communities. A more educated nursing workforce — one with a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses — is widely viewed as a critical component of addressing these shortages, as BSN nurses are better positioned to take on expanded roles in care coordination, leadership and more.

Meeting Employer Expectations and Organizational Preferences

Employer preferences have shifted meaningfully in favor of BSN-prepared nurses. Namely:

The majority of nurse executives indicate their institutions prefer or require newly hired nurses to hold a bachelor’s degree.
Hospitals pursuing or maintaining Magnet designation, a credential awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center recognizing excellence in nursing, are particularly likely to favor BSN-educated staff.
In 2018, New York became the first state to pass legislation requiring newly licensed RNs to obtain a BSN within 10 years of initial licensure, signaling a broader legislative trend toward higher educational standards in the profession.

Financial Reasons RNs Are Investing in a BSN

Aside from elevating their nursing knowledge, registered nurses can see the payoff of a BSN throughout their careers.

Increased Earning Potential Over Time

While the salary gap between ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses may appear modest in the early years of practice, it can widen considerably over time. Payscale data has indicated an average annual salary difference of approximately $17,000 between nurses with a bachelor’s vs. an associate degree alone. As of 2024, the BLS reports a median pay of $93,600 for RNs, with the highest 10% earning more than $135,000. Of course, earnings vary by geographic location; for instance, the highest salaries tend to be in coastal states.

Beyond base salary, a BSN opens the door to higher-paying roles in management, education, informatics and specialized clinical practice — positions that are often unavailable to nurses without a bachelor’s degree.

Access to Tuition Reimbursement and Employer Support

Many healthcare employers actively encourage their nursing staff to pursue a BSN by offering tuition reimbursement, scholarship programs and flexible scheduling for classes. This employer-supported model substantially reduces the financial burden on nurses and makes higher education more accessible than ever before. RNs considering a return to school should explore the educational benefits their employers already have in place, as these programs can make the investment in a BSN far more affordable.

Long-Term Job Stability and Market Competitiveness

In an increasingly competitive job market, a BSN provides a meaningful advantage. As more healthcare organizations adopt BSN-preferred or BSN-required hiring policies, nurses without a bachelor’s degree may find their options narrowing over time. A BSN not only strengthens a nurse’s resume but also serves as a prerequisite for graduate-level education (including master’s and doctoral programs) that lead to advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse educator. Investing in a BSN today is an investment in long-term career resilience and marketability.

Why Now Is the Right Time for RNs to Return to School

Why get a BSN now? For one, the landscape of nursing education has expanded drastically.

Increased Access to Flexible, RN-Focused BSN Programs

Accredited BSN programs for RNs are now offered by hundreds of universities nationwide, with many available entirely online. These programs recognize the clinical expertise working nurses already possess and build on it with focused coursework in areas such as leadership, population health and evidence-based research. For nurses who previously felt that returning to school was impractical, the current variety of flexible, affordable options has changed that entirely.

Evolving Healthcare Systems, Patient and Workforce Demands

As the healthcare industry evolves rapidly, patient acuity levels are rising, chronic disease prevalence is increasing and the population is aging. The National Academy of Medicine’s 2021 report, Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, underscored the need for a more highly educated nursing workforce capable of addressing health disparities and leading innovation in care delivery. Nurses who pursue a BSN are better prepared to meet these demands and to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of healthcare systems.

Demand for Primary Care and Community-Based Services

As the healthcare system shifts its focus from acute, hospital-based care to prevention, wellness and community-based services, BSN-prepared nurses are increasingly essential. BSN curricula include training in skill areas that are directly relevant to the growing emphasis on primary care and population health: public health, community assessment and health promotion. Nurses who earn a BSN are well-positioned to contribute to this shift — whether by working in community health centers, school-based clinics, home health settings or other BSN career paths.

Employer Preference for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses

The evidence connecting BSN-prepared nurses to improved patient outcomes is robust. Research published in The Lancet in 2014 found that every 10% increase in the proportion of nurses holding a BSN in a hospital was associated with a 7% decrease in the risk of patient death. Subsequent longitudinal research has confirmed these findings, showing that hospitals that increased their share of BSN-prepared nurses experienced measurable improvements in patient mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. These data have driven employer preferences and policy decisions alike, in turn creating strong institutional demand for baccalaureate-educated nurses.

RN Returning for a BSN: The Right Choice for You?

Questions RNs Should Ask Before Enrolling

Before committing to a program, RNs should reflect on several key questions regarding why to get a BSN and how to select a program:

What are my long-term career goals, and how will a BSN help me achieve them?
Does my employer offer tuition assistance or scheduling flexibility?
Is the program accredited by a recognized body — e.g., the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)?
What is the program’s track record for student success and completion?

Taking the time to research and evaluate these factors will help ensure that the investment aligns with your professional aspirations.

Balancing Work, Life and Education Commitments

One of the most common concerns among working nurses considering a return to school is whether they can manage the demands of education alongside their professional and personal responsibilities. The good news is that most RN to BSN programs are designed with this exact challenge in mind. Asynchronous online coursework, part-time enrollment options and supportive academic advising make it possible for nurses to progress at a pace that fits their lives. Many programs also offer cohort-based models that cultivate a sense of community and accountability among students who share similar professional backgrounds.

Next Steps for RNs Considering a BSN Program

If you’re ready to explore your options, start by reviewing accredited BSN programs that match your schedule, budget and career goals. Reach out to admissions advisors to learn about transfer credit policies, financial aid opportunities and program timelines. Speak with colleagues who have completed their BSN to gain insight into the experience. And remember: The decision to return to school is not just an investment in a degree but rather an investment in the quality of care you provide, the patients you serve and the future of the nursing profession.

Final Takeaway: RN to BSN Completion

More than a passing trend, the movement toward a more educated nursing workforce is a fundamental shift in how the profession is evolving. From improved patient outcomes and stronger earning potential to expanded career opportunities and greater professional confidence, the benefits of holding a BSN are far-reaching. For RNs who have been considering a return to school, the combination of flexible program options, employer support and strong industry demand makes this an exceptionally favorable time to take the next step.

Advance Your Nursing Career With Nebraska Methodist College

Are you seeking to advance your education and elevate your nursing practice? Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) specializes in healthcare with programs in nursing, allied health and healthcare management. NMC offers certificate, undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.