{"id":12510,"date":"2024-04-26T16:19:56","date_gmt":"2024-04-26T20:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=12510"},"modified":"2024-12-13T16:15:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T21:15:01","slug":"what-do-you-learn-in-a-bsn-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/what-do-you-learn-in-a-bsn-program\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do You Learn in a BSN Program?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nurses are among the most in-demand professions, with about 1.8 million projected job openings annually to 2032<\/a>. Registered nurses make a median annual salary<\/a> of $81,220, with the highest ten percent earning more than $129,400, so learning the skills to snag one of these many job opportunities is well worth the investment.<\/p>\n

Due to high levels of job security and satisfaction in nursing, candidates passionate about helping others often feel called to the field. To get started, aspiring nurses have the option to pursue an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing (BSN). Many nurses complete both types of degrees for their varying benefits.<\/p>\n

When weighing the educational options, many prospective nurses wonder, \u201cWhat do you learn in a BSN program?\u201d Even seasoned nurses, who have been working in the field for some time, look at the prospect of advancing their degree. They ask questions like, \u201cHow will a BSN program advance my knowledge and skills in nursing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ll answer these questions and more. We will highlight examples of the BSN courses available, typical program outcomes, and the next steps to take if a BSN program is right for you.<\/p>\n

What is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program?<\/h2>\n

Although a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree isn\u2019t required to become a registered nurse, it offers many benefits<\/a> to registered nurses and those just entering the field. While an associate degree in Nursing covers the fundamentals of patient care, a BSN program gives candidates the skills, knowledge, theory, and practice needed to think critically, creatively, and ethically and demonstrate leadership skills when coordinating patient care.<\/p>\n

Plus, a BSN positions nurses for advanced study and graduate-level nursing education, including a Master of Science in Nursing<\/a> or various APRN programs<\/a> later in their careers.<\/p>\n

Not to mention that Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees are increasingly preferred among employers, with some even having this degree as a requirement<\/a>. For example, the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Veterans Administration, and the U.S. Public Health Service all require candidates to hold a bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited BSN program.<\/p>\n

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees provide nurses with the skills and in-depth knowledge that also readies them for senior-level nursing roles<\/a>. These programs go well beyond the basics of patient care, diving into advanced topics<\/a> like nursing theory, healthcare policy, nursing leadership, research methods, and more.<\/p>\n

Like associate degree programs, BSN programs also prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN\u00ae)<\/a>, the standardized test used to determine whether a nursing student is prepared for entry-level nursing practice and a requirement for their registered nurse licensure.<\/p>\n

What courses do you take in a BSN program?<\/h2>\n

There are several different types of BSN degree programs, depending on your level of experience and education.<\/p>\n

Those entering the nursing field and going to college for the first time will require a traditional, entry-level BSN program that takes four years to complete<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Aspiring RNs who already have a bachelor\u2019s but are changing careers to nursing should seek out a shorter-term, full-time accelerated BSN program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For already licensed RNs looking to advance their careers and skillsets, a fast-paced, online, and part-time RN-to-BSN program<\/a> is the best fit.<\/p>\n

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Learn about the different pathways to earning a BSN degree at Goodwin University here!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Entry-level BSN programs cover introductory nursing courses as well as more advanced clinical matters, while RN-to-BSN programs focus on the more advanced nursing topics. No matter the type of BSN degree, though, students can expect to take the following classes<\/a>:<\/p>\n