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
Wider Knowledge Base
Learn more about research, community nursing and ethics.
Increase Care Quality
Increase Care Quality
Improve patient outcomes and lower mortality rates.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Become more likely to be hired than nurses without BSNs.
Higher Salary Potential
Higher Salary Potential
Earn at least 10% more than nurses with associate degrees.

Top BSN Articles

Second-Degree Nursing Programs
Second-Degree Nursing Programs
Second-degree nursing programs can help you change careers.
Earning a BSN degree
Earning a BSN Degree
The journey to a BSN can take you on many different career paths.
Is Earning a BSN Degree Worth Your Time?
BSN Degree Worth Your Time?
A BSN can help you dig deeper into the art and science of nursing.
Online BSN Programs
Online BSN Programs
Online programs allow you to move at a pace that fits you best.
BSN Degree Requirements
BSN Degree Requirements
Important factors when considering enrollment in a BSN program.
Transition from a Diploma or ADN to BSN
Transition from a Diploma or ADN to BSN
Gain clarity on the benefits of moving toward a BSN degree.
Why Get a BSN Degree?
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated programs make getting a BSN quick and easy today.

What You Need to Know

To improve your hiring potential, expand your patient care skills and make yourself eligible for jobs in leadership and other career opportunities.
You must consider the cost of a program (including books and other fees), the time commitment, academic requirements for entry into a program, and whether a traditional setting, online program or hybrid program works best for you and gives you the best chance at success.
Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing earn an average of $73,995 and 10% more (on average) than nurses with an ADN.
BSN nurses are more highly sought after for bedside nursing positions, as well as management positions. They are eligible for 37% more jobs than a nurse with an ADN.
Nursing students can earn a BSN via brick-and-mortar colleges and universities or online nursing programs, which offer more flexibility. Many universities also offer accelerated BSN and second-degree programs.