If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, you might be wondering what it means to have a BSN nursing program as opposed to an ADN or LPN program.
BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and this type of nursing program can lead to many different career paths in the medical field. Here’s what you need to know about what the BSN nursing program involves, and whether it’s right for you!
The Basics of the BSN
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, is a four-year undergraduate program that awards its graduates a Bachelor of Science degree. Some people mistakenly believe that getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) involves earning an associate’s degree and then completing three years at a nursing school.
In reality, an individual must have an accredited high school diploma or GED to apply for admission into an accredited BSN nursing program; earning their way to one requires anywhere from 60 to 75 college credits depending on their home state’s regulations. You can find out if your state has accredited programs by contacting your career services office at one of your local community colleges or vocational schools.
Read Also: Accelerated Nursing Programs: All You Need to Know
Accelerated BSN Nursing Program
There are several accelerated BSN nursing programs around the country, so if you’re looking to graduate faster and save money, one of these programs might be for you. These online nursing degrees are typically a two-year program that includes only what is essential for an RN.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in something unrelated, check out how these fast-track programs can help take your nursing career to new heights in as little as 16 months.
If you already have a Bachelor of Science degree and want to accelerate your nursing education into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with less time than if you entered a traditional four-year program, then an accelerated BSN is right for you. Some schools even offer assistance with tuition through their scholarships.
Online BSN Nursing Program
Thanks to online schools, you don’t have to stay put in order to get a nursing degree. So, if you’re looking for an online BSN nursing program, you’ll find that most accredited schools will offer one. When you get a degree in BSN, it means that the entire health care field is a great fit for you.
It is necessary to obtain an associate degree in nursing from an accredited school in order to become a registered nurse. a number of jobs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing before either being hired or promoted and getting an online degree means you can work more flexible hours.
There are lots of benefits to enrolling in a distance learning program like more flexibility in your schedule and more time to spend volunteering and participating in other interests outside of class.
Read Also: Best Online Nursing Programs That Are Completely Free
BSN Nursing Program Requirements
As a new nurse, you’ll likely be required to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This degree program is offered through specific colleges and universities and it will provide you with all of the information you need in order to become a successful RN.
There are certain BSN nursing program requirements that you will have to fulfill prior to completing your training. Some of these courses include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, medical terminology, and more. As part of your classroom-based studies, you’ll also complete clinical hours where you can apply what you’ve learned as an actual nurse.
Is a BSN equal to RN?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding whether or not a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is equal to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). There are some people who believe that graduates from an ADN program cannot be as qualified as those with a BSN degree, however, both programs focus on educating students about health science and general nursing skills.
After completing both types of degrees, graduates are eligible to sit for their respective licensure exams to become registered nurses. The difference between these two types of programs comes down to how long they take to complete and what type of specialized education they offer.
A normal ADN program takes two years whereas a traditional BSN requires four years with both providing hands-on training.
What does BSN stand for in Nursing?
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree that allows students to develop as a nurse and helps prepare them for job opportunities within their field. In many cases, students will be able to complete their entire nursing education while earning a bachelor’s degree, but some may choose to earn associate’s degrees or certificates along with their bachelor’s degree.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for nurses who work in certain specialized areas like neonatal care or operating room nursing to complete advanced studies in order to become certified in those areas.
Whatever you decide, make sure you do your research so you know exactly what program is right for you. Visit College Grad School Guide for more information about finding a career-oriented college program today!
Direct Entry For BSN Nursing Programs
In some cases, you can apply directly to a college’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program if you already have an associate’s degree. However, most applicants enter with a general nursing diploma or certificate as they will have more experience.
It’s also more common for those with an associate’s degree in another area to complete their bachelor’s through a direct entry program. If you are going to enroll in a direct entry program, you should be aware that it typically takes one year longer than traditional programs and costs about $10,000 more.
You should also know that classes are held on campus and most programs involve clinical experiences in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
Accelerated BSN Programs
Traditionally, students enrolled in an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program spend 4 years obtaining their degree. However, there are accelerated BSN programs that allow nurses with a previous degree to complete a bachelor’s degree in only two years.
These programs are designed for both RNs and LPNs and combine required prerequisite courses with nursing coursework to accelerate your completion date. Accelerated BSN programs require you to maintain high academic standards and may include restrictions on extra-curricular activities such as socializing with other students or partaking in off-campus learning experiences.
It is important to understand all requirements of your program before you make your final decision on where to attend school.
How Do I Choose an Online Nursing School or College to Get My Bachelors in Nursing?
There are so many schools to choose from when you’re looking for an online nursing degree program, how do you pick one? When choosing a school to get your bachelor’s in nursing (BSN), think about things like how much money do I want to spend on tuition? How many programs can I apply to at once? And what kind of support services do they provide for students? There are tons of online nursing schools, some of which are better than others.
But with so many options available these days, it makes sense that choosing one might be confusing. So let’s break down what you should look for when picking out an online nursing school or college.
Conclusion
The BSN nursing program focuses on fundamentals, from how to deal with patients and their families to anatomy and medical-surgical concepts. You’ll also study infection control, cardiology, and other medical-related topics. The curriculum is designed to help you learn how to work as a member of a team in any setting. It’s about building a foundation for your future career path. Read more here.