Discover everything you need to know about earning a bachelor of science in nursing through this nursing degree program guide.
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Matthew Arrojas is a news reporter at BestColleges covering higher education issues and policy. He previously worked as the hospitality and tourism news reporter at the South Florida Business Journal. He also covered higher education policy issues as...
Published on July 18, 2024
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Editor & Writer
Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
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Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, is a nurse educator with over two decades of experience in healthcare, including pediatric and medical-surgical acute care, women's health, hospital-wide education, and clinical instruction. She has a master's in nursing ...
Learn more about our editorial process
By
Reporter
Matthew Arrojas is a news reporter at BestColleges covering higher education issues and policy. He previously worked as the hospitality and tourism news reporter at the South Florida Business Journal. He also covered higher education policy issues as...
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
•
Reviewed by
Contributing Reviewer
Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, is a nurse educator with over two decades of experience in healthcare, including pediatric and medical-surgical acute care, women's health, hospital-wide education, and clinical instruction. She has a master's in nursing ...
Published on July 18, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
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Considering a career in healthcare? Nurses are in extreme demand as the U.S. battles a nursing shortage, which may leave you contemplating whether to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
This nursing degree program guide will walk you through what to expect from a BSN program, as well as the expedited pathways to earning a BSN. You can also read on to learn more about what it takes to get into a BSN program and how many years you'll spend earning your degree.
What Is a BSN Degree?
A BSN degree, or a bachelor of science in nursing, is the most common degree type for practicing nurses in the U.S.
It’s through a BSN program that you’ll learn many of the skills necessary to function as a nurse. This includes ways to work with patients and physicians that lead to favorable health outcomes.
A BSN degree will set you up to pursue a nursing license. A license is one of the requirements for a career in nursing, and most students who take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) do so right after graduation.
Understanding the Types of Bachelor's in Nursing Degree Programs
If you’re interested in earning a BSN, it’s worth noting that there are more options beyond the typical four-year bachelor’s track. Many programs are designed to accommodate working adults or those with prior educational experience.
Traditional BSN Program
A standard BSN program allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree in roughly the same timeframe as any other bachelor’s degree. You’ll start with general education requirements, then you’ll get the chance to dive into more nursing-specific topics during the back half of your program.
BSN programs require you to complete clinical rotations. The number of hours you must complete, however, largely depends on the state your program is based in. Typically, programs require participants to earn 400-700 hours of hands-on experience. The average requirement is 600 hours.
RN-to-BSN Program
You are eligible for an RN-to-BSN program if you are already a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree. These programs allow RNs to advance their education, and potentially their careers, too. RN-to-BSN programs typically require fewer clinical hours, ranging from 50-100.
If you qualify, you’ll take more specialized classes focused on nursing and avoid many of the general education requirements of most BSN programs. You will likely also finish an RN-to-BSN program faster than a traditional BSN program, depending on how many credits you can transfer.
Accelerated BSN Program
Accelerated BSN programs are typically for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree that is not in nursing. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, an accelerated BSN program allows you to earn your BSN in just one or two years, rather than the standard four years.
You’ll have the opportunity to skip many of the general education courses and get into the meat of your nursing coursework right away.
What to Expect in an Online Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN) Program
There are two primary structures for an online BSN program: synchronous and asynchronous learning.
In a synchronous program, you’ll be expected to attend lectures and complete coursework at a specified time. In an asynchronous program, you can complete class requirements at your own pace so long as you hit deadlines. Earning a BSN also requires an in-person clinical experience.
If you’re attending an online BSN program, you will likely need to find a nearby healthcare facility where you can complete your practicum requirement. Alternatively, if you live close to the school, you may also be able to complete these requirements on campus.
Online RN-to-BSN and accelerated BSN programs function similarly, although you can typically skip general education requirements through these programs.
Courses You Can Expect to Take in a BSN Program
You will likely have flexibility in the courses you take while pursuing a BSN, but there are many foundational courses nearly all future nurses must take. Some of those classes include:
- Anatomy and Physiology: This class focuses on the different parts and systems of the human body. It’s a lynchpin course for virtually any healthcare-related major.
- Public Health Ethics: This course offers an introduction to the values and principles necessary for a career in public health. It will likely involve reviewing case studies and learning about ethical theories.
- Nursing Fundamentals: This class offers an introductory-level overview of nursing. It’s here that you’ll learn the framework for patient care, as well as the different specializations you can pursue as a nurse.
- Pharmacology: Nurses may not prescribe medications, but it’s essential they have an understanding of different drugs and their side effects. A basic pharmacology course will offer a broad overview of this topic.
- Health Assessment: This course teaches you how to carry out a health assessment, which may be a common occurrence as a nurse. It’s in this cllass that you’ll review skills like how to administer a physical examination of a patient.
How Long Does a Bachelor's in Nursing Program Take?
An online BSN program can take 1-4 years, depending on your education, experience, and whether you attend full time or part time. The type of nursing program, such as an RN-to-BSN or an accelerated BSN, also affects your graduation timeline.
RN-to-BSN programs are designed for working nurses. If you attend full-time, you can complete most programs in 1-2 years. Part-time students may need up to four years. Accelerated BSN programs for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can be completed in two years or less.
| Nursing Program | Required Course Credits | Length of Program* |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 120 | 3-5 years |
| RN-to-BSN | 30-60 | 1-2 years |
| Accelerated BSN | 60 | 1-2 years |
How to Get into a Nursing Program
Getting into a BSN program is a similar process to getting into any bachelor’s program. You should plan to submit the following application materials when applying:
-
Letters of recommendation -
Personal statement or essay -
Standardized test scores such as from the SAT or ACT -
Official transcripts
If you are a high school senior pursuing a BSN after graduation, you may also want to include a list of extracurricular activities you were involved in.
GPA Requirements
It’s worth noting that BSN programs have varying degrees of selectivity. Enrolling in a BSN program at an Ivy League institution may require a minimum GPA of 3.80 or higher.
Meanwhile, a public college or university with mid-level selectivity will likely have a lower GPA threshold of around 3.0. Many community colleges don’t have a minimum GPA requirement.
Admissions for Nontraditional BSN Programs
The application process for an RN-to-BSN program or accelerated BSN program will likely be different than that of a traditional BSN. These programs will require you to show proof that you meet the prerequisites to enroll.
You’ll need to prove that you already have an RN license to enroll in an RN-to-BSN program. You may also need to provide your college transcripts to start an accelerated BSN program so that your institution can count previously earned credits.
RN Salary and Job Outlook
Nursing salaries typically are high enough to live comfortably. Individual salaries, however, are dependent on many factors. Location is a big one, as nurses in high-cost cities are more likely to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas.
The type of healthcare facility you work for will also influence your salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses who work at hospitals earned a median salary of nearly $10,000 higher than those who worked at residential care facilities in 2023.
Median Annual RN Salary, 2023
Lowest 10% of RNs
$63,720
Median Salary
$86,070
Top 10% of RNs
$132,680
Top Paying States For RNs
West Coast states tend to pay the highest salaries to RNs. These states also tend to have among the highest costs of living in the U.S., so it’s fitting that RNs are paid handsomely there. Even still, every state in the country reported an average salary of at least $65,000.
| State | Average Salary, 2023 |
|---|---|
| California | $137,690 |
| Hawaii | $119,710 |
| Oregon | $113,440 |
| Washington | $111,030 |
| Alaska | $109,210 |
Is a Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN) Degree Worth It?
When determining whether a BSN is right for you, first ask yourself whether you’d enjoy a career as a nurse. While the role may be stressful, many nurses report that helping patients heal is a fulfilling experience.
Next, it’s important to consider that a BSN is becoming a common prerequisite among many healthcare institutions.
Just under 72% of practicing nurses in the U.S. held at least a BSN by 2022. Research has also shown that hiring nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree may lead to better patient outcomes, including improved patient mortality rates.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Nursing Degrees
Where do nurses work?
Nurses work virtually anywhere healthcare is practiced, including settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
Nursing roles are also common in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Additionally, other industries you wouldn't automatically think of as being tied to nursing -- such as higher education -- often employ nurses.
What degree do you need to be a nurse?
You need at least an associate degree to become a nurse. An associate degree, which generally takes two years to earn, is required to become a registered nurse.
You'll need to continue your studies if you want to become a nurse practitioner (NP) or pursue a career in any nurse specialization.
Can you get a nursing degree online?
Yes, you can earn a nursing degree through an online-only program. It's worth noting, however, that BSN programs have clinical requirements.
This means that even in an online program, you'll need to find a healthcare facility where you can work hands-on with patients and other medical professionals to meet degree requirements.
How do I pay for nursing school?
You can pay for nursing school in a variety of ways, although it's best to rely on scholarships and grants rather than loans when possible. Nursing school often costs tens of thousands of dollars, so many nursing students opt to use student loans to help subsidize the cost.
Federal student loans are preferred, as these loans offer better interest rates. You can also examine the numerous student loan forgiveness programs -- such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness -- that nurses can take advantage of if they have federal loans.
How difficult is a nursing program?
Nursing programs require a courseload heavy on medical topics, which may prove difficult for some students. However, a nursing education typically prepares students to pass the NCLEX, which is required to become a licensed nurse.
According to data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, over 90% of U.S.-educated BSN students passed the NCLEX on their first attempt in 2023.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 11, 2024.
