A BSN degree is designed for people who want to pursue a career in nursing. While other avenues exist to become a registered nurse, candidates with a BSN degree generally have greater opportunities available to them. This article discusses what a BSN degree is and the typical courses offered in the degree program.
The BSN Degree
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is a typical option for the student who wishes to become a registered nurse but who is new to the field. A basic BSN degree program takes four years to complete, and prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam upon graduation. During the first year, you will typically complete prerequisites and introductory level nursing courses, though some programs have students begin clinical studies in their freshman year. The remaining three years will include the bulk of the clinical nursing courses. While you are enrolled in a BSN degree program, opportunities for hands-on learning experiences may be available at large hospitals.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td>High school diploma or GED, certain medical-related coursework</td></tr>
<tr><td>Specializations</td><td>Not offered at the BSN level, graduate study is necessary</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Some schools offer this program primarily online; clinicals must be completed on site</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Required to maintain RN licensure; specifics vary by state</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)* </td><td> $77,600 (<i>for all registered nurses</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CoreCourses">Core Courses</h3><p>In the first year of a BSN degree program, you may study psychology, anatomy and physiology. Physical education and fitness programs might also be are required. In the sophomore year, you'll likely study microbiology, statistics and nursing competencies. Third year studies may include pharmacology and therapeutic modalities, adult health and mental health. In the senior year, you'll focus on health care systems, professional foundations and nursing synthesis.
</p><h3 id="section---AcceleratedBSNSecondDegree">Accelerated BSN Second Degree</h3><p>If you already have a bachelor's degree in another discipline, an accelerated BSN degree may be ideal. A typical accelerated BSN degree requires you to fulfill any missing prerequisites before beginning the accelerated program. Students in these accelerated programs are usually required to attend full-time.
</p><h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3><p>With a BSN degree, one career option is to become a registered nurse (RN). As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), job opportunities for RNs are expected to be excellent. The BLS predicts that employment within the field will grow by 6% over the 2021-2031 decade, which is a faster growth rate than the average for all occupations over that time period. The greatest number of opportunities for RNs may be available in home healthcare and outpatient facilities, according to the BLS.</p>
