Quick general question about RN certification

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I am an RN of 20 years, originally from outside the USA. I emigrated here in 2003 and took the NCLEX to become an RN. What should I assume I have as a certification? Do I have an associate's degree or a diploma? In the UK I think it was regarded as a diploma but isn't the RN a cover-all title? Please assist! I don't really understand the American way of classifying students and degrees. I am on the path to get my BSN and I'm very confused by all the terminology.

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

Rocknurse,

If you graduated from a diploma program, and the program granted you a diploma, not college credits, then you do not have an associate degree and if you wanted to get your bachelor's degree, your looking at 4 years + if it isn't an accelerated program.

Yes, you can still be a RN with a diploma, but continuing education (in most cases) requires that you start from day one.

[bill4745, RN]

RN is a license from a state to practice as a nurse. Bachelors and associates degrees and diplomas are awarded by educational institutions to indicate completion of a course of study. All three of these allow someone to take the nclex to be licensed as an RN.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thank you for your answers. So you think it will take me 4 years to become a BSN? That seems an awfully long time. I don't even know where to start right now. Does my original RN not count for anything as far as credits go? How do I find out how many credits I have? Is there a website someone can point me to that will explain all this stuff? Thanks.

[Eclectic1]

You should be able to find RN 2 BSN programs that will award significant credits for your diploma., it shouldn't take much longer or cost much more than someone entering with an AA/AS in nursing. Once you have the BSN you'll be on the same academic footing.

[elkpark]

I was a (US) diploma graduate RN, and it did not take me 4 years to get a BSN -- only three semesters. Most BSN completion programs are set up to accommodate diploma grads as well as ADN grads, and they give you as much credit as they possibly can for the work you've already done.

I would talk to the BSN completion programs in your area (or contact on-line programs you are interested in), discuss with them specifically your previous education (do you have a copy of your transcipt from your previous program? If you don't have one in hand right now, I would get one), and see what they have to offer you. Best wishes!!

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thanks to both of you...that was really helpful. :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

RN is a LICENSE, not a certification.

Certifications are like CPR, ACLS, and other classes or they represent many hours of study in one particular area AFTER the license was obtained. For instance, you can be a licensed RN but have certification in critical care.

You are right - the designations are confusing. When you get your BSN you will have a degree. It will not change the status of your license.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thanks classicdame. One more question...what is the average cost of an RN to BSN?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

that varies considerably. We have programs in private schools that are $20,000 or more. The online schools are expensive, IMO. However, we have a contract with U. of Texas for our nurses wanting to go from ADN to BSN. It is a 13 month, online program, for less than $1500. Period. I do recommend you contact state schools vs. private ones. The BON for that State has the same requirements for graduation, regardless.

[elkpark]

Thanks classicdame. One more question...what is the average cost of an RN to BSN?

I agree with classic -- you should definitely "shop around." There is huge variation in the cost among different programs.