Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Overview

average BSN program length

4 years

average credits required for a BSN

120

BSN average earning potential

$52,080-$111,220

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics / PayScale

Opportunities With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Good career mobility

Most administrative and supervisory positions require a BSN.

Path to advancement

Grants entry to master’s or doctoral nursing programs, leading to career advancement and higher salaries.

Job potential

With a BSN, a range of specialized nursing jobs outside of the traditional floor nursing is available.

Skills Learned

Clinical and leadership skills, case management, community participation, nursing care of children and adults.

Featured BSN Specialties

Beyond working in hospitals as RNs, individuals with a BSN degree find careers as geriatric nurses, OBGYN nurses, and neonatal nurses. Check out the descriptions below to learn more about these specialty occupations.

adn or bsn Required

High Demand

Registered Nurse

RNs lead teams of nurses to care for patients in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. They work the day or night shift to monitor and treat caseloads of patients, including infants, adults, and the elderly. In 16 states, RNs also prescribe medications.

Salary $73,300*

Job Outlook 7% growth from 2019-29

Learn More About Registered Nurses

rn license Required

Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses work in nursing care facilities and hospitals to provide medical help to seniors. These professionals have worked as RN nurses and gained clinical experience working with elderly individuals. They have a unique understanding of diseases such as osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.

Salary $64,870*

Job Outlook positive growth in coming years

Learn More About Geriatric Nurses

adn or bsn Required

OBGYN Nurse

OBGYN nurses provide medical services to women and infants. Under the direction of obstetricians and gynecologists, they deliver care in clinics, private doctor’s offices, and hospitals. They may focus on helping women in various stages of reproduction, including pregnancy, labor, or postpartum.

Salary $60,000*

Job Outlook 7% growth from 2019-29

Learn More About OBGYN Nurses

asn or bsn Required

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses work on a contract basis. High demand areas such as operating rooms, intensive care units (ICU), and emergency rooms need travel nurses across the country. Their assignments last for weeks or months. International work may run as long as two years.

Salary $79,000*

Job Outlook 7% growth from 2019-29

Learn More About Travel Nurses

adn or bsn Required

Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses administer care to sick or critically ill infants in the ICU or neonatal intensive care unit. The job includes working with pediatricians and nursing staff, while also providing instructions to parents. Most hold years of experience as RNs, and neonatal nursing certificates.

Salary $60,797*

Job Outlook 7% growth from 2019-29

Learn More About Neonatal Nurses

*SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale

How Much Will I Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

*SOURCE: PayScale

How to Get a BSN

Decide Type of BSN Program

There are several types of BSN programs, including traditional, bridge, and online. Figure out what works best for you.

Find BSN Program

After deciding which factors are important to you in a school, use our degree finder to find programs that fit your criteria.

Apply to BSN Programs

Common application requirements include GPA, essay, references, CV or resume, volunteer experience, and prior coursework.

Secure funding for BSN programs

There are many ways to finance your degree, including financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loans.

Attend BSN classes

Complete the required courses and obtain clinical hours to get hands-on experience. Learn how to work independently with your own patients.

Graduate with a BSN

Congrats on earning your degree! Now you can take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse (RN), or continue your education and get your MSN.

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Admission Requirements for a BSN Program

A BSN applicant’s admission requirements depend on their status as a student. Schools set different criteria and credit requirements for freshmen, transfer students, and international students. However, most BSN degree programs maintain the following common admissions requirements for all students:

Schools often expect applicants to have completed classes in microbiology, physiology, chemistry, and anatomy. Some institutions may give preference to candidates with volunteer service experience.

Core Concepts in a BSN Program

Bachelor’s of science in nursing programs include two phases: a didactic portion, which is taught in classrooms, and a clinical learning experience. Through lectures and reading assignments, students learn to promote safe solutions and good health, prevent and manage disease, reduce risks, and improve patient outcomes. Candidates gain foundational knowledge through core courses such as:

Upper division courses explore speciality areas such as gerontology, global public health, maternal-child care, and pediatrics.

Clinical & Lab Components in a BSN Program

BSN programs may require students to spend time in a hospital, clinic, or lab stimulation setting in which they work an actual shift. During clinical experiences, candidates work under licensed RN mentors as they deliver medications, assess and diagnose patients, plan interventions, and monitor outcomes. By the end of the program, students can work independently with their own patients. Clinicals offer the opportunity to:

• Shadow working RNs
• Apply classroom skills on patients
• Network with future employers
• Build confidence

What to Expect From an Online RN-to-BSN Program

Students earning their RN-to-BSN or second degree BSN have the option of attending an online program instead of traditional face-to-face classes. Online RN-to-BSN degrees let students take core classes in anatomy, pharmacology, and psychology remotely. While distance learners do not have to meet on campus for their foundational courses, they must complete clinicals or labs in their local communities. During a program’s clinical component, students work in labs or at their local hospitals, clinics, or nursing care facilities. Students are often required to find their own clinical experiences. Nothing, aside from the format, differentiates online degrees from traditional programs. Online learners receive the same degree and education, learning from professors who work on campus. Instructors use online learning platforms to meet live with students or assign online work. Learn more on this page about how online programs work.

Should I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

Your personal financial situation, time constraints, and family obligations may impact your decision to pursue a 4-year degree. Take a look at the pros and cons of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing:

Explore BSN Programs

Reviewed by:

Nicole Galan, RN, MSN

Nicole Galan is a registered nurse who started on a general medical/surgical care unit and then moved to infertility care where she worked for almost 10 years. She has also worked for over 13 years as a freelance writer specializing in consumer health sites and educational materials for nursing students. Galan currently works as a full-time freelancer and recently earned her master’s degree in nursing education from Capella University.

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