Benefits of Further Education
If you are currently a registered nurse, you may be wondering "What is the value of going back to school to increase my education?"
Increased education allows you to:
- Broaden your career opportunities. When you have earned a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree in nursing, new avenues of employment are open to you.
- Expand your earning potential. Jobs that require additional education are generally rewarded with a higher level of income.
- Increase critical thinking skills. Sharper critical thinking skills mean better and safer patient care, as well as increased job satisfaction.
- Accept opportunities with greater responsibility and decision-making options.
- View your profession from a different perspective. You are better able to see the big picture and understand how each aspect of your professional practice contributes to the overall healthcare equation. This expanded perspective also increases your sense of job satisfaction.
While entry level employment is available for registered nurses with all levels of education, many employers are seeking more nurses prepared with a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science Degree in Nursing. Examples of positions where a bachelor's or higher degree are preferred include case management, school nursing, and research assistant. Additional education also provides advanced skills in management, clinical practice, research, and teaching. Once you earn a bachelor's degree, you can go on to earn a master's degree or a doctorate degree, if desired. You may also enroll in a program designed to move you from the associate degree or diploma education to the Master of Science in Nursing (RN-to-MSN). In North Carolina, doctoral programs are also available for nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees.