05/05/2025
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may serve as a foundation for continued learning and expanded responsibilities in the healthcare field. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance your career, a BSN degree provides the skills, training, and clinical experiences that help prepare nurses to take on greater responsibilities and make a deeper impact in patient care.
While both an associate degree in nursing and a BSN qualify graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination® (NCLEX) exam, the BSN offers broader education. From leadership and communication to research methods and public health, BSN programs often include topics that align with the evolving demands of today’s healthcare landscape.
The Difference Between an RN and a BSN
Both Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and BSN graduates can become licensed as registered nurses and work in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient facilities. However, there are important distinctions in training and long-term potential.
A BSN degree typically includes courses in health policy, evidence-based practice, and nursing informatics. It also places greater emphasis on leadership development and systems-based care. These differences may help prepare BSN nurses for potential opportunities in areas such as case management, administrative support, or research, depending on individual qualifications and employer needs. In some states, like New York, legislation now requires new RNs to earn a BSN within ten years of licensure. This reflects a broader trend toward valuing BSN education within the nursing profession.
Better Patient Outcomes With BSN Education
Some studies suggest that BSN-prepared nurses may be associated with improved patient outcomes. Hospitals with higher percentages of BSN graduates have been reported in some studies to show lower mortality rates, fewer readmissions, and reduced medical errors. However, results may vary by facility and other factors.
The training in a BSN degree program includes more in-depth coursework on clinical reasoning, community health, and patient-centered care. BSN nurses are taught to look beyond immediate symptoms and understand the broader context of a patient’s health, which can lead to more accurate assessments and interventions.
Perceived connections between higher nursing education and patient care quality may influence some employers' hiring preferences. Today, some healthcare organizations express a preference or set requirements for a bachelor’s degree in nursing when hiring, depending on the role and location.
What to Expect in a BSN Program
BSN programs usually combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience to help students build a strong foundation in nursing. Coursework typically includes anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and public health, alongside clinical rotations in diverse environments like hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics.
Today’s BSN programs often integrate healthcare technology and data analysis, preparing students to work with electronic health records and other tools used across care settings. Many also focus on developing leadership and management abilities—skills that can support future roles as a registered nurse with responsibilities beyond direct patient care. For those pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing, these elements provide a broader understanding of the healthcare system and how to contribute to it effectively.
BSN Degree Program Pathways
There are several ways to earn a BSN degree depending on your background and goals. Traditional four-year undergraduate degree programs are often pursued by recent high school graduates looking to start a nursing career. These programs offer a comprehensive education that combines liberal arts and science courses with core nursing classes.
Accelerated BSN programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These intensive programs typically take 12 to 18 months and focus exclusively on nursing education.
RN-to-BSN programs are tailored for registered nurses who hold a nursing diploma or ADN degree and want to continue their education. These flexible degree programs are often available online, making it easier for working nurses to balance school with their professional lives.
Some universities also offer dual enrollment options that allow students to work toward their associate and bachelor’s degrees simultaneously through partnerships between community colleges and four-year institutions.
Preparing for the NCLEX Exam
All nursing graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse. The exam tests knowledge in areas like safe care environments, health promotion, and psycho-social integrity.
While both ADN and BSN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX exam, research shows that BSN graduates tend to have higher first-time pass rates. This improved pass rate may be due to the broader educational foundation and critical thinking skills emphasized in BSN programs, which better prepare students for the complexity of the exam and the demands of modern nursing.
Career Outlook with a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing
Earning a BSN degree may open up different pathways within the nursing field. With this credential, some nurses move into roles like public health nurse, nurse educator, or case manager. Others focus on areas such as pediatrics, mental health, or community outreach. Leadership and consulting roles may also become more accessible within hospitals or health systems, depending on experience and setting.
A BSN may also lay the groundwork for exploring graduate-level education, including programs such as a master’s degree or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)—each offering potential routes into advanced clinical or administrative roles, depending on personal and professional goals.
Healthcare employers increasingly recognize the value BSN nurses bring to patient care, quality improvement, and team leadership. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, approximately 25% of surveyed employers report requiring a BSN for new hires, and nearly 70% indicate a preference.
BSN Nurses and Long-Term Benefits
Beyond offering more flexibility in career direction, earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing may support longer-term professional development. As healthcare systems adapt and grow more complex, there’s increasing interest in nurses who bring both clinical experience and formal education.
Graduates of nursing programs with a BSN may be more equipped to explore areas like leadership, education, or research—especially when paired with hands-on experience. Some continue their education to become a nurse practitioner or pursue other advanced roles that contribute to patient care and system-level improvements. While pathways vary, a BSN can be a strong foundation for nurses looking to stay engaged and responsive to the evolving needs of the profession.
Starting Your Journey Toward a BSN
Finding the right BSN degree program often comes down to practical considerations like location, accreditation, clinical placement opportunities, and whether the learning format fits your schedule. For those already working in the field, flexibility and NCLEX-RN pass rates may also play a big role in the decision.
Whether you're starting fresh or continuing your education, a BSN program often introduces topics that go beyond bedside care—such as public health, research, and systems-based thinking. Some programs also highlight leadership development, which can be relevant in a variety of settings, including hospitals and community organizations.
*National Council Licensure Examination is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
