The healthcare industry has undergone endless changes over the years, but one thing has remained a constant: the demand for quality, caring nurses. The growing number of retiring nurses, a quickly aging population and rising rates of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions will only continue this trend.

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for RNs will increase by 526,800 through 2022, which is a 19% jump in hiring. It’s clear that nurses will remain in demand for years to come, but due to an older, sicker and longer-living population, landing a job will require meeting more stringent requirements – like earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

If you’ve been thinking about enrolling in a BSN program, here are some great reasons to stop waiting and move forward!

3 Reasons to Get a BSN

1. Many hospitals require it: The Institute of Medicine called for 80% of nurses to have at least a bachelor’s degree by 2020. To meet this goal, hospitals are increasingly requiring nurses to obtain their BSN degree. Along with that guideline, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has long recognized the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for professional nurses – and a growing number of hospitals are in agreement.
2. Expand your career options: Employers recognize that nurses with BSNs are well prepared to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s healthcare setting. There are some healthcare jobs that require a BSN degree. Also, BSN graduates have more options when it comes to their careers, because a BSN program is designed to develop skills required in a variety of non-hospital positions, including school nurse, home health nurse, educator, community health manager and many more.
3. Improve your skills: The comprehensive BSN curriculum typically covers topics such as case management, community health, policy, home health, research, ethics and leadership. BSN coursework prepares you to better assess patient needs, make better decisions and provide better care, which makes you a more valuable member of the healthcare team.

In addition to these three excellent reasons for getting a BSN, many states are still considering ramping up their requirements for newly licensed RNs, to include obtaining a bachelor’s degree within 10 years of licensure. Such laws will only increase the number of BSN-holding nurses, making the competition for good jobs tougher.

Individuals with at least a BSN degree will have better job prospects than those without, so why wait until everyone has one?

Earn Your BSN For Yourself and for Your Career

Nursing has always been a high demand career. But today’s employers often demand more than competence and compassion – they prefer the higher skill set and commitment to lifelong learning demonstrated by a BSN degree. From pursuing new job opportunities to increasing your personal skill set and job satisfaction, there are so many great reasons to get your BSN. Plus, it’s easier than ever to balance work, family and school, with program choices that fit your life. Why not get started on your BSN sooner, rather than later? Make 2015 your year!

Ryan works for Bisk Education on behalf of Villanova University and their online programs. He writes articles for their online RN to BSN program that help those looking to progress in nursing as a career choice.

The Importance of Getting a BSN in 2015