RN-to-BSN Degree Overview

Registered nurses (RNs) who want to advance their careers can benefit from earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Most hospitals and healthcare organizations require or prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses. In 2023, nearly 70% of employers reported a strong preference for hiring BSN graduates, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Earning a BSN also prepares RNs for specialty roles and managerial responsibilities. Nurse recruiters, schools, and travel nursing agencies often prefer RNs with a BSN.

An RN-to-BSN program helps current RNs expand their clinical knowledge and skills. Many accredited nursing schools offer flexible online RN-to-BSN programs. Nurses develop advanced health assessment, nursing leadership, and case management abilities. A BSN allows nurses to move into specialized career paths or prepare for graduate-level nursing programs.

BSN degrees prepare nurses for a range of professional opportunities. The list below provides examples of some of the more popular and in-demand positions, but is not intended to be exhaustive. Salary and outlook figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale.

Nursing managers and nurse case managers oversee teams of nursing staff, create schedules, and evaluate nurses’ performance. While nursing managers may provide patient care, their focus is on leading nursing teams and ensuring quality patient care. Nurses who move into administrative roles typically need a BSN.

Obstetrics nurses work with expectant mothers in labor and delivery units and women’s health clinics. They assist obstetricians and gynecologists in providing a variety of patient services for women during the childbearing years.

Mental health nurses provide care for patients with mental or behavioral health issues. They practice in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and other settings that provide psychiatric and mental health care. These nurses conduct patient assessments, implement treatment plans, and perform mental health tests.

Travel nurses perform general RN duties in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare sites across the United States, often providing services in underserved areas. Most U.S. placements run between 1-3 months; overseas contracts require a 1-2 year commitment. Employers may prefer to hire travel nurses with a BSN.

Critical care nurses treat patients with acute or critical illnesses. They stabilize emergency situations, administer treatments, and work closely with other healthcare providers. Critical care nurses often work in intensive care units (ICUs).

Source: Payscale (June 2025)

Although eligibility requirements vary by school, all RN-to-BSN programs only admit applicants who hold a state-issued RN license in good standing.

Other common admission requirements for RN-to-BSN programs include:

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma emphasizes entry-level nursing skills in preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. In contrast, a BSN provides more comprehensive training in generalist nursing with applications in various healthcare settings. The RN-to-BSN curriculum covers advanced nursing competencies not typically offered in associate or diploma programs.

In addition to foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology, BSN students can expect coursework in the following areas:

While most programs focus on generalist practice, some programs offer content in specialized areas such as nursing informatics, sociocultural issues in health and illness, and forensic nursing.

In addition to didactic, lecture-based courses in RN-to-BSN programs, nursing students may complete practical training in clinical and lab components:

Working nurses completing an RN-to-BSN program can often meet these clinical requirements in their current work setting.

Nursing bridge programs offer an accelerated path for nurses who want to advance their education. For example, RN-to-BSN programs build on the clinical competencies that RNs possess. Similarly, ADN-to-MSN bridge programs offer an accelerated path to an MSN degree and a career in advanced practice nursing.

Students without an RN license who want to pursue nursing careers can also take advantage of bridge programs. An accelerated BSN for those with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field requires less than two years of study. The direct-entry MSN takes approximately one year to complete BSN requirements, followed by two years of graduate coursework.

An online RN-to-BSN degree offers a flexible option for RNs who want to advance their nursing education. Designed for working nurses, an online RN-to-BSN typically takes 1-2 years to complete.

Online nursing programs combine distance learning courses with in-person clinical experience hours. Some programs allow nursing students to meet clinical requirements at their current workplace. Course delivery methods and clinical requirements vary by program. For example, some online RN-to-BSN programs offer live class sessions or require nursing students to complete clinicals at specific locations.

When researching online programs, RNs should limit their search to accredited nursing schools, which meet high standards for preparing nurses.

Both an ADN and a BSN prepare graduates for an RN license and entry-level nursing careers. So what’s the difference between the two nursing degrees? BSN-prepared nurses benefit from additional training and career opportunities, as many employers require or prefer a BSN for nursing jobs.