Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

Overview

What Is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing?

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). BSN programs offer a comprehensive education that includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical training. Upon completion, BSN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The degree emphasizes both the science and the human aspects of nursing, combining evidence-based practice with patient-centered care. Graduates typically find work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health centers, or specialty care units.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing is widely recognized as the standard for professional nursing practice. Registered Nurses may enter the workforce with either an associate degree or bachelor degree in nursing. According to recent estimates from the National Academy of Medicine, approximately 72 percent of new RN graduates hold a BSN. Many hospitals and healthcare systems prefer or require nurses to hold a BSN, especially in magnet-designated facilities, which are considered the gold standard for nursing excellence.

Admissions

BSN Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs vary based on the type of institution (public vs private) and its level of competitiveness. Bachelor-level nursing programs are generally more selective than diploma programs or associate-level options but less restrictive than graduate or doctoral programs. Some students enter a BSN program directly after high school, while others transfer in after completing prerequisites or earning an associate degree in nursing.

Common admission requirements for a BSN program include:

• High school diploma or GED
• High school GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Completion of prerequisite courses (see below)
• SAT or ACT scores (required by some universities)
• Entrance exam scores such as the TEAS
• Personal essay or statement of purpose
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Background check and drug screening
• CPR certification
• Immunization records
• An application fee

Most BSN programs require students to complete specific prerequisite courses before they can begin the core nursing curriculum. Students entering as freshmen usually complete these courses during their first two years, while transfer students or second-degree applicants often complete them at a community college before applying to the nursing major. These prerequisites often span multiple academic areas and may take one to two years to complete, depending on your pace, enrollment status, and previous coursework.

Common BSN prerequisite courses include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
• Microbiology
• General Chemistry or Organic Chemistry
• College Algebra or Statistics
• English Composition I & II
• Introduction to Psychology
• Human Growth and Development or Lifespan Psychology
• Sociology
• Nutrition
• Public Speaking or Communication

To improve your chances of admission, consider taking your prerequisites at a local public community college and maintaining strong grades. This can be especially helpful if your high school GPA is low, as recent college coursework demonstrates your current academic ability. In states with structured public education systems like California and Florida, students can often transfer into a BSN program within the same system after completing general education and prerequisite requirements. Completing a CNA program or volunteering in a healthcare setting can also strengthen your application and prepare you for clinical training.

Curriculum

What Is the BSN Curriculum?

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum blends general education with specialized nursing courses and hands-on clinical experience. In a traditional four-year program, students progress through coursework and clinicals over eight semesters, typically starting with foundational sciences and advancing into direct patient care. The example table below outlines a term-by-term sequence of courses and clinical placements found in accredited BSN programs. Specific credit hour requirements and course names may vary by institution and state licensure requirements.

^* Source: BSN curriculum from accredited colleges and universities.

Clinicals

BSN Clinical Requirements

Clinical rotations in BSN programs typically begin in the second year and are closely integrated with classroom instruction. These placements allow students to apply nursing theory in real-world settings under the supervision of clinical instructors and preceptors. The total number of clinical hours varies by program but generally ranges from 600 to 1,000 hours, meeting or exceeding state licensing requirements for Registered Nurses.

Most BSN programs schedule clinical rotations one to two days per week during the academic terms in which they appear. Some schools may also require full-day shifts, evening rotations, or weekend placements based on site and preceptor staff availability.

Core Clinical Rotations (from the table above):

