Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Programs
Now is a great time to earn your bachelor’s in nursing degree. The ongoing nursing shortage, combined with an aging baby boomer population, has significantly increased the demand for nurses across the country, making a profession in nursing a valued and recession-proof career choice.
Choosing the BSN degree that’s right for you can have a huge impact in your nursing career path. The path that you pick will not only affect your earning potential, but your job opportunities, chances for promotion, and general level of job responsibility as a practicing nurse.
A BSN degree is a great way for you to advance your career, and it also is an essential step in pursuing your education even further (earning a Masters in Nursing or attending a Nurse Practitioner Program. Plus, earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree will provide you with skills and credentials that employers are looking for in this booming industry.
BSN Basics
Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs typically take four years to complete. Colleges and universities across the country offer a variety of BSN degrees, and many also offer online nursing programs for registered nurses (RN) who want to enhance their credentials with a BSN degree. In these cases, students usually complete the bulk of their course work online, and fulfill clinical requirements in a facility close to home.
Different Kinds of Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) Degrees
BSN Degrees
The entry point for professional nursing practice, a four-year bachelor’s in nursing degree program is the standard prerequisite for graduate nursing programs in research, teaching, and advanced practice nursing specialties. These subfields also include nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified nurse midwives (CNMs).
RN-to-BSN Degrees
Many registered nurses who hold an associate’s degree or diploma from a hospital-based program often opt to earn their bachelor’s in nursing degree through the specially designed RN-to-BSN program. This program is aimed at working nurses and offers flexible schedules (including night or weekend classes), and allows students access to RN-only courses.
Nursing Certification and Licensure
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree in nursing, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX Examination, which you must pass to obtain a nursing license. Nurses who maintain active licensure in their primary state of residence are also able to practice in other member states without obtaining an additional license, under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Find a BSN Degree Program
Starting your career with a bachelor’s in nursing degree means that you will be able to enjoy the top job opportunities available in this highly challenging, rewarding, and thriving health care field. But it’s important to make sure that you choose the degree that’s best for you. Learn more about bachelor’s program’s in nursing degrees and schools, and take the next step in launching your career as a registered nurse (RN)
Get Started with your Online Registered Nurse Degree
Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online RN degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a registered nurse, find the online school and degree program that’s right for you today!
Resources for BSN Degree Programs
There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.
Registered Nurse Careers
Find out more about the different job options that exist for professional registered nurses.
Registered Nurse Schools
Learn which factors are important to consider when selecting the registered nursing school that fits your career goals.
Registered Nurse Programs
Find the registered nurse program that will put you on track to starting your job as a registered nurse.
The Demand for Registered Nurses
Learn about the high demand for registered nurses in the health care industry.
Registered Nurse Salaries
Find out about the salary trends for registered nurse jobs and learn how a degree can increase your earnings.
NCLEX Exam
Learn about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and the important role it plays in helping you launch your career as a registered nurse.