RN to BSN programs in Michigan have specifically been designed to cater to the needs of registered nurses who would like to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. O*Net Online reported that the lowest 10 percent of registered nurses working in Michigan earned $49,500, which is $3,900 more than what the lowest 10 percent of registered nursing working in the United States earned.
Approval and Accreditation
The Michigan Board of Nursing acts as the regulatory body for all nursing programs in the state, including RN to BSN programs.
Recognized nursing accreditation bodies may also accredit various RN to BSN programs. These bodies may include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Enrolling in a RN to BSN Program
Before you are able to enroll in a RN to BSN program, you will have to fulfill various admission requirements.
Most colleges that offer this program require that you should already be a registered nurse before applying to the program.
Other requirements normally include:
- Official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 2.75
- Associate’s degree in nursing science or proof of professional experience as a registered nurse
Curriculum and Coursework
A RN to BSN program provides advanced knowledge and helps the students develop a deep understanding of nursing science.
This program builds upon the academic foundation laid in an associate’s degree or what the students have learned during their professional experience as a registered nurse.
Learning Objectives The curriculum in a RN to BSN program teaches the students to:
- Conduct various diagnostic tests
- Record a patient’s medical history
- Record a patient’s medical symptoms
- Analyze the result of various medical tests
- Administer treatment and various medication such as injections
- Perform a patient follow up
- Operate medical machinery
- Efficiently use medical technology
Coursework
Registered nurses enrolled in a RN to BSN program are exposed to courses such as:
- Methods of Health Assessment
- Empirical Healthcare Research in Professional Settings
- Community and Public Healthcare
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Issues in Nursing
- Nursing Practice in the United States
Students also attend laboratory sessions, where they learn the practical application of various theories that they have learned in the classroom.
Students enrolled in this program may also choose to focus their coursework in a specific nursing field such as psychological nursing, adult nursing, or pediatric nursing.
Continuing Your Studies
Upon successful completion of a RN to BSN program, a student may choose to further the education by enrolling a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program.
Certifications
RNs in leadership positions may choose to acquire a certification in management, although it is not obligatory.
Many certifications are available such as:
- Certification in medical management is offered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management.
Occupational Outlook and Career Statistics
O*Net OnLine provided occupational statistics for various relevant occupations.
According to these statistics, the top 10 percent of health services and medical managers working in Michigan earned more than $146,000 in 2013.
O*Net OnLine also reported that critical nurses working in Michigan earned an annual median salary of $65,000 in 2013.