Why Get a BSN Degree?
Since the Institute of Medicine's 2010 Future of Nursing Report recommended an increase in the education levels of nurses, there has been a huge push for nurses to earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing. From expanded job opportunities and higher salaries to filling a need for nurses across the country, nurses with BSNs experience plenty of benefits.
Wider Knowledge Base: Learn more about research, community nursing and ethics.
Increase Care Quality: Improve patient outcomes and lower mortality rates.
Career Opportunities: Become more likely to be hired than nurses without BSNs.
Higher Salary Potential: Earn at least 10% more than nurses with associate degrees.
Find Your Nursing Degree Program
Pathways to earning your BSN
Traditional BSN prelicensure
A traditional BSN is commonly designed for students who are new to nursing. Programs often include prerequisite coursework, nursing coursework, skills lab and simulation, plus clinical rotations in multiple settings. This route is a strong fit if you want a structured undergraduate experience and a clear path into RN practice.
Accelerated BSN ABSN
An accelerated BSN is typically designed for students who already hold a non nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing. Accelerated programs move quickly and can be intensive, with a condensed timeline and full course loads. They can be a great fit if you are ready to commit significant time and energy to a fast paced program.
RN to BSN
An RN to BSN program is designed for licensed RNs, often those who earned an ADN or diploma and want to complete a bachelor’s degree. Many RN to BSN programs offer flexible formats to support working nurses and may build on prior nursing education, focusing on leadership, community health, evidence based practice, and professional role development.
Hybrid and online BSN options
Some BSN programs deliver a significant portion of coursework online, while still requiring in person labs, intensives, and clinical experiences. Online and hybrid formats can increase access, especially for working nurses, but it is important to confirm what components are truly remote and how clinical placements are arranged.
What you will learn in a BSN program
A strong BSN program does not just teach clinical skills, it helps you think like a nurse across complex care settings. Many programs include clinical judgment and patient centered care, where you practice assessment, prioritization, care planning, and communication to support safe, effective outcomes. You will also build evidence based practice and research literacy by learning how to interpret research and apply it to real world nursing decisions. Many programs include population health and community nursing, connecting social determinants, prevention, and health systems to patient outcomes. Leadership and collaboration are also common themes, preparing you for charge roles and career growth.
