Did you know that roughly 70 percent of healthcare employers express a strong preference for nurses with a BSN? According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), a BSN can help you stand out in a competitive job market—positioning you for numerous job offers, remarkable job placement rates, and a high quality of patient care.

But what is a BSN, exactly? Let’s answer that question below and discover how a BSN, formally known as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, can prepare you for a successful career in registered nursing.

What does BSN stand for?

BSN is an abbreviation that refers to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an undergraduate nursing degree that helps develop a career in registered nursing. The degree takes about four years to complete in its entirety, though different types of BSN degree programs are available.

Sometimes, registered nurses (RNs) who hold a bachelor’s degree are referred to as “BSN nurses,” though this is not a formal title or term.

What are the key features of a BSN program?

Generally speaking, Bachelor’s in Nursing programs are designed to prepare aspiring (and existing) nurses for advanced registered nursing careers. Those who have a BSN degree can qualify for a range of leadership and specialized nursing roles, after passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

While BSN programs vary in their format and curriculum, they aim to provide RNs with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to take the reins in patient care: delivering high-quality treatment, conducting thorough physical assessments, making critical decisions, exercising leadership among nursing staff, and ensuring patients are heard, monitored, and advocated for throughout their visit.

With that in mind, BSN programs often boast:

• In-depth academic coursework, covering advanced nursing topics like pharmacology, nursing theory, patient advocacy, and research methods
• Clinical experiences for those who are brand-new to nursing, which include hands-on training in real healthcare environments
• Leadership training, preparing RNs for managerial and supervisory roles within the nursing workforce

Overall, the BSN provides nurses with the competencies they need to provide quality, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care as well as serve in upper-level leadership, advocacy, and research positions.

Types of BSN degree paths

BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, but not all BSN programs are the same. Depending on your career goals, your schedule, and where you are in your educational journey today, you can find a few different types of BSN programs available. These include:

Traditional BSN:

A traditional BSN degree is a four-year pathway to become a registered nurse (RN). It’s an entry-level route for those who are brand new to nursing and who can commit to the standard four years of college to achieve their bachelor’s degree.

RN-to-BSN:

The RN-to-BSN is a bridge program that allows licensed registered nurses (who previously earned an associate degree) to go back to school and earn their Bachelor’s in Nursing fast. This is a flexible program that can be completed online, part-time, in less than two years—enabling RNs to continue working while advancing their education simultaneously.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN):

The Accelerated BSN, known as an ABSN program for short, is designed for individuals who are looking to become a registered nurse for the first time, but who have a different college degree under their belts. Specifically, those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major can pursue an ABSN program to learn the ropes of nursing, establish critical nursing skills, and become a licensed RN without committing another four years to school. This is a great option for those looking to change careers to nursing and who have not found fulfillment in their current paths.

Complete your BSN degree at Goodwin University—learn how!

What are the benefits of a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers many benefits to both new and seasoned nurses. For example, research shows that the BSN can lead to improved patient outcomes, an increase in job opportunities, higher salary potential, and career advancement. So, even if you have already earned the title of RN, a BSN degree can help you take your career to the next level.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key benefits of a BSN:

High-quality patient care

While any skilled and trained RN has the potential to provide high-quality care, numerous studies show that BSN-educated nurses often see lower readmission rates, lower mortality rates, and shorter hospital stays among their patients (compared to non-BSN holders).

Increased career opportunities and growth potential

You can become a registered nurse with an associate degree, but those who hold a BSN tend to experience more options within the job market. According to a 2023 survey, 1 in 4 healthcare settings, such as hospitals, now require RNs to have a BSN degree. As noted previously, too, more and more employers express a strong preference for BSN degree holders, leading to a 96 percent job placement rate for these BSN graduates.

Strong earning potential

With an increased investment in your education, you can expect to see increased salary potential with a BSN degree. On average, RNs earn close to $93,000 annually, but this amount varies depending on education and experience. Those in the top 10 percent, who generally have more experience and education under their belts, earn more than $135,000 per year. Learn more about the nursing salary range here.

What is the difference between a BSN and an RN?

There are many abbreviations within nursing, with BSN, RN, and ADN being some of the most important to know. So, let’s break these down:

BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A BSN is an undergraduate degree, formally known as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, that involves a robust nursing curriculum for evolving RNs. Simply put, a BSN is a degree program, often taking four years to complete.

RN: Registered Nurse

An RN is the license, title, or credential of a registered nurse. In order to become an RN, you must complete your nursing degree and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN board examination, which grants RN licensure.

ADN: Associate degree in Nursing

An ADN (associate degree in Nursing) is another type of undergraduate degree, taking about half the time as a BSN. This is the standard, entry-level path into registered nursing (though BSN degrees are becoming increasingly common). Many nurses begin their nursing journey with an ADN, become a licensed RN, and then go back to school for a BSN.

It’s important to note that earning your BSN, or ADN for that matter, does not automatically make you an RN. Upon completing your bachelor’s or associate degree in Nursing, you must then complete your licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse.

Learn more about the differences between an RN and BSN here.

Should you earn a BSN degree?

The demand for nurses, as a whole, is significant. With a record-breaking number of Americans reaching retirement age, there’s a growing need for skilled and caring professionals to care for these aging populations. And, with more employers preferring (or even requiring) a bachelor’s degree, it seems the time to get a BSN is now. There’s no denying the benefits or importance of a BSN.

Of course, how you accomplish a BSN is entirely up to you! For many, committing at least four years to nursing school can feel overwhelming. If you want to dive into the workforce and start building connections/experience right away, completing an associate degree in Nursing is a great place to start. Then, follow it up with an online, part-time RN-to-BSN degree. This is also a great, flexible option if you’re already a licensed nurse looking to expand your skills, knowledge, and career trajectory.

Goodwin University offers a variety of nursing programs tailored to our students’ needs, including those who are already working as RNs. Explore our nursing degree options online today to see if one aligns with your needs and goals.