A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree for registered nurses (RNs) that provides a deeper understanding of patient care technology, research methodologies, health promotion strategies, and safety and quality standards within the healthcare system. This comprehensive education equips nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Today, the nursing profession and many employers are increasingly advocating for RNs to pursue a BSN degree. While RN programs focus on fundamental nursing skills, theory, and clinical practice, the BSN program expands upon this foundation.
“Pursuing a BSN degree introduces nurses to crucial aspects of healthcare, including patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety protocols, and quality improvement within the healthcare system,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Christman, DNP, RN, CNE, a clinical faculty member in the nursing programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Dr. Christman, a Certified Nurse Educator and recipient of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty, emphasizes the value of a BSN for all nurses.
Understanding the BSN Degree
BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Earning a BSN is often a prerequisite for advancing to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses seeking career advancement.
“The BSN program covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, in addition to nursing-specific courses,” states Dr. Deborah Blackwell, PhD, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, CNE, a clinical faculty member and team lead for SNHU’s nursing program. Dr. Blackwell holds a PhD in Nursing and has experience teaching nursing students across various levels.
RN-to-BSN programs, such as the one offered at SNHU, are designed for RNs holding a nursing diploma who want to earn a BSN. “These programs acknowledge the existing education and experience of RNs, providing a streamlined pathway to achieve a higher level of education without repeating foundational nursing courses,” she explains. By choosing to progress through various nursing degree levels, you can specialize in areas of particular interest.
What Can You Do With a BSN?
A BSN can open doors to a variety of nursing positions with increased responsibility and career advancement opportunities. BSN-prepared nurses are often preferred for positions in specialized units, leadership roles, and community health settings. Here are some examples of nursing jobs that typically prefer a BSN:
- Charge Nurse: Oversees nursing staff and patient care on a specific unit.
- Nurse Manager: Manages the daily operations of a nursing unit or department.
- Public Health Nurse: Focuses on community health and disease prevention.
- Operating Room Nurse: Provides care to patients before, during, and after surgery.
BSN programs provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as clinicians and make a significant impact in the nursing profession.
According to Dr. Lokelani Ahyo, DNP, RN, CNE, a clinical nursing faculty member at SNHU with over two decades of experience, SNHU’s BSN program offers insights into essential aspects of healthcare, including:
- Leadership
- Population health
- Quality improvement
“In addition to the skills learned at the diploma or associate degree level, a BSN provides the conceptual foundation to answer the ‘why’ behind nursing practices,” Ahyo says.
Time to Completion: How Long Does It Take to Get a BSN?
If you are already an RN, an RN-to-BSN program may be your quickest path. At SNHU, an RN license can provide 45 credits toward a BSN degree. SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits, meaning you could potentially earn your BSN in as little as one to two years.
If you are not yet an RN, you can earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in a 2-to-3-year program, then continue your education after beginning your career as an RN. (Note: SNHU does not currently offer an Associate Degree in Nursing.)
Regardless of the nursing degree level, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN© licensing examination.
While RN licensure often takes less time than a BSN program, an RN-to-BSN program allows you to continue working as a registered nurse while pursuing your degree, says Christman. Online BSN programs also provide greater flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework at your own pace.
“One of the advantages of being an RN student pursuing a BSN is the ability to work as a nurse while advancing your education, creating a more affordable opportunity,” she adds.
Ahyo echoes this sentiment, sharing her personal experience: “Many nurses, myself included, completed an ADN degree, worked as a registered nurse, and then returned to complete a BSN degree through an online program.”
BSN vs. RN: What’s the Difference?
While both RNs with and without a BSN focus on providing patient care, including performing physical exams, taking health histories, providing education, administering medication, and coordinating care, the BSN provides a broader foundation for career advancement.
RNs with a BSN can work alongside ADN-prepared RNs, but the BSN qualifies nurses for administrative roles requiring leadership skills in areas such as research, consulting, and education, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).*
Danielle Jernigan ’23 pursued her BSN from SNHU while working as a nurse to “apply for better jobs.”
The program expanded her knowledge and motivated her to pursue nurse leadership roles. “Once I started my BSN program at SNHU, I became more motivated to seek leadership and management positions within nursing,” she said. “With each class I took, I was able to apply what I learned to my current practice and I could really see myself grow as a nurse.”
SNHU nursing programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and align with the guidelines and competencies of both the CCNE and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Online nursing degrees at SNHU also incorporate simulation technology, offering hands-on experiential learning in a virtual environment.
Ahyo shares that her BSN program provided her with a deeper understanding of her role and potential as a nurse. She noted that completing her BSN inspired her to continue her nursing education.
BSN vs. RN Salary
According to the BLS, registered nurses earned a median salary of $86,070 in 2023. However, salaries can vary depending on specialty, location, facility type, experience, and education.*
Medical and health services managers, who typically require at least a bachelor’s degree, earned a median of $110,690 in 2023.* The BLS projects a 28% growth in jobs for medical and health service managers by 2032, significantly higher than the average for all professions.*
A recent AACN survey revealed that 40% of hospitals and healthcare settings require new hires to have a BSN, and over 77% of employers strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses (AACN PDF source).
Can You Become an RN Without a BSN?
Nursing is a vast field with diverse opportunities for RNs in various settings, according to the AACN.
The minimum requirements to become a nurse include graduating from a state-approved nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), as stated by Nurse.org.
Earning an ADN first can launch you into the nursing profession faster. However, a BSN can unlock further career growth and satisfaction.
In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) called for increasing the number of nurses with bachelor’s degrees to 80% by 2020 in its report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” While the 80% target has not yet been reached, progress is being made.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) advocated for at least two-thirds of the nurse workforce to hold baccalaureate or higher degrees, a goal that has been surpassed. As of 2023, over 70% of nurses held a BSN or higher degree – a record high.
Furthermore, New York now requires all nurses to earn a BSN within 10 years of receiving their RN license due to the state’s “BSN in 10 Law,” driven by evidence suggesting improved patient outcomes with additional education. New Jersey is also considering similar legislation (NJHA PDF Source).
Christman emphasizes the growing complexity of healthcare and the need for nurses to enhance their management and research skills. Ultimately, the degree you need to be a nurse depends on your career aspirations.
“As a BSN, you have more opportunities than your RN counterparts. You can step up to a leadership position, move into nursing education, work in public health and focus on health education within the community, or even go on to pursue a nurse practitioner or nurse administrator degree,” says Christman.
Discover more about SNHU’s RN to BSN degree: Find out what courses you’ll take, skills you’ll learn and how to request information about the program.
*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.
Krysten Godfrey Maddocks ’11G is a writer who covers K-12 and higher education topics, including policy and the role of digital technology in education. She spent almost a decade working in various marketing roles at an educational assessment company before launching a strategic marketing company. Maddocks earned a master’s degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in English/ journalism from the University of New Hampshire. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
