Today, both the nursing profession and some employers are calling on registered nurses (RNs) to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to improve safety and help prepare for future healthcare challenges. RN programs teach basic nursing skills that focus on nursing theory and clinical practice, whereas the BSN program expands on that.
Pursuing a BSN degree introduces nurses to topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety and quality within the healthcare system, said Elizabeth Christman, DNP, RN, CNE, a clinical faculty member of nursing programsat Southern New Hampshire University.
What is a BSN Degree in Nursing?
BSN is the abbreviation for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and refers to someone who has earned their bachelor’s degree in nursing. It often precedes the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which is available to BSN nurses who wish to further advance in their careers.
Earning a BSN allows you to advance your nursing skills and help you stand out in the job search, and, according to the Nurse Journal, it can also increase your employment opportunities. According to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey from 2021, the average job offer rate was 76% for BSN graduates. The job offer rate increases to 93% when looking at the BSN graduates four to six months later.
Earning a BSN is the way to unlock another option in your nursing education – your MSN. Earning an MSN can lead to the opportunity of higher-paying jobs according to Nurse Journal, in roles such as advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs), nurse anesthetists and nurse consultants. Should you choose to progress through the different levels of nursing degrees, you may find you're able to specialize in the areas of nursing that interest you most.
How Long Does It Take to Become a BSN?
You can earn a BSN in a 4-year bachelor's degree program, or you can earn your ADN in a 2-to-3-year associate degree program and opt to further your education after you begin working as an RN. RN to BSN programs help nurses earn a bachelor’s degree, bridging the gap between an ADN and BSN.
Regardless of thenursing degree level, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN© licensing examination.
It's true that earning RN licensure takes less time to complete than a BSN program, but if you are already a registered nurse, you can complete an RN to BSN program in as little as two years without having to put your career on hold or cut back your hours, Christman said. Completing your BSN online could allow you greater flexibility, too, as you won't have to spend time commuting to class at scheduled times each week. Instead, you can tackle assignments each week at times that work for you.
“One of the strengths of being an RN student pursuing a BSN is that you are able to work as a nurse the whole time you are advancing your education. This provides a very affordable opportunity,” she said.
Can I Become an RN Without a BSN?
Nursing is the largest health occupation in the United States today, providing many career options for registered nurses (RNs) to practice in hospitals, clinics and private practices, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The minimum requirements to become a nurseare that you graduate from a state-approved nursing school and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) – a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to license candidates for entry-level nursing practice. Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) before you begin a BSN program can launch you into the profession sooner.
However, RNs are finding that a BSN can offer even more opportunities for career growth and satisfaction beyond RN licensure.
- In 2011, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released its report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, which called for increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses to 80% by 2020.
- In 2017, after 14 years of lobbying, New York State passed its “BSN in 10 Law.” The state now requires all nurses to earn a BSN within 10 years of receiving an initial RN license. The impetus behind the law is “the result of a growing body of research evidence that additional education results in better patient outcomes." New Jersey also currently working on implementing a "BSN in 10 Law" according to the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA PDF Source).
- The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) calls for at least two-thirds of the nurse workforce to hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing. As of 2021, 56% of nurses have a BSN or higher degree – an all-time high – and a 7% increase from 2010, according to the AACN.
- The IOM's report that called for the increase in baccalaureate-prepared nurses has created more pathways to explore while pursuing a BSN, according to an AACN report. Eighty-eight new entry-level BSN programs have opened across the nation, and enrollment had increased by 76%, according to the AACN.
The complexity of healthcare and the need for strong leadership calls for nurses to sharpen their skills in management and research in years to come, Christman said.
So, what degree do you really need to be a nurse? It comes down to your career goals.
“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 practitioneror nurse administrator degree,” Christman said.
What is the Difference Between an RN and a BSN?
Whether you are an RN practicing with or without a BSN, your primary focus is on providing patient care. This includes performing physical exams and taking health histories, providing health counseling and/or education, administering medication and other treatments, as well as coordinating care with other health professionals, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA).
RNs with a BSN and an ADN can work alongside each other on the same medical team, carrying out similar duties. The difference is BSN-qualified nurses open themselves up to a broader career path that can include administrative positions requiring leadership skills in areas such as research, consulting and education, according to BLS.
BSN vs. RN Salary
Registered nurses earned a median salary of $77,600 in 2021, according to BLS, with the caveat that those salaries vary widely according to the type of nurse specialty, geography, facility type and years of experience in addition to education.
Payscale's salary research showed it pays to advance higher education in the nursing field. The compensation platform reports that BSN degree holders make an average of $89,000 each year, while those with an ADN earn $73,000.
A recent survey conducted by the AACN found that 40% of hospitals and other health care settings require new hires to have a BSN, while more than 77% of employers express a strong preference for nurses with bachelor's degrees.
