Hello there, welcome to Nurse Code!
In this piece, we’ll break down the BSN programs.
We promise to help you understand what sets them apart from other professional nursing programs, learn their duties and responsibilities, and why the BSN degree program may be just the right baccalaureate degree for your nursing career.
We’ll shed light on the following:
- Introduction to BSN Programs
- BSN Admission Requirement
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs Career Outlook
- BSN Curriculum and Coursework
Without wasting time, let’s delve right in!
Introduction to BSN Programs
As care facilities and hospitals respond to the Institute of Medicine’s demand to boost their bachelor’s-prepared RN personnel to 70-80% by 2020, a bachelor’s degree is slowly becoming the new educational norm for Registered Nurses.
While RNs can start functioning with as little as an ADN, Nurse Practitioners frequently prefer to participate in RN-BSN programs or pursue a BSN owing to the benefits a bachelor’s degree conveys along your nursing career path.
An ADN, for example, concentrates on the technological abilities required of RNs, but a BSN equips graduates with skills and knowledge that prepare them for leadership functions.
BSN courses contain liberal arts education programs that focus on legal concerns, ethics, research, and informatics.
BSNs also teach important skills such as compassion, critical thinking, organization, and effective communication.
Behavioral and Social sciences, Science technologies, and Anatomy are among the required courses.
The BSN degree also includes a lot of hands-on or practical experience thanks to the clinical course.
Scholars have access to a variety of test practice programs.
Nursing programs, on the other hand, often offer NCLEX-RN practice.
BSN courses prepare graduates to pursue advanced nursing degrees such as an MSN or a DNP.
Gaining a BSN also opens up more job prospects.
Registered Nurses with a BSN, for example, are eligible for specialty nursing positions and unit management.
The average compensation for a Registered Nurse with a BSN is often higher than for RNs without a bachelor’s degree or RNs with an associate degree.
Gaining a BSN rather than an ADN opens the door to advanced educational possibilities and career advancement in the future.
General Education Admission Requirement
Getting a bachelor’s degree is slowly becoming the new educational norm for Registered Nurses as care facilities and hospitals strive to meet the Institute of Medicine’s 70-80% target by 2020.
While RNs can begin working with an ADN, many prefer to pursue a BSN or enroll in RN-to-BSN programs due to the advantages a BSN provides to the nursing field.
An ADN, for example, concentrates on RN technical skills, whereas a BSN prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities.
BSN programs include legal, ethical, research, and informatics instruction.
Most universities and BSN nursing schools offer BSN programs to students.
Students should, however, scan for programs that have national or regional accreditation as well as the program’s accreditation.
ACEN which stands for Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) are two of the top program accreditations.
Typically, BSN programs need at least forty-eight months of full-devoted enrollment.
Students who are part-time should plan on more than doubling their time commitment.
Admission to a school usually necessitates official transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and recommendation letters.
Progressive learning of clinical training, clinical experiences, health, mental health assessment, and laboratory simulations are all part of the nursing curriculum.
RN-to-BSN Programs
RNs who want to advance their careers might pursue an RN-to-BSN degree.
These nursing courses are usually offered at universities and colleges.
Students can enroll in online or traditional classroom courses.
RN-to-BSN programs differ from typical BSN programs in that they take into consideration what students have learned previously.
In addition, students must have an active RN license, which eliminates the clinical component of a BSN.
Traditional BSN programs normally follow a semester-based timetable, whereas RN-to-BSN programs may follow a year-round model.
A 2.5 GPA is usually required for admission, as well as an active RN license, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
RN-to-BSN Programs
LVNs and LPNs frequently pursue higher nursing degrees.
LPN-BSN bridge courses allow Practitioners to develop their careers more quickly.
These programs are different from standard BSN programs in that they require students to first get an RN license straight before beginning the RN-BSN curriculum.
Bridge programs can give scholars credit for previous education, reducing the overall time of the program.
With full-time attendance, students can complete their desired degree in twenty-four to thirty-six months.
LPN-BSN programs are available at universities and colleges, and many academies offer nighttime classes or online.
An unconstrained LPN license, personal statement, recommendation letters, and official transcripts are all required for admission to the program.
BSN Specialties
BSN courses differ according to the program you’re enrolled in, the institution that offers it, and the specialty you choose.
Nutrition & food, geriatric nursing, and nursing research may all be included in the curriculum.
BSN students can choose from a variety of specializations.
When deciding on a specialty, think about what areas of nursing care you’re most interested in or what patient groups you’d like to work with.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Program Salary and Job Outlook
A BSN qualifies students for a variety of job prospects.
While the bulk of RNs works as patient records supervisors, in hospitals, prescriptions, and inspections, many others work in residential care and ambulatory healthcare institutions.
In mobile healthcare settings, RNs do educate patients, medical testing, and ensure patient protection.
Home care RNs are in charge of a patient’s overall care, which includes adhering to the patient’s treatment plan and giving medication.
Schools, the military, and correctional facilities are among lesser-known employment alternatives.
As detainees’ requirements vary, RNs functioning in correctional establishments manages a broad caseload.
Those pursuing this professional route should be aware that it is not without risk.
Likewise, Military Nurses are eligible to find work anywhere around the United States, as well as in combat zones around the globe.
School Nurses provide basic care to kids in colleges, universities, and K-12 academies.
While earning prospects vary by function, on average, BSN graduates make $86,700.
BSN Curriculum and Coursework
Before entering the nursing degree, students must complete the general education and prerequisite curriculum.
Some of these courses are required for admission to the nursing program and must be completed before enrolling in nursing classes.
Prerequisite Courses and General Education
General Education Category Composition and Rhetoric
- Composition I
- Composition II
General Education Humanities & Fine Arts
- Literature
- Historical Understanding
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Thought, Values & Beliefs
General Education Natural Science
- General Chemistry
- Microbiology
General Education Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychology
- Behavioral Science (cannot be psychology)
- General Education Mathematics & Statistics
- General Education Math
- Statistics
Additional Prerequisite Courses
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- 3 credit hour elective of choice
How to Enroll in a BSN program
To enroll in a BSN program, you must have a GED certificate or high school diploma.
For BSN candidates, each university or college has its unique set of requirements.
Some BSN programs may require applicants to take a basic medical terminology course, while others may have specific subject requirements.
LVNs or LPNs who want to get their BSN in less than four years can do so.
“Bridge programs”, and “RN-to-BSN programs” are all terms used to describe these programs.
The duration of a typical bridge program is between two to three years.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Licensure and Certification
Nurses as healthcare providers play a very substantial role in health care at all levels.
Certifications and licensing in nursing make sure nurses have the necessary experience, education, and abilities to care for patients and enhance private and community health outcomes.
Certain nursing credentials can assist you in preparing for leadership roles, progressing in your nursing career, and finding work.
NCCA, an acronym for the National Commission for Certifying Agencies has a number of certifying bodies that can issue nursing certifications.
The requirements for acquiring a nursing certification differ depending on the organization and the sort of nursing you want to pursue.
To step out into the healthcare sector as a Registered Nurse (RN), you must have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) earned from a school that has been duly accredited by CCNE or ACEN both understood as Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing respectively.
You must also pass the NCLEX-RN examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
State requirements for becoming an RN may differ.
Although certification is not always required to work in a specific specialization, obtaining the right certification can help you find a job in a different facility or move to management positions.
Most certifications, on the other hand, do necessitate prior job experience in the field.
These credentials will help you exhibit your professionalism and skill as a Registered Nurse as you advance in your career.
Best BSN Programs in the US
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University stands as one of the top ten programs for BSN, DNP, nursing programs held online, and MSN.
In addition, the nursing school has received three Center of Excellence tags from NLN in a row for improving staff development and student learning.
Over 1,000 nursing students are educated at Johns Hopkins, with more than 450 full-time and 650 part-time students.
This prestigious university newly changed its BSN curriculum from prelicensure to direct admission into an MSN degree.
The direct-entry MSN program’s three foremost graduating classes have all passed the NCLEX with a perfect score of 92-94 percent.
Duke University
On five occasions, DUSON, otherwise recognized as Duke University School of Nursing has been identified, on several occasions, by the National League for Nursing as a School of Excellence.
In the top DNP and MSN programs, the institution invariably ranks among the finest in the country.
DUSON was, in fact, the first academy within North Carolina to vest a doctorate in nursing practice.
Each year, Duke’s ABSN (accelerated bachelor of science in the nursing program) qualifies and successfully graduates 100-150 students.
Over the last decade, these scholars have had a 97-98 percent first-time pass record on the NCLEX exam.
New York University
Apart from the BSN program, Nurse Practitioner courses at Rory Meyers College of Nursing (New York University) are always ranked one of the top ten in the U.S.
Over the last decade, the college’s leading BSN program has graduated more than 399 students who have successfully excelled through the NCLEX exam with an 85-87 percent first-try pass rate.
An MSN program with over eight specialization options, post-advanced master’s certificates in over ten areas, a DNP program with more than two entry routes, and a Ph.D. in nursing theory development and research are also available.
UCSF
In the recent decade, the UCSF School of Nursing otherwise known as the University of California, San Francisco, has been awarded more research funds than any other nursing school.
The university’s MSN (Master of Science in the nursing program) offers more than ten options, including Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist roles.
UCSF also offers MEPN, a master’s entry program in nursing, which prepares individuals who are not nurses for their first licensure.
Graduates from the school have had an incredible 92-94 percent first-time exam success rate on the regional Council Licensure Exam over the last ten years.
The school also delivers a master’s degree in interprofessional leadership and healthcare administration online, Ph.D. courses in sociology and nursing, and a doctor of nursing practice degree.
University of Pennsylvania
The BSN and MSN programs at Penn Nursing are frequently ranked among the top in the country.
A good number of its Nurse Practitioner specialized programs are also in their separate categories.
Furthermore, throughout the previous three years, this nursing program has received the most research funding of any nursing school in the US, including more than $10 million in 2019.
