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It’s getting harder to land a nursing job with only an associate degree, thanks in part to the Institute of Medicine’s goal to have 80 percent of nurses hold a bachelor’s degree by 2020.
The recession, during which more nurses with bachelor’s degrees applied for jobs due to layoffs, also resulted in employers requiring these degrees for new positions when they didn’t previously, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Fortunately, it’s becoming easier to earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing online, which means you can work around your travel nursing assignments. Here are some tips for achieving your degree and becoming more marketable as a nurse:
Look for a bachelor’s degree completion program
Many universities now offer bachelor’s degree completion programs for nurses with associate degrees. Each university is different, but the programs usually require at least a 2.5 GPA from a previous nursing program and an active nursing license.
However, you may be able to waive certain classes depending on your experience and the courses you completed for your associate degree. Tuition can be expensive, especially if you live out of state, so consider choosing a school in the state where you’ll be taking travel assignments to save on costs — and to be nearby if you need to visit the campus in person.
Make sure your program is accredited
Your bachelor’s degree program should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and accept the credits from your associate degree. If you can’t find information about the school’s accreditation on the website, ask a counselor or contact an administrator for more details.
Determine whether the program requires any time on campus
Some universities have mandatory days on campus or insist you take exams at the school’s testing center. Find out whether this is the case before enrolling in the program. You may be able to find an all-online option or ask for days off on your assignment to take tests or attend classes if you live nearby.
See if you can do clinicals at a local hospital
You can finish the majority of your classes on your own schedule online, but you’ll need to complete clinical courses in a hospital before earning your degree. Before you choose a program, see if the instructors will allow you to work with a hospital in your area to finish your clinicals. You’ll save time and money in travel costs and also be able to make new connections at this facility.
Find a friend to motivate you
While it’s convenient to complete all your coursework online and not worry about attending lectures in person, it can also be easy to fall behind or procrastinate, especially when you’re busy working. Make sure you have someone to keep you on track, whether it’s a spouse, child, parent, colleague or close friend, and ensure that you can complete your degree. Devote chunks of time to studying or doing homework and reward yourself by talking to your motivator, who’ll help you keep going.
By earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing, you’ll have a higher earning potential and a better chance of landing the nursing job you want — even travel nursing jobs. Check out this list of the top 30 online nursing bachelor’s degree programs, and see even more benefits of earning a BSN.