What Does a BSN Nurse Do?
Below are some examples of nursing jobs, and their salaries, that typically prefer a BSN:
- Charge Nurse: Nurses working in this leadership role oversee unit operations, monitor admission and discharges, and oversee the activities of the nursing and support staff. They also may be involved in direct care. While Payscale lists the national average income of a charge nurse at $76,816, big employers can pay charge nurses more. For example, charge nurses at the Veteran's Administration earn an average of $79,688 each year.
- Military Nurse: Nurses who practice in a branch of the U.S. military treat service members and their families, monitoring wounds, prescribing medication and caring for them before, during and after surgery. In the interest of providing the best patient care and leadership, the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force all require RNs to hold a bachelor's degree to practice as active-duty nurses. In addition, the Veteran's Administration (VA), the nation's largest employer of RNs, also requires a bachelor's degree as the minimum education requirement necessary to be promoted beyond an entry-level role, according to AACN. Depending on experience, military nurses can earn between $58,000 and $103,000, according to a Payscale salary survey conducted in 2018.
- Nurse Case Manager: In this role, nurses oversee the healthcare needs of patients, acting as administrators of care. A nurse case manager works with both patients and their providers to develop a comprehensive care plan. He or she also communicates with the patient’s health insurance company to determine eligibility for certain treatments or programs. The national average salary of a nurse case manager is $75,775, according to Payscale.
- Telehealth Nurse: The role of a telehealth nurseis to evaluate and aid patients remotely. While telehealth has drawn concerns around its effectiveness, a student from JIMR Medical Informatics showed the effectiveness and patient satisfaction with telehealth nursing services. The national average salary of a telehealth nurse is $57,500, according to Payscale.
There is strong evidence that shows a BSN provides graduates the skills and education they need to grow as clinicians and make a significant impact in the nursing profession.
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.
Krysten Godfrey Maddocks ’11 is a writer and marketing/communication professional. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
FAQs
BSN means bachelor of science in nursing, ADN means associate degree in nursing, and RN means registered nurse. BSN is a diploma from a 4-year program: A person with a BSN has graduated from a four-year nursing program at a college, university, or nursing school.
What is the difference between BSN RN and RN BSN? ›
In terms of right or wrong, there is no difference between RN BSN and BSN RN. You can list your license first, then add the education level, or you can start by the education level, and then add the license. They are both acceptable ways to list your credentials.
What can a BSN do that an RN Cannot? ›
“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,” Christman said.
Is RN BSN correct? ›
Nurses in clinical practice tend to list their licensure first followed by degrees and then certifications. For example: RN, BSN, CCRN. Nurses who are academic educators list their academic degrees first followed by licensure and then certifications. For example: DNP, RN, CNE.
What is higher than a BSN? ›
After earning your BSN and becoming a registered nurse, you can reach the next level in nursing by earning your master's degree.
What is a nurse with a BSN called? ›
BSN is an undergraduate degree which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Completing a BSN program is one way to start your career in nursing and obtain your RN license. While technically all BSN graduates are RNs—at least if they take the RN licensure exam and practice nursing—all RNs aren't BSNs.
Why get BSN instead of RN? ›
The salary difference between RN vs BSN degrees is that those who hold a BSN degree are likely to make more than RN's who only have their associates degree. A BSN degree is favored over just an associates degree for many entry-level nursing jobs, therefore a BSN has more opportunities to make more money.
Can you do anything with just a BSN? ›
Graduates with a BSN can work as bedside nurses in medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices. They can also pursue careers as nurse educators, health policy nurses, nurse recruiters, nurse informaticists, forensic nurses, clinical research nurses, or nurse health coaches.
Should all nurses have a BSN? ›
While several degree options that grant entry into the nursing profession exist, the BSN is the one that opens the most doors. That's because it goes beyond basic nursing knowledge, taking a deeper dive into health policy, research and evidence-based practice and leadership development.
Do you have to take the Nclex again for BSN? ›
The main test that nurses take is the NCLEX, but you do not need to take it more than once after passing. Though there are no other required exams, you may want to take some of the certification exams available.
A nurse's credentials are comma-separated from the person's name and from each other (e.g. John Shaw, BSN, RN). They are usually written without periods within the credentials (e.g. “RN” not “R.N.”).
How long does it take to get your BSN? ›
Timeline: Four years
Typically, the traditional BSN program is entry-level, meaning it is your first degree. Of course, the timeline of a BSN degree will vary by school. However, most entry-level BSN programs take four years to complete.
How do you write a Bachelor's degree after your name? ›
When used after a name, an academic abbreviation is set off by commas (e.g., Mary Doe, Ph. D., spoke.). The word “degree” should not follow an abbreviation (e.g., She has a B.A. in English literature, not She has a B.A. degree in English literature.).
