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A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a highly sought-after nursing degree in the United States and around the world. It’s especially beneficial in today’s growing health care industry. A bachelor’s degree enables registered nurses (RNs) to advance their careers.

Not only does it boost their personal status, but it also opens doors to new career opportunities, higher salaries and better job security. A bachelors in nursing expands knowledge and skills beyond the basic, clinical education taught in two-year nursing programs.

It provides a solid background in evidence-based nursing, patient safety and medical technology as well as standard health care policies and systems. BSN nurses are knowledgeable, skilled professionals who ascend the ranks as health care leaders.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs

Many accredited colleges and universities offer the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. BSN programs teach nurses all of the skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen fields. Students explore a variety of subject areas that meet the essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Most bachelor’s degree programs take place over a four-year period. Some nursing schools — in the United States and abroad – offer accelerated, three-year programs. Even in the shorter programs, students receive a comprehensive education in general studies and health science as well as nursing theory and practices.

Nursing schools usually waive some courses for students who already have their RN license. In fact, registered nurses typically clear half of their required competency units (CUs) through credit transfers. This enables them to complete their bachelor’s degree in a shorter period of time.

Typical Nursing Degree Courses

Nursing students can take classes at a traditional college campus or complete coursework through an online program. Either way, they usually progress through the program by demonstrating their competence through course assessments, professional portfolios and capstone projects. Some schools assign a mentor to guide students through the process.

Most students enter a bachelor’s degree program as registered nurses. With advanced standing as a licensed RN, they can skip ahead to the more advanced coursework. Typical general education courses include language and communication, college mathematics, American and world history, literature, arts and the humanities.

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and nutrition are some of the health science courses. Nursing students also study courses in health assessment, geriatric care, community health, probability and statistics, health care systems, information management, technology applications, professional roles and leadership skills.

Why Nursing is a Great Career

Nursing is a great career with many rewards and opportunities. Nurses derive their satisfaction from helping people and caring for them. They engage their interest and aptitude in science every day. Their jobs motivate them to work hard to achieve their goals.

There are many different nursing specialties, so nurses have many career options. Those with a bachelor’s degree have greater flexibility and can often work their schedules around their personal lives. There is a high degree of job satisfaction in nursing, and the pay is good.

With millions of members, the nursing field is the largest and most visible of all health care professions. The demand for professional nurses is great, and it will only continue to grow as the population ages and the need for health care increases. Now is a good time to explore a bachelor’s degree in nursing.