What it is
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year professional degree that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). It combines nursing science, health sciences, and extensive supervised clinical practice, and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
The degrees & designations
The BSN is in the nursing and health fields:
How long it takes
About four years of full-time study (roughly 120 credit hours); some fields run to five with co-ops or intensive sequences.
What you study
Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing care across the lifespan, public health, and leadership, paired with clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings.
Getting in
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, and often essays, recommendations, and (sometimes) tests. Selectivity varies by school and program.
Cost & funding
Cost ranges widely — from lower-cost public in-state tuition to private universities — with grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans commonly used. Starting at a community college can reduce cost.
Where it leads
A BSN leads to registered nurse roles and is increasingly preferred (or required) by employers over an associate-level ADN. It's the foundation for advanced practice (MSN, DNP).
How it compares
Versus an ADN (associate), the BSN adds leadership, research, and public-health content and broadens career options; both lead to RN licensure.
Is it right for you?
A BSN fits students pursuing nursing as a profession who want the strongest foundation and pathway to advanced practice.
Explore further
This is a reference guide. Keep exploring:
Key facts
- WhatA professional degree that prepares registered nurses
- Leads toRN licensure via the NCLEX-RN
- IncludesNursing science + supervised clinical rotations
- FieldHealth Professions (Nursing)
- NextFoundation for MSN and DNP
Where to learn more
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