What is the hardest class in BSN? ›
Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
What is the lowest level of nurse? ›
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
Can a BSN make 6 figures? ›
Can Nurses Make Six Figures? Yes, you can 100% make six figures as a nurse. The disclaimer is that working in some states may make this easier than working in other states. Geographic location is a huge indicator of starting salary and can be a reason why some of you are not as close to others when looking at raw data.
What is the highest degree in nursing? ›
What is the highest level of nursing? The highest level of nursing education is the doctoral level. Positions that require doctoral nursing degrees include certain types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), as well as leadership positions such as chief nursing officer or director of nursing.
Is BSN the same as NP? ›
In order to become a nurse practitioner, you'll first need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Earning your BSN prepares you for a career as a NP in a few ways.
Is BSN harder than ADN? ›
ADN programs are also generally easier to get into than BSN programs and they are not as costly. There are many advantages to both ADNs and BSNs. To help decide which program might be right for you, consider cost, program length, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities.
Why do hospitals prefer BSN? ›
BSN-Educated Nurses Provide Better Care
Decades of research have shown that when hospitals hire more BSN-educated nurses, their overall patient care quality greatly improves. They have decreased patient mortality rates, improved patient outcomes, and greater employee longevity.
The primary difference between the degrees is that an MSN provides nurses with more career options and opportunities to increase their annual salaries. While a BSN program teaches nurses how to provide quality patient care, registered nurses do not serve as primary care providers for patients.
Who are the highest paid nurses? ›
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn a nationwide average of $202,470 per year according to the BLS; this makes CRNAs the highest-paying type nursing job by a significant margin.
How do you write your name with RN and BSN? ›
Either way is correct when writing out your name and credentials — Jane Doe, RN, BSN, or Jane Doe, BSN, RN. In the world of academia, the college degree is used first and then licensure and other credentials.
Do L&D nurses deliver babies? ›
Labor and delivery nurses, also known as “L&D nurses,” help deliver healthy babies and get mothers through the process of pregnancy safely.
What percentage of nurses hold a BSN? ›
Most registered nurses today enter practice with a baccalaureate degree offered by a four-year college or university, or an associate degree offered by a community college. As of 2020, 65.2% of the RN workforce earned a baccalaureate or higher degree as their highest level of nursing education.
What is the advantage of having a BSN? ›
BSN-prepared nurses are linked to better patient outcomes
RNs who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree have been linked to better patient care and overall outcomes, in part because they have more extensive training and additional knowledge to draw upon.
Is a baccalaureate degree the same as a Bachelor's? ›
"Baccalaureate" is another name for a bachelor's degree—it's an undergraduate degree program offered by colleges and universities.
How many times can you fail NCLEX? ›
If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.
How many people fail the NCLEX? ›
What Are Your Chances Of Failing NCLEX-RN On The First Attempt? The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports 13.43% of NCLEX-RN candidates fail the exam on their first attempt. The number of unsuccessful test-takers is low compared to the more than 86% who pass the exam on their first try.
How many years do you have to pass the NCLEX? ›
Candidates must pass NCLEX within three years from when they graduated nursing school. Please note that some states put additional limitations on how many times candidates can re-take the test.
Many registered nurses have a bachelor's of science in nursing, which typically is referred to as a BSN. If you're in this category of learned professionals, the Fitzgerald Health Education Association says put "RN" first because your professional license as a registered nurse makes your BSN that much more relevant.
Does a nurse have to give you their name? ›
Regardless of setting, nurses should maintain the same standards as other professionals where displaying one's full name is an expectation. Omitting one's last name may be perceived as being less professional.
What is the fastest you can get a BSN? ›
An ADN is an associate degree, while a BSN is a bachelor's degree. ADN programs can be completed in 2-3 years, whereas traditional BSN programs take four.
How long are most RN to BSN programs? ›
Students can expect to complete this program in 21 months. Typically, students will meet in person for one 4-hour session each week at or near a Kaiser Permanente facility.
How long does it take to get a BSN in California? ›
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.
What are the 3 types of credentials? ›
The term credential encompasses educational certificates, degrees, certifications, and government-issued licenses.
Do I put my bachelors in my signature? ›
If you have a degree, start by listing the highest degree you've earned immediately after your name, such as a master's degree, bachelor's degree or associate degree. If you have multiple degrees, you may choose to list only the highest degree you have earned since this often eclipses previous degrees.
What is the highest degree in college? ›
A doctorate is the highest level of formal education available. Doctoral programs include coursework, comprehensive exams, research requirements, and a dissertation. Doctoral programs require students to have a master's degree, although some doctorates incorporate a master's as part of the curriculum.
