If you’re interested in the nursing field, you may be wondering which path to take. There are many paths to becoming a registered nurse (RN).

Some start with an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) and become registered nurses (RNs) at the entry level. However, more and more students are pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a degree that’s often preferred by healthcare employers. The BSN degree path offers flexibility, comprehension, and long-term career mobility.

While an associate degree in Nursing has long been the standard, offering a great foundation in nursing, a BSN degree can help you qualify for more diverse career avenues within the nursing sphere. A BSN degree provides a great launching pad to go into any sector of nursing, from patient care to administration and leadership. Below, we’ll go over important BSN degree information and answer frequently asked questions about the BSN path.

What is a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree in nursing.

Through the traditional path, the BSN makes you eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. However, there are many types of BSN programs, with some offering the ability to advance career prospects as an already-licensed nurse.

A BSN is incredibly valuable both for the broad education you receive for your career as a nurse and for potential career advancement. A BSN is a requirement if you want to pursue further education, like a master’s degree or additional certifications.

A BSN is a great way to lay the foundation for your future. Whether you want to stop at a BSN or go on to graduate education, it will set you up for versatility and therefore success. With the constant evolution of healthcare, many organizations prefer nurses with a BSN compared to those with an ADN.

What’s the difference between RN and BSN?

An RN is a registered nurse. To sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse, you must have either an ADN or a BSN degree.

An ADN is a shorter, two-year degree that provides you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to work in patient care. It is the standard to enter the field of nursing and get licensed as an RN. The drawback of an ADN is its limited ability to advance your career. If you want to pursue additional certifications or graduate degrees, you’d have to go back and finish your bachelor’s degree. Many nurses who have an associate degree later pursue an RN-to-BSN, which is a flexible route to advancing their education while maintaining a position in the workforce.

A BSN degree traditionally takes about four years, giving you more time to complete your education. It offers a well-rounded knowledge base to start or advance your nursing career, with fundamental courses as well as advanced topics in leadership, public health, pharmacology, and more. A BSN degree also qualifies you for higher education, like a master’s or doctoral program, which is needed to become an advanced nurse practitioner.

BSN nurses are increasingly prioritized over those with an associate degree, as the robust education you receive in a BSN degree translates well to your efficacy as a nurse.

What percentage of nurses have a BSN?

Today, about 70% of nurses are choosing to launch their nursing careers with a BSN degree rather than an ADN. Healthcare institutions have begun to notice a trend of BSN nurses with high work efficacy. The value of education for healthcare professions cannot be understated, and the BSN is no exception. As a nurse with a BSN degree, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the many aspects of patient care, critical thinking, and healthcare principles.

Some healthcare organizations and industries, including the U.S. military, require registered nurses to hold a BSN degree. Though most still require only an ADN, you’ll get priority hiring at many institutions with a BSN. Demand for highly educated nurses continues to flourish in today’s healthcare landscape. You’ll be well poised to launch your career with a BSN degree.

Learn how to get your BSN through Goodwin University

How long does it take to get a BSN?

The timeline for pursuing a BSN depends on where you are in your education. If you’re coming straight out of high school, a BSN can take about four years to finish. You’ll get a curriculum in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to anatomy, physiology, and patient care.

If you’re looking to earn your BSN degree and you already hold an ADN, you can pursue a flexible, fast-paced RN-to-BSN program. This takes about 12 months to complete, in a part-time and online format, at Goodwin University.

If you have an unrelated bachelor’s degree, you’re eligible to start an ABSN program. An ABSN is an Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program. You can earn your BSN in as little as 16 months at Goodwin. These intensive BSN programs are designed for flexibility and speed of completion.

Is a BSN higher than an RN?

An RN can hold an associate degree or a BSN degree before completing the licensing exam, but the degree always comes first.

While both ADN and BSN holders can become registered nurses, a BSN nurse has invested more in their education. ADN nurses can practice as registered nurses, but lack mobility in their career options to move into management or get advanced degrees.

As a BSN nurse, you can go directly into advanced education, like graduate school or specialty certifications. ADN nurses would need to return to school and complete their bachelor’s degree. With a BSN degree, you’ll have a higher chance of qualifying for leadership positions.

See how a BSN at Goodwin University can launch your career

If you’re ready to start your career in nursing, Goodwin University’s BSN program is here to help. With a supportive faculty, flexible program options, and real-world clinical experiences, you can earn your BSN in no time.

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