What Is a BSN?
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Read time 5 minutes
Published on Sep 18, 2024
Read time 5 minutes
Published on Sep 18, 2024
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Approved by the associate dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Sept. 9, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is an undergraduate degree that teaches you essential nursing knowledge and skills, ranging from complex care management to leadership in nursing.
During your BSN program, you will be taught how to care for patients and work with other healthcare professionals — from conducting health assessments to preparing hospitalized patients for a safe discharge. This program can help prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) to obtain licensure as an RN.
Some universities offer different paths toward completing your BSN degree program. These are designed to meet the needs of individuals at varying stages of their careers. For example, if you are a high school student or recent graduate who would like to enter the healthcare field, you could enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program.
Some individuals become registered nurses after earning an associate degree (ADN) and passing the NCLEX-RN. This allows them to enter the nursing field without a four-year degree. However, RNs may choose to build upon their ADN education by going back to school to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through an RN to BSN program. This is an accelerated program that is customized to meet the needs of working professionals who seek in-depth nursing knowledge and skills.
Another nursing degree option for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field but want to transition to the nursing field is the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program (which confers a BSN degree). This program allows individuals to complete their nursing degree without having to complete general education coursework.2
Both ADN and BSN degrees can prepare students to become RNs — working professionals who are licensed to care for patients. The main difference between the two is that Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees dive deeper into nursing studies and expand more upon this knowledge. Both degrees can qualify students to take the NCLEX-RN to become an RN.
It should be noted that not all RNs have a BSN; they may have other valid nursing degrees. Currently practicing RNs who hold an ADN rather than a BS in Nursing may opt to go back to school to earn this degree while working, with the goal of advancing their skills and positioning themselves to pursue new opportunities.
One common question prospective nurses have is, Does RN or BSN come first? In other words, do you really need a baccalaureate degree in order to work as a nurse? As previously mentioned, it is currently possible to become an RN with just an associate degree and a passing score on the licensure exam. However, earning a baccalaureate degree instead can offer benefits that an ADN cannot.
Plus, the nursing field as a whole is shifting toward a greater preference for bachelor’s degree-prepared nurses. In New York, for instance, it’s currently state law for all nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree within 10 years of becoming licensed if they didn’t already have one.3 It’s possible that other states will follow suit at some point.
Although it is possible to be a nurse without a bachelor’s, a BSN degree may be preferable for healthcare workers.4 Also, nurses who are qualified to work in hospital settings, physician's offices, at-home healthcare services and various elderly care facilities can expect about 197,200 new openings throughout the U.S. from 2023 to 2033 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
There are many compelling reasons to look into how to obtain a BSN degree, including the following:
Research has shown that increasing one's level of nursing education beyond the associate degree results in better patient outcomes. In fact, a study found that patients who suffered cardiac arrest had higher chances of survival when treated by BSN-educated nurses, minimizing potential long-term damage and leading to better patient outcomes.5 In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive view of patient care principles to help you strengthen your ability to care for patients.
Registered nurses who hold a BS in Nursing have the potential to earn more than those with only an associate degree.4 Employers value RNs who are better prepared to contribute to favorable patient outcomes.4
According to NurseJournal, RNs with a BSN may be more likely to be hired for higher-level positions.4 They may also find themselves with increased job opportunities.4 Furthermore, as a bachelor’s degree-prepared nurse, you may position yourself to pursue potential leadership positions. Depending on where you work, you may be able to advance to a role where you oversee other nurses and work directly with upper management.4
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will teach you the skills needed to take on more responsibilities in the workplace. Some of the places where you can apply your knowledge are hospitals, community care settings and health service organizations. Additionally, many BSN-prepared nurses work in case management, private homes and public health.
Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree may prepare you to apply for positions within Magnet hospitals. Magnet hospitals are nationally recognized for promoting nursing excellence and typically have better patient outcomes.6 Currently, all Magnet hospitals require nurse leaders and managers to hold a baccalaureate degree as a minimum qualification.6
For nurses, working in a Magnet hospital means being encouraged to flourish as a professional in areas such as autonomy, leadership, collaboration and learning. Reports show that Magnet hospitals have higher job satisfaction and retention rates compared to other hospitals.7 These hospitals create and strive to maintain a culture of continuous improvement, where nurses are recognized and rewarded for competency.
Earning your BSN can prepare you to pursue a master’s degree in nursing. Someday, you may want to specialize or enter a leadership position that requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). By working toward a bachelor’s degree now, you can be more prepared to enroll in a master’s program in the future.
A career in nursing is one that you may find to be rewarding. Although pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can be challenging at times, the hard work you put into your education can be worth it for a career that allows you to make an impact in the nursing field and a difference in people’s lives.
For individuals who are just beginning to explore healthcare as a potential career option, it is often surprising to learn that there are so many choices within the nursing field. There are numerous paths for specialization for registered nurses with a BSN, including but not limited to:
Begin working toward your career in nursing with a BSN degree from Grand Canyon University. Our options include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure), an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN degree for currently practicing nurses.