Why is a BSN so hard? ›
Why is nursing school so hard? The top 6 challenges of earning a BSN include the rigorous curriculum, fast pace, need for multitasking, time commitment, personal sacrifices, and NCLEX preparation. However, despite these rigors, it's possible to rise up and master how to succeed in nursing school.
What is the easiest class in nursing school? ›
The Easiest Classes in Nursing School
- Social Sciences (Intro Psychology, Sociology, etc.)
- Humanities.
- Intro to Speech (or Communication)
- English Composition.
- History.
- Using Information Technology.
Nursing school does require a college-level math class, but it's usually college algebra or a basic statistics course. Calculus is not a requirement for nursing school.
Which nurse has the lowest salary? ›
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.
What does a purple nurses uniform mean? ›
Purple: This color is most closely associated with royalty, but some consider it to be less professional than other colors. For that reason, purple is a popular choice for medical staff who work with children.
What are the 5 levels of nursing? ›
Benner (1984) also detailed the acquisition of nursing expertise and proposed five possible expertise levels: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Nurses at the novice stage are still in nursing school.
Does a BSN or MSN make more money? ›
MSN-holders make thousands more per year than those with BSNs. Nurses with BSNs bring in less than $53,000 for the lowest 10% to more than $116,000 for the highest 10%. The lowest 10% of MSN-educated nurses earn less than $84,000, and the highest 10% make more than $190,000.
Can LPN make 6 figures? ›
Not only is the job description and duties versatile, but so is your pay rate. A nurse can make as little as $50,000 a year for an LPN to well over 6 figures as an advanced practice nurse. Below I'm going to talk about this in just a little bit more detail.
How can a nurse make money from home? ›
Today, there are many ways nurses can work from home.
- Telehealth Nurse. Telehealth is becoming much more popular today and can easily be a full-time career. ...
- Medical Surveys. ...
- Nurse Blogger or Health Writer. ...
- Medical Transcription. ...
- CPR Instructor. ...
- First Aid Instructor. ...
- Teach or Tutor Nursing Students Online. ...
- Health Coach.
What is the highest level of nursing? The highest level of nursing education is the doctoral level. Positions that require doctoral nursing degrees include certain types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), as well as leadership positions such as chief nursing officer or director of nursing.
Is BSN higher than NP? ›
Registered nurses need a bachelor's degree in nursing, to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and to obtain a state licensure to get started in the medical field. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or higher.
How much do BSN make in Massachusetts? ›
$62,089 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $78,146 is the 75th percentile.
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
What is the highest GPA for nursing? ›
Requirements. After acceptance into the nursing program, each student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for coursework in the nursing major to remain in the nursing program.
What are the 5 levels of nursing experience? ›
Benner (1984) also detailed the acquisition of nursing expertise and proposed five possible expertise levels: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert.
What is a level 6 RN? ›
Nurse practitioner (level six): A level six nurse is a nurse practitioner who has a master's degree in nursing and assists medical teams in an advanced clinical role. They have a nurse practitioner endorsem*nt which requires several years of nursing experience to obtain.
Is a PA higher than a NP? ›
Is NP higher than PA? Neither profession ranks "higher" than the other. Both NPs and PAs work in the healthcare field but with different qualifications, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities. They also work in different specialties.
What are the 4 A's in nursing? ›
As a systematic process for change, this article offers the AACN's Model to Rise Above Moral Distress, describing four A's: ask, affirm, assess, and act. To help critical care nurses working to address moral distress, the article identifies 11 action steps they can take to develop an ethical practice environment.
What is the hardest level in nursing? ›
Hardest Nursing School Classes
- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Understanding the Hierarchy of Nursing. Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): The CNO, sometimes referred to as the chief nursing executive (CNE), is at the top of the pyramid. This position usually works under the CEO of the hospital or agency and has administrative and supervisory roles.
Which state pays highest for BSN? ›
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
How much does a new grad BSN make in MA? ›
Registered Nurse Salary In Massachusetts By Years Of Experience
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Annual |
|---|
| Entry-Level | $29.41 | $61,180 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $36.50 | $75,920 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $45.65 | $94,960 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $57.81 | $120,240 |
2 more rows
It's true that earning RN licensure takes less time to complete than a BSN program, but if you are already a registered nurse, you can complete an RN to BSN program in as little as two years without having to put your career on hold or cut back your hours, Christman said. Completing your BSN online could allow you greater flexibility, too, as you won't have to spend time commuting to class at scheduled times each week. Instead, you can tackle assignments each week at times that work for you.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) calls for at least two-thirds of the nurse workforce to hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing. As of 2021, 
Registered nurses earned a median salary of $77,600 in 2021, according to BLS, with the caveat that those salaries vary widely according to the type of nurse specialty, geography, facility type and years of experience in addition to education. 