BSN Degrees

BSN Degrees FAQ

BSN Degrees is an online resource site created by Bobbie Walker, RN BSN that is devoted to providing unbiased answers to frequently asked questions by students considering a BSN degree program. Below you will find answers to questions put forth to us by BSN students. We add new questions and answers weekly, so if you have a question please contact us.

What else is a BSN degree called?

A BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The four year degree is a Baccalaureate program for those in the nursing field. It is one of the most advanced undergraduate degrees a nurse can earn. Those with a high school diploma and other qualifications can begin this program or registered nurses can begin the degree as a two year program.

What is a BSN degree used for

Reasons for obtaining a BSN degree include obtaining it as the entry point for a professional nursing practice. In addition, anyone looking to earn a graduate degree in nursing may also begin by earning a BSN degree. Other nursing professions who call upon a BSN degree include nurse practitioners, specialty nurses, and those looking to go into the research or teaching fields.Existing nurses such as licensed vocational nurses, licensed practitioner nurses, and registered nurses can seek a BSN, also called a Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Second BSN degree is ideal for those looking to increase their nursing skills, demand, and pay. Depending on your current degree, this BSN may take you as little as two years. Schools offering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing may allow for one hundred percent credit transfers of primary and secondary classes such as English, history, social sciences, math, and even some biology and related classes.Another name for the BSN degree is Accelerated Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This degree is for those who already have some form of undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career in nursing. Again, depending on the type of credits earned and institution of transfer, it can take as little as two years to earn this degree in BSN.

What sorts of skills might a student expect to learn in a BSN degree?

Because a BSN degree is a four year degree, the basics are required. These include approximately two years of freshmen and sophomore classes that are similar to any other Baccalaureate in science. The final two years of study will compromise the bulk of nursing skills taught.Anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and other medicines are just some of the skills a student will learn while earning a BSN degree. Other practical skills include ethics, management, and professionalism. The latest in computer skills and healthcare related programs may also be a part of what students learn during BSN studies.

What sorts of careers are common for students with a BSN degree?

A nurse that has a BSN degree is more capable in both the technical and professional level of nursing and is more likely to have a wider selection of careers in BSN nursing. They will also stand out among other job candidates who carry an ADN, vocation license, or other associate's degree. In fact, many careers for BSN's may require certification from an agency such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center. They have certified over 250,000 nurses and 80,000 advanced practice nurses. The ANCC certifies many nurses, many of which are required to have a BSN in their specialty.Careers with a BSN degree include specialty nursing in cardiology, critical care, OB/GYN, and many others. There are also institutions, hospitals, and healthcare providers who will only offer certain careers to those who hold a BSN degree or higher.Careers for those with a BSN degree also have an excellent outlook in the teaching area. In this report from the "Des Moines Register," qualified nursing students are actually being turned away from institutions due to the lack of qualified teachers. This is in part to the large number set to retire and the lack of candidates with advanced degrees. Those with a BSN degree can find the competition bleak while the pay and benefits remain high.

What types of classes are involved in a BSN degree?

In order to enter just about any Bachelor of Science in Nursing school and classes, candidates must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Grades, after school activities, and even previous work experience may be looked at. Also, anyone looking to get a BSN degree online must have regular access to an internet enabled computer.Classes, credit hours, and other factors are determined by the school which offers the BSN degree. Some quick internet research or a phone call can easily clear up any questions you have on classes for a BSN degree. For example, a quick search of the University of Phoenix's current RN to BSN program shows that thirteen classes are required. Some BSN classes, such as Undergraduate Nursing Studies, are only two credits while others, such as Healthy Communities: Theory and Practice and Senior Practicum: Leadership and Management, are four credits. Other classes including Statistical Applications, Health Care Informatics, and Health Law and Ethics count for three credits.

What are the average salaries of a person with a BSN degree?

According to Payscale.com, the average salary of someone with a BSN degree is approximately $66,000 per year. This figure takes into account careers such as director of nursing, clinical nurse manager, and nursing manager, all of which earn over $70,000 per year. Other BSN salaries include nurse case manager and charge nurse, with an average salary of $62,000 per year.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a BSN degree "receive more training in areas such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all of which are becoming more important as nursing practice becomes more complex." This will be an important component when choosing a specialty.Payscale.com lists the salary of specialty nurses with a BSN. Those who earned the highest salary were nurses with specialties in quality improvement and operating room with a salary of $69,051 and $67,808 respectively. Those at the bottom of this particular chart were Bachelor of Science nurses in psychiatry and pediatrics, with a salary of $58,348 and $51,496.

What are the degree requirements for a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree takes an average of four years to complete. In the first two years of study, students typically take typical courses to fulfill college requirements for a B.S. degree. The last two focus exclusively on the science and technical aspects of nursing and round out the BSN degree.The good news is that there are BSN degree programs at colleges and universities across the country. Other related programs include RN to BSN, ADN to BSN, and others. Many of these schools also offer online BSN degree programs for everyone from high school graduates to registered nurses. Students are even allowed to complete much of their course work online and fulfill clinical requirements in a facility close to home.Another requirement to completing a BSN degree or any other nursing program is passing a national licensing examination, also called the NCLEX-RN. Given by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the exam tests the entry-level nursing competence of candidates for licensure as registered nurses as well as licensed practical/vocational nurses. The official website gives information for BSN candidates on items such as registration, the exam, and FAQs. It is also important to know the requirements for each of the 50 states on their requirements for becoming a nurse and you can find a list of state board contacts by clicking here.