healthcare

What is a BSN Degree? A 2025 Guide for Aspiring Nurses

Goodwork author

06 May 2025 — 2 min read

What is a BSN Degree?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year undergraduate degree designed for individuals pursuing a professional nursing career. Compared to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a BSN offers expanded career opportunities, leadership potential, and higher earning capacity.

Who Should Pursue a BSN?

Registered Nurses (RNs) without a bachelor's degree: Advancing to a BSN can open doors to leadership roles and specialized positions.
Individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree: Accelerated BSN programs cater to those seeking a career change into nursing.

Duration to Complete a BSN

Traditional BSN programs: Typically require four years of full-time study, encompassing general education and nursing-specific courses.
Accelerated BSN programs: Designed for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree, these programs can be completed in 11 to 18 months.
RN-to-BSN programs: Tailored for current RNs holding an ADN, these programs often offer flexible, online formats and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Core Nursing Courses

BSN curricula generally include:

Anatomy and Physiology
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology
Health Assessment
Community Health Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Leadership and Management in Nursing
Evidence-Based Practice

Clinical rotations are integral, providing hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.

Selecting an Accredited BSN Program

Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures the program meets quality standards and that graduates are eligible for licensure exams.

When evaluating programs, consider:

NCLEX-RN pass rates: High pass rates indicate effective preparation.
Graduate employment rates: Reflects the program's reputation and networking opportunities.
Student-to-faculty ratios: Lower ratios can lead to more personalized instruction.

Specialty Certifications Post-BSN

After obtaining a BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN, nurses can pursue specialty certifications to enhance their expertise:

Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification: Offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (CMSRN): Available through the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB).
Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN): Provided by the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB).

Financial Considerations

BSN program costs vary based on institution type and location:

Public universities: Tuition ranges from $6,000 to $60,000 for the entire program. Source: Research.com
Private institutions: Programs like the Accelerated BSN at Duke University School of Nursing cost approximately $27,397 per semester for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Online RN-to-BSN programs: The University of Utah offers a fully online RN-BS program at $400 per credit hour, totaling $12,000 for the 30-credit program.

Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.

Career Prospects and Salary Expectations

The demand for BSN-prepared nurses continues to rise:

Employment growth: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in RN employment from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Source: BLS
Employer preferences: Approximately 77% of healthcare employers express a strong preference for BSN program graduates. Source: University of Wisconsin