What does BSN mean? BSN meaning can be hard to understand if you’re not in the medical field.
BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It’s a degree given to students who complete a four-year course of study at an accredited university or school of nursing with a focus on nursing.
But what does that mean? How does one go about earning such a degree? And how can you tell if a school is accredited?
We have answers to all those questions here, plus more information about BSN programs and careers in healthcare!
Let’s begin!
What is BSN meaning in nursing?
Nursing is a field that has always been in high demand and continues to grow in importance.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities for registered nurses will increase by 9% between 2020 to 2030. BSN meaning Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is nurses’ most common and preferred degree type, but what exactly does it mean?
BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This degree is earned through an accredited university program, which takes four years to complete.
To achieve this degree, you must complete at least 125 credits, broken down into courses like anatomy, chemistry, and biology. There are also general education classes that you must take as well.
The BSN program prepares students to become leaders in their field by giving them a strong science background and teaching them how to apply those skills to patient care.
They learn about disease processes, medications, and treatments for specific conditions or illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease (just to name a few).
It also provides the foundation for entry into graduate-level programs such as MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) and Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing).
How Long Does It Take to Become a BSN?
It takes four years to become a BSN. You’ll need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework to receive the BSN degree. This includes 55 credits of general education classes and 65 credits in your major, which is nursing.
Most schools divide this into eight semesters, with a maximum of 15 credits per semester; however, some schools may require more or less than this amount of time to complete the program.
Can I Become an RN Without a BSN?
Yes, you can! But it’s not easy.
To become a registered nurse, you need at least an associate degree (AD), and you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is the most common degree for entry into the RN program. Many states require that you have a bachelor’s degree or higher to become an RN.
While some employers will hire you with an AD, many won’t consider you for a job unless you have at least a bachelor’s degree. That will give you more options when looking for employment and help you advance your RN career.
How to Get a BSN Degree?
Getting a BSN degree can be one of the best decisions you make. It’s an investment in your future, which is why we’re here to help you navigate the process.
Do your research
You want to ensure that your chosen program is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, like ACEN or CCNE. The BSN program will also typically have a specific curriculum, so make sure it’s aligned with what you want to do with your degree.
Get prerequisites out of the way
You’ll likely need some prerequisites before applying for an actual BSN program. These can include general education requirements, language proficiency tests (if applicable), and even some math courses if necessary. Make sure to check with each school’s website for specifics on their requirements!
Apply early!
Most schools have rolling admissions policies, which means they will accept applications throughout the year—not just during designated application periods (like many other schools).
We recommend applying early because this gives you more options when it comes time to pick a school and start classes!
Is a BSN Equal to RN?
When people talk about nursing, they often use terms like BSN and RN. While these are both professional designations, they aren’t the same thing.
The difference between a BSN and an RN is that a BSN is an undergraduate degree in nursing, while an RN is a graduate-level certification in nursing.
The RN is always the more advanced certification, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a BSN after getting your RN—it just means that you have to go back to school.
If you’re considering going back to school for your bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), make sure you know what kind of program will work best for you.
Some programs are designed for students who already hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), while others are aimed at those who’ve never been inside a classroom before.
Each type of program has its own strengths and weaknesses, so do research before choosing which one is right for you!
What Can a BSN Do?
BSNs are highly trained and skilled in the art of nursing. A BSN can do a lot. Here are just a few of the things you might be able to do with your degree:
You’ll be able to serve as a nurse manager, supervising other nurses and ensuring that patients get the best possible care.
There is also an opportunity to work as a clinical specialist, helping doctors treat patients in hospitals and clinics.
You’ll be able to work as an educator, teaching nursing students and new nurses how to deliver quality care at their jobs.
You’ll be able to work as a case manager, managing patient care for patients who have chronic illnesses or conditions that require ongoing care.
The role of a BSN is evolving every day as new technologies are being developed and more research is being done into best practices for patient care. It’s an exciting time to be a nurse!
Why is the BSN Becoming the Expected Degree?
The BSN is the new standard of nursing education.
When you decided to pursue a career in nursing, it was likely because you wanted to help people. And we all know that one of the best ways to help people is by providing them with access to high-quality medical care.
But what is BSN meaning?
It means that as a nurse, you need to be able to perform at an extremely high level—and that’s where the Bachelor of Science in Nursing comes in.
Here are some of the reasons why BSN is becoming the expected degree:
The BSN allows students to gain a broad knowledge of the field and provides them with more opportunities for employment after graduation.
In addition, the BSN also gives students an edge when applying for jobs in other fields as well.
The BSN can be used as a stepping stone toward earning an MSN, which allows graduates to continue their education and become certified as advanced practice nurses (APNs).
According to a study that was held in 2013. lower education was the significant factor for the increased mortality and failure to rescue patients rates. So nurses with a BSN degree rather than ADN will provide better patient care. Moreover, BSN can lead to higher salary potential over time!
What is a BSN Salary?
The average salary for a nurse with a BSN is between $40,000 and $80,000. This range varies depending on the state you live in, as well as your specialty.
For example, if you live in California and work in pediatric surgery, you can expect to see an average salary of about $75,000. However, if you live in Florida and work in the same specialty, your average salary would be closer to $60,000.
It’s A Wrap!
BSN meaning Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the most popular nursing degree in the United States and with good reason. The degree is designed to give you the skills you need to succeed as a nurse, but it’s also flexible enough to let you choose what kind of nursing career path you want to follow.
You can work in any area of the health care field, from pediatrics to psychiatry, from emergency medicine to intensive care.
If you’re interested in pursuing a BSN degree, I hope this guide has given you some insight into what it means and what it takes. If you have questions about this guide or anything related to nursing programs, please feel free to comment below!
FAQs
Is an RN or BSN better?
It depends. A BSN is more widely accepted in the nursing profession and, in many cases, may be required for employment. However, that does not mean that an RN with a diploma is less qualified. In fact, many RNs with diplomas have gone on to earn their BSNs, and some even hold master’s degrees or doctorate degrees in nursing.
How is a BSN different from an RN?
A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, meaning it’s a four-year degree. An RN is a Registered Nurse, which means you’ve completed an associate’s degree or diploma program, and you’re eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a nurse.
Can I become a nurse without a degree?
Yes! You can become a nurse without a degree. There are several ways to do this, but a registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA) is the most common.
What BSN makes the most money?
The most lucrative BSN degree is the Pharmaceutical RN. The average annual salary for this field is $83,486, increasing to $100,000 if you work in a managerial role.
Is BSN a promising career?
Yes, BSN is a promising career. It’s a gratifying and fulfilling career, and many jobs are available for you after graduation.