• Foundational Skills. Introductory lab-based training focused on essential nursing techniques such as hygiene, mobility, and safety procedures.
• Dosage Calculation. Exercises and assessments designed to ensure safe and accurate medication administration using real-world scenarios.
• Patient Communication. Simulated interactions that help students build rapport, take histories, and deliver patient education effectively.
• Simulation Lab. Hands-on practice using mannequins or virtual simulations to replicate complex clinical situations in a controlled environment.
• Medical-Surgical. Hospital-based rotation involving care of adult patients undergoing surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or recovering from acute conditions.
• Behavioral Health. Experience in psychiatric or mental health facilities focusing on emotional support, medication management, and therapeutic communication.
• Pediatrics. Exposure to clinical care for infants, children, and adolescents in inpatient or outpatient settings.
• Labor & Delivery. Clinical work in maternity wards focusing on childbirth, prenatal care, and postpartum monitoring.
• Community Simulation. Scenario-based training to prepare for public health outreach, disaster response, and care coordination in community settings.
• Public Health. In-the-field clinical experience working with diverse populations in schools, clinics, or community organizations.
• Long-Term Care. Hands-on practice with elderly or chronically ill patients in skilled nursing facilities, often focusing on mobility, ADLs, and rehabilitation.
• Leadership Practice. Supervised opportunities to coordinate care, delegate tasks, and oversee small teams within a clinical unit.
• Preceptorship Planning. Preparation sessions that pair students with clinical mentors and map out the expectations for final practicum placements.
• Capstone Clinical. Final full-time rotation designed to simulate the role of a working RN, often integrated with a written capstone project.
• Transition to Practice. Culminating experience where students manage patient loads, document care, and perform shift duties under RN supervision.

Other or Elective Clinical Rotations (Availability Varies):

• Emergency Room / Trauma. Exposure to fast-paced care for acute injuries and emergencies in hospital emergency departments.
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Training with critically ill patients requiring advanced monitoring, ventilators, or post-surgical care.
• Home Health Nursing. Delivers in-home care for individuals with chronic conditions, recent hospitalizations, or rehabilitation needs.
• School or Camp Nursing. Involves basic assessments, medication administration, and health education in K-12 schools or summer programs.
• Specialty Rotations. May include experience in oncology, cardiology, perioperative (surgical), transplant, or telemetry units, depending on clinical site availability.

While many BSN programs now offer lecture-based courses in online or hybrid formats, all clinical rotations must still be completed in person. These hands-on experiences are supervised by licensed nurses and are typically arranged at approved healthcare facilities near the student's home or through the school's clinical partners. This ensures that graduates meet the practical training requirements for RN licensure in their state.

Tuition Cost

How Much Does a Bachelor Degree in Nursing Cost?

The cost of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) depends largely on whether you attend a public or private institution and whether you qualify for in-state tuition. Public colleges and universities are subsidized by state governments, which helps lower tuition cost for residents. In addition to tuition, students should also budget for room and board, a laptop computer, a printer, books and supplies, medical equipment, clinical fees, and transportation or commuting costs.

The table below shows the most recent average annual tuition figures by state and institution type, published by the U.S. Department of Education. These numbers represent in-state rates at four-year colleges that primarily offer bachelor's degrees. Use this data as a starting point to compare options and find colleges and universities near you that offer BSN programs.

^* Source: U.S. Department of Education, Academic Year 2022-23.
^— Indicates that not enough schools participated in the survey.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of a BSN Program?

There are several ways to lower the total cost of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). One common strategy is to complete your general education requirements at a local community college, then transfer to a four-year university, whether public or private. You can also reduce expenses by commuting from home or choosing a rural or suburban college campus where housing is more affordable.

Financial aid is available at both public and private institutions and may include student loans, institutional scholarships, federal Pell Grants, and state nursing aid programs. Consider completing a shorter CNA or LPN program to gain work experience, save for college, and qualify for employer-sponsored tuition assistance. If you live in a high-tuition state, relocating to a state with more substantial public education subsidies may also help lower overall costs.

Outcomes

What Jobs Can I Get With a BSN?

With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN), you qualify for entry-level positions as a Registered Nurse in a variety of clinical and community settings. The BSN also opens the door to leadership roles and specialized areas of care that may not be available to those with only an associate degree or nursing diploma. After five years of experience, nurses with bachelor's degrees often move into supervisory or case management roles.

Here are some of the jobs you can get with a BSN degree:

• Emergency Room Nurse
• Transplant Nurse
• Case Management Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Cardiac Care Nurse
• Infection Control Nurse
• Dialysis Nurse
• Medical-Surgical Nurse
• Charge Nurse
• Diabetes Nurse
• … and many more

Is a BSN in nursing worth it? Yes. A BSN can lead to higher starting salaries and greater long-term earning potential. It also qualifies you for leadership roles and serves as the foundation for advanced practice degrees like the MSN or DNP. Learn more about Registered Nurse salary, duties, and skills.