Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

Can I get my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Online?

Many BSN programs are offered online. If you're pursuing a nursing degree for the first time, the online option typically combines virtual coursework with required hands-on clinical or practice experience — AACN's curriculum standards call for all entry-level BSN and RN-to-BSN students to demonstrate the same core practice competencies before graduation, even when coursework is delivered online. Some online BSN programs say they help connect students to local hospitals, clinics, labs or private practices for this clinical experience, though applicants should confirm placement support directly with each program.

If you are enrolled in an RN-to-BSN program, you may be able to complete much of the coursework online. Because RNs bring hands-on experience from their associate-degree training and daily practice, some RN-to-BSN programs structure clinical/practice requirements differently than first-time BSN programs — but current AACN guidance is clear that RN-to-BSN students are still expected to demonstrate the same core practice competencies as traditional BSN graduates, just through learning opportunities suited to their existing experience.

Should I Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing?

If you're already an RN and are looking to advance your career, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing could be a good fit for you, especially if you are planning to work in the healthcare field for the long haul. BSN programs can be completed online while you still work as a nurse, so you can move forward in your career without having to take time off. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for nurses who continue their education — for example, Beebe Healthcare reimburses tuition for eligible team members — though benefits and eligibility rules vary by employer.

For decades, the U.S. has been dealing with a nursing shortage of varying degrees, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Earning a BSN not only prepares students to enter the field and fill the demand for nurses, but it may also help them to stand out to employers among an increasingly competitive group of candidates.

Having a BSN may also put you closer to a master's degree or a doctorate, should you decide to pursue an advanced degree like Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

BSN Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for a BSN program vary by school and by pathway (traditional, RN-to-BSN or accelerated). According to AACN, schools commonly weigh factors such as high school or prior college GPA and standardized test scores where required, completion of prerequisite science coursework, letters of reference, and an admissions essay or goal statement — with RN-to-BSN applicants generally also needing a current, unrestricted RN license, and accelerated applicants needing a prior bachelor's degree. Because exact requirements differ from program to program, check with each school's nursing admissions office for its specific criteria. Commonly requested items include:

• Completion of required prerequisite coursework (for example, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology)
• A competitive high school or prior college GPA (specific minimums vary by school)
• Standardized test scores, if required by the program
• A resume or CV
• A personal essay or goal statement
• Letters of reference
• A current, unrestricted RN license (for RN-to-BSN applicants)
• A completed application and any applicable application fee

Invest time into your nursing school application. Weave in your unique traits, strengths and long-term career goals into your personal essay to help distinguish yourself from other applicants. Your resume and references are another way to show the admissions team what you bring to the table.

What to Look for in a BSN Program

Not all BSN programs are the same, and a few key factors can help you compare your options:

• Accreditation. Confirm the program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) — see BSN Program Accreditation below for why this matters.
• NCLEX-RN pass rates. A program's first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) — tracked by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) — can indicate how well it prepares graduates for licensure.
• Program format and clinical support. Decide whether an on-campus, online, or hybrid format fits your schedule, and ask how the school arranges clinical placements in your area.
• Cost and financial aid. Compare tuition, fees, and available scholarships or employer tuition-reimbursement programs.
• Time to completion. Confirm the program length matches the path you're taking — traditional, RN-to-BSN, or accelerated (see the pathway options above).

BSN Nursing Curriculum

BSN programs consist of general education classes, often taken in the first year, nursing classes, and clinical experience. The number of credit hours required for graduation varies by school and program type, so check with your prospective program for its specific requirements.

Some common courses for BSN students may include:

The clinical portion of a BSN degree program is key to students' nursing education as it allows them to participate in supervised training sessions with licensed nursing professionals. Clinical experiences can take place in a local hospital, long-term care facility, public health department, psych facility, and many other medical settings. A student's school and state licensing board determine the number of clinical hours needed for graduation.

Careers with a BSN Degree

BSN-prepared RNs are often well positioned for leadership, care-coordination and specialty roles, reflecting the broader clinical and management preparation built into BSN curricula, according to AACN. Moving into a specific leadership or supervisory role still depends on the employer, your experience and any additional credentials required.

The possibilities are truly numerous. Here are a few job titles to consider:

Obtaining a BSN and then RN licensure also makes you eligible for clinical roles where your day-to-day duties may include:

• Treating patients for illness, injury and health conditions
• Developing nursing treatment plans for patients
• Supporting and educating patients on coping with illnesses and improving health habits
• Administering medications and injections
• Doing routine lab work
• Assisting doctors with surgeries

BSN Level Nurse Salaries

How much you earn as a nurse depends on factors such as where you live, your employer, years of experience, your specialty track, and more; a BSN alone does not set your pay. The median annual wage for all registered nurses in May 2025 was $97,550, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program — this figure covers RNs of all educational backgrounds, not BSN-holders specifically. The median annual wage for RNs working in government, including state and local government schools and hospitals, was $100,490, while the highest-earning 10% of all RNs made more than $137,470.

As of May 2025, BLS OEWS data show a median annual wage of $85,600 for registered nurses employed in the business support services industry.

BSN Program Accreditation

Nursing students should look for BSN programs that hold nursing-specific accreditation, which is different from a college or university's overall institutional accreditation and from a state board of nursing's approval of a specific program for licensure purposes. Nursing accreditation evaluates faculty qualifications, curriculum and overall program quality against national standards, while state board approval is what makes a program's graduates eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN in that state.

The accreditation process is completed by an outside organization. The two primary nationally recognized bodies for BSN accreditation are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

ACEN, formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), accredits all levels of nursing programs. CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency that accredits nursing programs at the baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship levels.

Accreditation standards are the same for both traditional and online programs. Accreditation is voluntary, and nursing schools and programs must apply for it.

Attending a program accredited by ACEN or CCNE is one factor that can support your education and career — for example, many institutions require it for transferring nursing credits. Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN depends on your state board's approval of your specific program, not accreditation alone, and financial-aid eligibility and employer expectations vary by institution, program and state — so confirm specifics with your school, its financial aid office, and your state board of nursing.

Wondering if a BSN is a good fit for you? Use the following questions and answers to guide you through the decision-making process: