Is a BSN required to become a nurse?

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. Earn your associate’s degree in nursing and you can become an RN more quickly and earn your first set of scrubs. However, if your goal is to continue climbing the ladder to become a nurse practitioner or pursue roles in nursing leadership or administration, you may be best off enrolling in a BSN program so you can reach your goals faster. No matter what you choose, Herzing is here to empower you to become the best nursing professional you can be.

Is it better to get an associate or bachelor degree in nursing?

It’s a question of: What your goals are How quickly you want to reach them If your goal is to become an RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years. If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program. Read about the most basic differences between an associate and bachelor degree.

Do BSN nurses make more than ASN nurses?

Because nurses with a BSN have earned that next degree level and generally have the edge on the job market, they will on average earn a slightly higher salary than nurses with an ASN. However, there are always exceptions; an ASN with several years of an experience may earn a higher salary than an RN with a BSN who is just starting their career. Registered nurses on average earn $75,510 per year ($36.30 per hour) nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—although estimates will vary based on your state of employment. Find the average BSN nurse salary in your state.

How much does an RN make in Florida?

According to 2018 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Florida earn an average salary of $66,210 per year ($31.83 per hour). Pay will depend on your education, years of experience, nursing specialty and healthcare facility where you work. Read more about the how much a registered nurse can make with a BSN.

Are registered nurses in demand?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% increase in employment for registered nurses from 2018 to 2028, faster than the 5% average across all occupations. Demographic changes resulting in an older population will increase the need for healthcare professionals to educate and care for patients with many different types of conditions, particularly diabetes, dementia and arthritis.

What makes a good RN?

There’s nothing easy about being a nurse. Nurses with a thirst for knowledge, compassion, empathy, self-awareness and a constant focus on lifelong learning are truly exceptional. Learn more about what makes a good nurse, from the quality of the care you provide to the confident smile you wear every day.

RT to RN Track - BSN/ASN Program

Go from RT to RN with Herzing University

CCNE-accredited BSN program¹
Offered at two locations in Florida: Orlando and Tampa
Choose an ASN or BSN degree pathway (RT to BSN only in Tampa)
Typical program length: 18-32 months
Advance your nursing career: earn dual credit towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) by enrolling in our Bridge to BSN option

Waived enrollment fee Classes start January 11th

Transition to RN faster with Herzing University

Take full advantage of the experience you’ve gained as a respiratory therapist and transition into a rewarding new career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Herzing University offers multiple options in Florida for current RTs to go back to school and earn a nursing degree: either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Our curriculums are designed to help current practicing RTs earn their nursing degree faster than a traditional BSN program.

Associate degree option. Offered at our Orlando campus only—choose our 18-month Bridge to ASN program for RTs.
Bachelor’s degree options. Offered at our Orlando and Tampa campuses—choose our 32-month Bridge to BSN program for RTs.

Either degree is step one in becoming an RN and will position you well to advance your education in the future.

Take the first step down a new career path in healthcare with Herzing University. We are your lifelong partner in learning, dedicated to helping you thrive in your new nursing career.

Classes Start January 11th

Learn More Today

Locations

Orlando, FL
RT to ASN/BSN

Choose your nursing degree pathway by enrolling at our campus in Orlando.

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Tampa, FL
RT to BSN

Earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing in less than 3 years at our Tampa campus.

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Questions? Speak with an advisor today

Possibilities

Your new inspiring career path awaits

Current respiratory therapists seeking to expand their scope of practice in patient care may consider nursing as a viable new career path. Registered nurses can potentially contribute to many types of medical care, offering RTs a chance to either focus their specialization as a respiratory nurse or branch into new types of care.

RNs are the backbone of patient care in all sorts of medical facilities as the key connection between patients and doctors, playing a role in recording and updating medical information, administering medication, consulting with other staff, and serving as a strong advocate for the patient’s interests.

After earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, pass the Board of Nursing requirements in your state and become a registered nurse.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is expected to increase 7% from 2019-2029, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*

Now is an excellent time to join a growing career field with many possibilities for continued career advancement. Earn a nursing degree and become highly qualified for entry-level job opportunities.

Accelerated BSN Option

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Associate in Nursing

Accreditations

Accreditations & Disclosures

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Orlando is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). This accreditation includes the baccalaureate degree program offered at the satellite Herzing University Tampa location.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals