What Is a BSN? Nursing Degree Explainer
If you’ve explored nursing careers, you’ve likely seen the term BSN. So, what is BSN? It stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is a four-year degree that prepares you to become a registered nurse (RN).
These programs aim to equip students with strong skills in leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. Although some RNs have two-year associate’s degrees, healthcare organizations increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses for their proven impact on patient outcomes. The BSN also opens doors to stronger career prospects and advancement opportunities in the long run.
If you’ve ever wondered,What is a BSN degree?, How do you earn one?, or What makes a BSN different from other paths?, this guide answers those questions more.
What Is a BSN in Nursing?
A BSN is a four-year undergraduate degree designed to prepare students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to practice nursing safely and effectively. Unlike shorter nursing programs, a BSN includes coursework in research, public health, ethics, and evidence-based practices, giving graduates a broader perspective on patient care and the healthcare system as a whole.
What Is an Alternative to a BSN Degree?
An alternative pathway to nursing is the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which offers a faster route to becoming an RN. Typically completed in two years, an ADN provides the minimum education and clinical training needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam — the national standardized assessment needed to earn an RN license and begin practicing as a nurse.
ADN-prepared nurses may later choose to bridge to a BSN to expand career opportunities, pursue leadership roles, or specialize in certain nursing specialties (since some professional certifications are only available to nurses with a BSN).
What are the Benefits of a BSN Degree?
Beyond making your nursing resume stand out, earning a BSN makes it easier to pursue advanced education, and — most importantly — studies consistently show that hospitals with more BSN-trained staff members have better patient outcomes, including lower mortality, fewer complications, and a higher overall quality of care.
Here’s some evidence from studies that highlights the impact of a BSN degree:
- Hospitals with higher proportions of BSN-prepared nurses had reduced 30-day mortality among surgical patients.Another study found that each 10% increase in BSN nurses was associated with roughly a 5.5% decrease in surgical patient mortality.
- Hospitals with a greater proportion of BSN-trained employees had 24% greater odds of survival among patients who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest.
- A 10% increase in BSN-prepared nurses was also tied to 10% lower odds of death in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
- Hospitals with more BSN nurses over time experienced a 7.8% decrease in length of stay, from 5.1 days down to 4.7 days.
Earning a BSN doesn’t just improve patient outcomes — it can also make a real difference in your own career and professional growth:
- More job opportunities: Some hospitals and healthcare organizations (such as Magnet hospitals) prefer or even require BSN-prepared nurses, giving you access to a wider range of job openings.
- Higher earning potential: Education is often a factor in salary negotiation, so you may receive higher starting salaries and better raises.
- Leadership roles: A BSN opens the door to leadership positions, such as nurse supervisor, educator, and even charge nurse.
- Easier path to advanced education: If you want to pursue graduate programs — like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — a BSN will make it easier to get admitted to those programs.
- Professional credibility: Having a BSN can signal to employers and colleagues that you’ve received a comprehensive nursing education.
How You Earn a BSN: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to start your nursing career? Here’s a quick look at common BSN degree requirements — from admissions and classes to clinical rotations and everything in between.
Step 1: General Education and Prerequisites
Before diving into nursing coursework, you’ll need to complete foundational classes. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Typical prerequisites for nursing programs include the following:
- Anatomy and physiology: Covers the structure and function of the human body.
- Chemistry: Provides a basic understanding of chemical principles relevant to the human body and medications.
- College algebra and statistics: Teaches essential mathematical and data analysis skills used in clinical decision-making.
- English or composition: Develops communication skills essential for documenting care and writing reports.
- Human growth and development: Teaches about physical, emotional, and cognitive development across the lifespan.
- Microbiology: Focuses on microorganisms and their impact on human health, including infection prevention and control.
- Nutrition: Covers the role of diet and nutrients in health, disease prevention, and patient recovery.
- Pathophysiology: Explores how diseases develop and affect the body.
- Psychology: Introduces the study of human behavior and mental processes, helping you understand patient needs.
- Sociology: Examines social structures, cultural influences, and how society impacts health and healthcare delivery.
Insider tip: Every nursing school has its own prerequisite list. Nursing schools can have different prerequisites, so it’s a good idea to make a list of all the required courses for every school you plan to apply to, since they may vary. For example, if you’re applying to a Christian-based nursing program, you might see Theology as a prerequisite. Keep a checklist for each program to stay on track.
Step 2: Admission
Once your prerequisites are squared away, the next step is applying to nursing school. Admission requirements vary by program, but most schools will ask for:
- Application and transcripts: You’ll need to submit transcripts showing you’ve completed the required prerequisite courses.
- Minimum GPA: Many programs require at least a 3.0 GPA, though competitive schools may expect higher.
- Nursing entrance exams: Some programs require an entrance exam like the TEAS or HESI, which measures skills in reading, math, science, and English.
- Letters of recommendation: These can come from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals who can vouch for your academic ability and character.
- Motivational letter or essay: This is an opportunity to share your reasons for becoming a nurse and why you’d be a great fit for the program.
Insider tip: Applying to BSN programs after earning an ADN? The process can be a bit different — you’ll likely need to submit your RN license, transcripts from your ADN courses, and details about your work experience.
Step 3: Nursing Coursework and Clinicals
Once you’re admitted, you’ll dive into the heart of your BSN program — the nursing classes and clinicals. In your courses, you’ll cover topics like medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, and nursing research. During your clinicals, you’ll learn how to assess patients, administer medications, develop care plans, and perform essential nursing skills. BSN programs also include community-based and advanced-concepts-focused clinical rotations to expand your experience.
Both ADN and BSN programs cover foundational nursing classes, but BSN programs also include extra coursework in areas like leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare systems. Examples of courses more specific to BSN degrees include the following:
- Health assessment across the lifespan
- Pathophysiology in nursing
- Pharmacology in nursing
- Evidence-based nursing
- Globalization and culture in nursing
- Community health
- Nursing theory
- Complementary and alternative healthcare
- Foundations of gerontology
- Ethical issues in healthcare and the environment
- End-of-life nursing care
Step 4: Nursing Exit Exam
As you near the end of your BSN program, most schools require you to complete a nursing exit exam, such as the HESI Exit Exam or ATI. These exams assess your readiness to transition from academic learning to clinical practice and serve as a predictor for your performance on the NCLEX-RN.
Insider tip: Treat the exit exam as a final practice run for the NCLEX-RN. Many programs offer review sessions, practice questions, and study guides. Take advantage of these resources.
What Is a BSN Nurse? FAQ
What is a BSN RN?
The terms “BSN nurse” and “BSN RN” describe registered nurses with a bachelor’s-level education in nursing.
What can you do with a BSN degree besides nursing?
While a BSN degree primarily prepares you for nursing-related work, it also opens doors to other non-bedside healthcare roles. For example, you could work in healthcare administration, medical coding, case management, or healthcare education. Learn more about what you can do with a nursing degree.
What is a BSN salary?
In the U.S., the national average salary for registered nurses is $98,430 per year, or $47.32 an hour. The exact number can vary depending on your education, experience, and the type of healthcare facility you work in. Location also plays a big role, with some locations offering higher pay than others.
Curious about jobs in high-paying states? Check out current openings to see what you could earn:
How long does it take to get a BSN?
A traditional BSN program typically takes four years to complete, including general education, nursing courses, and clinical rotations. If you already hold an ADN or RN license, you can pursue an RN-to-BSN program, which usually takes 12 to 24 months, depending on whether you study full time or part time.
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