BSN Degree
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EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: September 17, 2023
In this guide, we explore Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, including the various concentrations you can pursue, program types, and the benefits of holding a BSN degree.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is not just a degree; it’s a gateway to a fulfilling career in healthcare. If you’re passionate about nursing and aspire to make a real impact, understanding the journey to this degree is crucial.
Your pursuit of a BSN isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s a transformative experience that prepares you to lead in a dynamic field where empathy, skill, and innovation intersect. Whether you’re a fresh high school graduate or a seasoned healthcare professional seeking a career shift, there’s a BSN program tailored to your needs.
What Is a BSN Degree?
A BSN, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is a four-year, undergraduate, pre-licensure program that prepares students for a career in nursing. The BSN degree is the most respected and comprehensive post-secondary nursing program leading to practice as a registered nurse. It prepares students for leadership roles in nursing practice, health care administration, teaching, clinical research, and policy planning. Nurses who graduate with a BSN degree are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and to enter practice as registered nurses.
Types of BSN Programs
There are many different BSN degree options for nurses at various stages of their careers. Some BSN options are designed specifically for those who already possess some type of nursing degree or certification but want to transition to a bachelor’s degree program. Others provide an accelerated option for students with a baccalaureate degree in another field, who are considering a career in nursing.
Traditional BSN Programs
A traditional BSN program follows a typical baccalaureate format. Students in a traditional BSN program take general education courses for two years before entering into a nursing major.
Students begin by taking liberal arts and sciences courses such as biology, chemistry, math, psychology, sociology, and English. Following this period of education are an additional two years of nursing courses that include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nursing assessment, nursing theory, nursing research, infection control, pharmacology, and clinical practice.
LPN to BSN Programs
Many LPNs decide to take a significant step forward in their education and training in order to transition from practical nursing to registered nursing. LPN to BSN programs provide students with an opportunity to earn a BSN degree in as little as two years, rather than the usual four years, by giving LPNs credit for prior education and experience. These programs dramatically reduce the time and cost it takes to complete a BSN degree by waiving prerequisite courses that a student may have already completed during their LPN preparation.
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN Bridge programs cater to registered nurses with an ADN who are already possess a strong foundation in nursing, but want to earn a BSN degree. As the name suggests, a bridge program bridges the gap between two programs that normally require different amounts of education and training. RN to BSN programs offer ADN-educated nurses the opportunity to complete their degree in as little as 12 months of full-time study by giving them credit for previous nursing education and experience.
Accelerated / Second Degree BSN Programs
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) second degree programs are designed for non-nursing graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. ABSN programs are structured in a demanding and accelerated format that allows students to complete their degree in as little as 12-18 months. This fast-track format requires students to attend planned lecture and clinical learning experiences for up to 40 hours each week.
Benefits of a BSN Degree
- According to the AACN, registered nurses with a BSN are linked to better patient outcomes.
- BSN-educated nurses typically earn more than nurses with an Associate’s degree.
- Many employers prefer BSN nurses to those with an Associate’s degree.
- 94% of BSN graduates received job offers within 4-6 months after graduation according to recent surveys.
- BSN nurses are prepared for advanced roles in management, research, and clinical practice, such as department coordinator roles and nurse manager positions.
- A BSN degree opens opportunities to advance to a graduate-level nursing program, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
BSN Degree Online
Nursing schools are increasingly offering online programs that cover much of the same content as traditional nursing programs delivered in a face-to-face format. Online BSN programs are designed to meet the same academic and clinical learning objectives as traditional BSN programs. Students enrolled in an online BSN program will receive a mix of traditional in-class instruction, independent study, and online platforms for sharing course content and communicating with classmates and educators.
These programs are often referred to as “blended” or “hybrid” programs, because of the “blend” of traditional classroom education and online learning. These types of programs are growing in popularity as they provide students with the best of both worlds: the flexibility of learning when and where they choose along with an intimate and supportive learning environment on campus.
BSN Degree Requirements
Admission requirements for BSN programs vary by school, but generally, students should expect intense competition and a challenging application process. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate mastery of key concepts and knowledge, while also providing compelling reasons why they should be admitted into the program over other applicants.
The requirements for BSN programs generally include:
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Prerequisite courses in Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, social sciences and natural science with a minimum grade.
