What Exactly is a BSN Degree?

For prospective nurses, there are many educational pathways to securing your dream job. One common option is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

This undergraduate degree prepares nurses for a variety of healthcare jobs, as well as future studies in a graduate nursing program. Plus, the comprehensive curriculum and training of a BSN degree equip graduates with the skills to impress prospective employers.

What does a BSN degree entail? Is a BSN necessary to become a nurse? And overall, is the degree worth it? In this guide, we’ll answer all these questions and more, helping prospective nurses start their educational journey.

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree

What is BSN degree education? BSN degrees are typically obtained in four years at an undergraduate institution. Depending on the college or university, programs can be in-person or online, and there may be options to fast-track the degree depending on your previous education or certifications.

It’s important to note that if you are interested in further graduate studies, such as a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing, you must earn a BSN first. 

Importance of a BSN in Modern Healthcare

Research shows that a BSN benefits both patients and other healthcare staff thanks to the theoretical and practical training imparted throughout the degree. 

Nurses with a BSN are associated with:

• Lower odds of patient mortality
• Decrease in length of hospital stay
• Lower rates of medication or procedural error
• 24% greater odds of survival for patients experiencing in-hospital cardiac arrest

The research speaks for itself—higher education in nursing directly correlates to improved patient outcomes.

Key Components of a BSN Curriculum

All nursing schools are different, but overall, BSN programs share key aspects of their curriculum that properly prepare future nurses. 

Core Nursing Courses

BSN degrees combine clinical patient care skills with theoretical healthcare education. Programs often include courses such as:

• Public health
• Nursing ethics
• Pathophysiology
• Medication calculations
• Pharmacology
• Leadership and decision-making

Keep in mind that undergraduate institutions will require prerequisite courses like Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, or Mathematics before advancing to more specific nursing curricula.

Clinical Experiences and Labs

A significant benefit of BSN degrees is their combination of classroom teaching with clinical experience. This training is crucial in imparting the skills and confidence needed to work with real patients. 

In nursing school, students are trained with clinical simulations to achieve hands-on learning that puts their knowledge to the test. These clinical encounters build confidence, critical thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and self-reflection. 

BSN students learn how to:

• Give injections
• Set up an IV drip
• Establish airways
• Aid in childbirth

Simulations and labs differ per university, and they can also include clinical specializations based on particular nursing tracks. 

General Education Requirements

In addition to the healthcare-related prerequisites we mentioned, some undergraduate institutions also require students to fulfill general requirements. This means that even nursing students may have to pass classes in the humanities. Depending on the university, general education requirements could include English literature, writing, history, art, ethics, or a foreign language.

Don’t let these requirements discourage you from a BSN—they are often fulfilled in the first year, leaving the rest of your undergraduate career to focus on nursing. Plus, it’s possible to test out of general requirements with high school credits.

Advantages of Earning a BSN

There’s no doubt about it: a BSN degree offers significant benefits for a career in nursing. The four years of study provide ample time to master both clinical skills and theoretical concepts, all with the motivation and support from studying with a cohort of like-minded peers. 

Let’s go through some of the professional advantages of a BSN.

Improved Patient Outcomes

BSN programs provide an in-depth education that prepares nursing students personally and professionally. Specifically, BSN coursework encourages students to consider ethical, cultural, and social issues impacting patients and the healthcare system, allowing them to better meet the demands of the job.  

This rigorous training pays off—studies show that having more nurses with BSNs in hospitals correlates to lower rates of inpatient mortality, improved communication with patients and staff, shorter hospital stays, and overall higher quality care compared to non-BSN nurses.

Greater Career Opportunities

Having a BSN on your resume makes you a more favorable candidate to potential employers, especially if the hiring process comes down to educational experience. In this way, a BSN opens doors for career growth. 

