What Are the Benefits of Going Back to Nursing School?
Written by:
Wilson College Online
• Jul 13, 2026
Demand for healthcare services—and the providers who deliver them—is rising, driven by the medical needs of an aging population and the growing prevalence of chronic illness. By 2040, nearly a quarter of all Americans will be 65 and older, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 3 in 4 adults have at least one chronic condition.
As the number of patients grows and their needs become more complex, healthcare systems increasingly rely on nurses with the education and skills required to deliver high-quality, comprehensive care across a range of settings. Registered nurses (RN), in particular, are vital to meeting the growing demand for care.
For nursing professionals, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), who are considering furthering their education to help meet this growing demand, exploring the advantages of going back to nursing school to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can be helpful.
Why Go Back to Nursing School?
Working nurses who decide to go back to nursing school do so for various reasons. They may be looking to enhance skill sets, qualify for more advanced roles, strengthen patient care abilities, increase earning potential, or simply wish to lay the groundwork for further education.
Many LPNs return to school to get their BSN, which helps to broaden and refine their clinical expertise while preparing them to practice as RNs.
Which Nursing Programs Are Available?
Many different nursing programs are available, and choosing the right one largely depends on a nurse’s existing education and experience, as well as their long-term goals. The following are some of the degree programs working nurses can pursue:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- BSN, including LPN to BSN and RN to BSN programs
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), including RN to MSN programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
For LPNs who are continuing their nursing education, the most common paths are earning either an ADN or a BSN.
How Long Is Nursing School?
The length of nursing school varies based on the type of program, the instructional format (online vs. in-person), and whether students are attending on a full- or part-time basis. LPNs returning to school to earn a BSN, for example, typically complete the program in two to three years.
Online vs. In-Person Nursing School
Another important consideration for nurses planning to go back to nursing school is whether to enroll in an online or an in-person, or a hybrid version that combines both forms of learning. An online education can be especially advantageous for working nurses, as many programs offer asynchronous coursework that allows students to more easily balance their professional and academic responsibilities.
Regardless of whether they choose an online or in-person program, BSN students generally need to complete clinical rotations as part of their education. These hands-on experiences provide valuable real-world training and opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in patient care settings.
Career Benefits of Going Back to Nursing School
RNs are consistently in demand, with employment projected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034, creating roughly 166,000 new jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By contrast, employment of LPNs and licensed vocational nurses (LVN) will only grow by 3% (17,000 new jobs) over the same time period.
Beyond meeting workforce demand, going back to nursing school can lead to meaningful professional benefits for nurses at every stage of their careers. Higher levels of education are associated with expanded responsibilities, greater autonomy, and higher earning potential. Some of the most notable advantages of returning to school for a BSN include the following:
- Enhanced skills: BSN programs build on LPN-level coursework, with more comprehensive scientific study (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) and in-depth exploration of concepts such as nursing research and evidence-based practice. This broader curriculum is designed to strengthen critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, often qualifying nurses for roles with more autonomy and better preparing them to meet complex patient needs.
- Career advancement: Earning a BSN can qualify nurses for more specialized or leadership-oriented roles . BSN-prepared nurses are more likely to be considered for positions in management and education, expanding their opportunities beyond direct patient care.
- Higher salary: Advancing their education can help nurses substantially boost their earnings. LPNs earned a median annual wage of about $62,340 in 2024, according to the BLS, while RNs earned approximately $93,600.
Personal Benefits of Going Back to Nursing School
In addition to professional gains, nurses can realize numerous personal benefits by returning to school, influencing how they feel about their work and their role within the healthcare system.
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Increased confidence: More advanced education enhances nurses’ clinical skills and professional judgment, helping students feel better prepared to handle complex patient care situations and make informed decisions.
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Greater job satisfaction: Feeling more prepared and confident in their skills has been linked to higher levels of job satisfaction among nurses. Studies have shown that nurses who are more satisfied in their jobs are often more engaged, which can positively impact the quality of patient care.
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Pathway to graduate education: Earning a BSN is beneficial—and often required—for nurses whose aspirations extend beyond RN practice. BSN preparation is typically a prerequisite for admission to more advanced nursing programs, including MSN and DNP degree programs.
Plan for the Next Step in Your Nursing Journey
As demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, going back to nursing school can be a strategic step for LPNs seeking to expand their skills and unlock new professional opportunities. By earning a BSN, nurses can realize a range of benefits—from increased earning potential and eligibility for leadership roles to preparation for graduate-level education.
If you’re thinking about advancing your nursing career, consider the LPN to BSN program at Wilson College Online. In just three years, you can develop the skills and gain the real-world clinical experience you need to become an RN—without stepping away from your current role.
Discover how Wilson can help you move forward with confidence.
Recommended Readings
How to Balance Nursing School and Work
Clinical Nurse Leader: Salary and Job Description
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice
National Council on Aging, Get the Facts on Older Americans
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