- Optional SAT or ACT exam scores with a minimum combined score of 1080 (SAT) or composite score of 21 (ACT).
- Personal statement that demonstrates academic, professional, personal and extracurricular qualifications not reflected in your transcripts.
- One letter of recommendation, preferably from a math or science teacher who can address the candidate’s potential to succeed in a nursing degree program.
- English language proficiency that meets the demands of classroom instruction, written assignments, and discussions.
- If English is not the applicant’s first/primary language, they must have a minimum TOEFL score determined by their state.
- Candidates must pass a criminal background check and a health and physical examination.
- Candidates must complete all required immunizations prior to entry into the program.
BSN Degree Concentrations
There are dozens of opportunities for specialized nursing work under the umbrella of registered nursing. Many BSN programs offer specialized concentrations within their curriculum in a specific medical subspecialty, population group, or care setting, which significantly boosts their value to prospective employers. For example, an RN may specialize in pediatrics, gerontological nursing, oncology, emergency care, or patient education.
Some of the most common specialties in registered nursing are listed below:
Emergency Room Care
Emergency rooms or intensive care units differ greatly from other wings in a medical facility. The high-stress, fast pace of the ER requires nurses to think quickly while under stress. An ER Nurse is responsible for assessing patients, determining the urgency of their condition, and communicating this information to the medical team. They are also responsible for treating patients with serious injuries, illnesses, and other medical emergencies.
Neonatal Practice
Caring for children can present unique challenges , especially when it comes to addressing the needs of a premature or sick infant. Neonatal nurses provide specialized care to infants from the time they are born until they are discharged. This highly specialized practice requires expertise in many patient care areas, including infant CPR, medication management, and infection control. In addition to the unique needs of these unique patients, neonatal nurses must attend to their families’ emotional needs.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is an important component of every health care team. Palliative care is the “total care of patients who are experiencing problems associated with life-limiting illness”. Palliative nurses work to help patients alleviate physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual pain. They help people with chronic illnesses cope with the stress of their diagnosis and improve quality of life for both themselves and their families.
Cardiac Care
Cardiac care nurses deal primarily with patients who have one or more heart conditions. Cardiac nurses help patients control their disease, manage their risk factors, and make an informed decision about treatment to optimize quality of life. They also work to prevent and treat heart attacks and stroke.
Psychiatric Care
Psychiatric care nurses are trained to provide comprehensive care for all patients experiencing mental health problems. Psychiatric nurses work with patients suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, psychosis, schizophrenia, dependence on alcohol or other substances, and sexual difficulties.
Oncology
An oncology nurse is responsible for treating patients with cancer or other cancer-related conditions. Oncology nurses work to manage the symptoms of cancer and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. They provide comprehensive care for patients with all forms of cancer, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. They also provide emotional support, information, and resources to help patients cope with treatment, prepare for surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy sessions, etc.
BSN Degree Near Me
Almost 700 colleges and universities across the country offer BSN programs for students who want to start or advance their nursing careers. Here, we provide carefully researched lists of the best BSN programs in each state. Click on your state to view program rankings or use our search feature to access our database of BSN programs near you.
BSN Degree FAQ
Is a BSN higher than an RN?
The term “RN” is a job title or licensure status that recognizes the completion of a post-secondary nursing program, i.e., a nursing diploma, Associate’s Degree in Nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A person is qualified to practice as an RN with any of these three credentials. A BSN is an educational degree, not a job title or licensure status. However, the term “BSN” is commonly used to refer to an RN who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. BSN-educated RNs are typically viewed as more highly skilled in medical care, with greater knowledge of nursing practice, than an RN with an ADN or diploma.
Can I get a BSN without being an RN?
Yes, you can absolutely get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) without becoming an RN first. Many students pursue a BSN directly after high school without any nursing experience. There are also “Second Degree BSN Programs” that allow non-nursing graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing to earn their BSN degree in an accelerated format. There is no requirement that a student earns an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or works in the field as an RN, before applying to a BSN program.
How long does it take to become a BSN?
BSN programs are generally offered as a full-time student experience, which takes a minimum of four years to complete. A BSN degree consists of two years of prerequisite liberal arts and science course, two years of the nursing core curriculum, and an intensive clinical experience.
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