A BSN also prepares nurses to work in a variety of healthcare settings, offering greater flexibility when choosing a role or specialization. After earning a BSN, nurses can pursue various inpatient or outpatient careers, such as:

• ER nurse
• Labor and delivery nurse
• Pediatric nurse
• Military nurse
• School nurse
• Travel nurse
• Legal nurse consultant
• Public health nurse

Many career paths are possible once becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) after earning a BSN.

Eligibility for Advanced Nursing Roles

Pursuing higher education unlocks advanced opportunities in the field of nursing. To pursue graduate studies, the first step is earning a BSN. 

Advanced degrees include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing. After completing these programs, nurses can apply for jobs in education, administration, consulting, executive management, public policy, and more. 

BSN vs. ADN: Understanding the Differences

Rather than earning a BSN, you may consider an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) instead. Both degrees allow you to work as a nurse, but they have significant differences in terms of coursework, training, time commitment, and career opportunities.

Educational Content and Length

An ADN is an entry-level nursing degree, while a BSN is more comprehensive. They differ on a variety of metrics, including:

• Length – ADN programs are typically two years, while a BSN takes four years.
• Institution type – An ADN is usually completed at a community college, while a BSN is offered by undergraduate universities or colleges.
• Curriculum – ADN courses cover prerequisites and the basics of nursing. BSN programs include a more rigorous blend of clinical and theoretical courses, with specialized topics such as global health, nursing ethics, and pharmacology.
• Tuition – ADN programs are often cheaper than BSN programs.

BSN programs can also better prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standard exam required to become a licensed RN.

Career Opportunities Post-Graduation

Both ADN and BSN programs provide pathways to a rewarding career in nursing, but a BSN offers greater job security, opportunities for specialization, and professional flexibility. As we’ve mentioned, employers are increasingly likely to choose applicants with a BSN over those with only an ADN.

The number of RN positions is expected to grow by 6% in the next decade—a rate 20 times higher than other professions nationwide. Equipped with a BSN, nurses are better prepared to pass the NCLEX, choose a specialty they’re passionate about, and advance in their careers.

Why Pursue a BSN at Thomas Jefferson University

At the Jefferson College of Nursing, we prepare the next generation of nurses, researchers, educators, and leaders through comprehensive classes and clinical simulations. With over 130 years of experience, our nursing school is both an established and innovative higher education institution for prospective nurses.

We offer three types of BSN degrees:

• BSN Traditional Track – For current undergraduate students who have a high school diploma and have fulfilled our nursing prerequisites, the BSN Traditional Track involves four semesters (junior and senior year) of nursing theory and clinical practice.
• Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) – One- Year Pathway – Our one-year accelerated BSN program is designed for prospective nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, plus have studied the necessary prerequisites. While earning a BSN in just one year (three semesters), students simultaneously earn graduate credits for a Master’s degree, allowing fast-track admission into our MSN program.
• Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) –  Two-Year Pathway – Similar to the one-year program, the Two-Year BSN allows students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to complete a BSN in four semesters (two academic years). This program is less intensive than the one-year track, which is ideal for students who want to take their time or have summers off. The Two-Year Pathway is also a fast track towards an MSN.

Students can pursue their BSN in person at either our Philadelphia or Dixon campus. 

Unique Features of Jefferson’s BSN Program

We’ve designed our BSN program with flexibility, growth, and convenience in mind. That’s why our BSN degrees include:

• Hybrid study
• Pre-licensure option
• Accreditation
• Clinical practice at Jefferson Health Hospitals
• Optional global clinical capstone experience in Rome

Don’t just take it from us—thousands of our graduates have secured their dream jobs in Philadelphia and beyond, with competitive starting salaries and a robust alumni network for extra support. 

Start Your Nursing Journey Today

Earning a BSN is an invaluable investment in any nursing career. Crucial training, leadership skills, specialization opportunities, knowledge of healthcare technology—the list of advantages goes on. A BSN also opens doors for further graduate study and career growth, making it a worthwhile pursuit in a rewarding field. 

A Jefferson BSN prepares students for the future of nursing. Apply today, or request information from our admissions team.