Graduates of the university’s rigorous prelicensure BSN program have excelled with an average of 90-92 percent first-time NCLEX pass swiftness over the last decade.
The university offers a post-graduate DNP in Nurse Anesthesia, two post-master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. program in nursing, which was the first of its kind.
Conclusion
Because of BSNs’ increased skill level, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) supports them as the minimal preparation for RNs.
Employers are increasingly preferring or requiring BSNs for RNs.
According to an AACN survey of healthcare companies conducted in 2020, about 40-41% of healthcare facilities and hospitals needing new RN hire RNs with BSN.
Furthermore, more than 80-82 percent of businesses significantly prefer to hire BSN program graduates.
Bigger salaries and more job options are among the benefits of earning a BSN.
Nurses with a BSN can develop their careers, gain a better understanding of nursing, and be prepared for graduate school or advanced practice nursing.
Nurses with a BSN can provide better patient care and be considered for positions with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
FAQs
Are Accelerated BSN Programs Worth it?
Accelerated nursing is worthwhile if you meet the requirements. A significant benefit of the program is the speed with which you can begin working as a Nurse. The programs are possible if you invest the time and effort required, even if they are more difficult than standard nursing programs.
Are There Any Online Accelerated BSN Programs?
The first myth is that there are online ABSN programs. They aren’t. If you are a non-nurse interested in enrolling in an accelerated nursing program, you will need in-person, hands-on clinical practice before becoming a licensed RN.
What are the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs?
The BSN is the preferred undergraduate nursing program for prospective nurses, and it gives graduates the best job prospects right out of school. A BSN is currently the minimum requirement for so many nursing employment.
What are the Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools?
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is among the top ten BSN, MSN, DNP, and online nursing programs. In addition, the school has received three NLN Center of Excellence designations in a row for improving staff development and student learning.
Can You Get a BSN if You Already Have a Bachelor’s?
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can acquire a BSN. For personalities who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, many schools offer expedited BSN programs.
Do You Need a BSN to Get an MSN?
Yes! The most frequent route to an MSN degree is to first obtain a BSN degree. Some nursing programs, however, allow non-nursing degree holders to acquire an MSN without a BSN by enrolling in a Direct Entry MSN program. Others also offer direct entry BSN nursing programs as well.
How Can I Become a Nurse Without a Degree?
A Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA) is a flexible way to become a Nurse. Registered Nurses (RNs) who desire to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can do so in one to two years of full-time, year-round enrollment, or three to four years of part-time enrollment.
How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program?
Accelerated BSN programs, including prerequisites, typically take 12 to 18 months to finish. In most cases, accelerated master’s degree programs last three years.
How Long is BSN Program?
An accredited BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is typically completed in four years. This degree is suitable for students who wish to study everything there is to know about nursing as a profession. At this level, there may be more salary career opportunities.
Is BSN a Good Degree?
The capacity to perform increasingly complicated nursing responsibilities demonstrated by a BSN may open more doors and opportunities for the nurse. In addition, nurses with a BSN often earn more. Registered Nurses with BSN degrees are paid more and have more prospects for growth in hospitals.
What are the Benefits of a BSN?
Patients benefit from nurses with a BSN because they have reduced death rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates, and higher success rates. As competition intensifies and technology progresses, all nurses in the area of nursing may be required to obtain a BSN degree.
What Does BSN Stand for?
A BSN simply stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It is an undergraduate degree for Registered Nurses (RNs) that covers themes such as patient care research, technology, safety, health promotion, and quality in the healthcare system.
What is a 4-Year Nursing Degree Called?
A baccalaureate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a degree that allows you to work as a nurse. No doubt, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a forty-eight months degree developed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who desire to advance to supervisory positions and earn more money.
What are Accelerated BSN Programs?
Personalities who already have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline but want to pursue a nursing degree might enroll in an accelerated BSN program. ABSN programs permit students to finish their bachelor’s degree in nursing without having to go back to school for another four years.
What is the Difference Between an RN and BSN?
In a nutshell, a BSN is a nursing degree. Your state will offer you the license of a Registered Nurse (RN). When deciding between RN and BSN, the first thing to consider is what degree of education you want to pursue.
What is the Easiest BSN Program?
The RN-BSN curriculum at Florida International University is one of the easiest in the US, requiring only 24 credit hours.
What is the Fastest RN to BSN Program?
The quickest online RN to BSN programs take eight to nine months to complete. However, this only applies to year-round programs. If you’re ready to get started, American Sentinel University offers monthly start dates and can be completed in as little as forty weeks.
What is the Highest Degree in Nursing?
Within the nursing profession, a Doctorate Of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of nursing education and practice. As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, DNPs engage in nursing administration or direct patient care (APRN).
Why Do Hospitals Want BSN Nurses?
BSN-prepared nurses are preferred by healthcare facilities due to their ability to manage the intricacies of today’s healthcare environment and their demonstrated ability to enhance patient outcomes and boost patient safety. For these reasons, both the private and public health sectors advocate for nurses with BSNs.
