What Can You Do with a BSN Degree? 2023 Costs & Job Opportunities | Research.com (2023)

Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have received advanced education that builds on basic nursing skills through nursing programs online or in person. The program covers patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety, and quality within the healthcare system.

Consequently, BSN degrees are becoming increasingly important as the demand for highly skilled and qualified nurses grows. Almost everyone is looking to improve safety and prepare for future healthcare challenges. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, a rate similar to most other occupations (BLS, 2022).

Obtaining a BSN degree can significantly impact pay, specialization, and overall career prospects. Our research team has assessed the different options in the market, and has assembled this article to delve into different aspects of BSN degrees. We will discuss costs, job opportunities, types of BSN degrees available, requirements, and what to consider when choosing a BSN degree program.

BSN Degree Table of Contents

1. What is a BSN Degree?
2. Cost of BSN Degree
3. BSN Degree Jobs
4. Types of Degrees in BSN
5. BSN Degree Requirements
6. What to Look for in a BSN Degree Program

What is a BSN Degree?

A BSN is an undergraduate degree designed to give students the knowledge and competencies to become RNs. It gives nurses the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills necessary to tackle the numerous career opportunities waiting for them in the healthcare industry.

What can you do with a BSN degree?

Earning a BSN degree can provide graduates with a deeper understanding of patient care, healthcare policy, and community health, possibly leading to better patient outcomes.

In their study titled “Changes in proportion of bachelor’s nurses associated with improvements in patient outcomes,” published in Research in Nursing & Health in 2021, Lasater et al. suggested that a workforce of nurses with higher levels of education might benefit hospitals and patients.

Their study in 2021 found that with the average percentage of RNs with BSN degrees increasing from 41% in 2006 to 56% in 2016 across 519 adult acute care hospitals, “[…][M]ortality among general surgical cases declined, from 1.4% to 0.9% over the period. Length of stay also diminished, to a lesser extent, from an average [of] 5.1 days to 4.7 days, while both 7‐day and 30‐day readmissions remained essentially the same over the period, at about 3% and 7%, respectively. These favorable changes in mortality and the stability in readmissions occurred in spite of virtually all of the comorbidities increasing.”

As for the nurses who want to further their education, earning a BSN can lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), giving way to higher-paying job opportunities in roles as advanced nurse practitioners and nurse consultants.

Nurses who have not had the chance to complete a BSN or MSN can also pursue an RN-BSN or RN-MSN completion program, provided they enter the program with a hospital diploma.

Cost of a BSN Degree

The cost of earning a BSN degree varies depending on factors such as public or private schools, in-state or out-of-state, and program format.

The average cost of completing a four-year BSN program in the US ranges from $40,000 to over $200,000, depending on various factors such as tuition rates, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses (Writers, 2022).

How much does it cost to get a BSN degree?

Public schools generally have lower tuition rates than private schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a public school was $9,400 in 2020-21, while the costs for for-profit and non-profit private schools were $18,200 and $37,600, respectively (NCES, 2022).

The tuition-only cost for private school students is twice that of their public school counterparts. However, some private schools offer nursing students grants and other aid to make school more affordable.

Additionally, out-of-state students generally pay higher tuition fees than in-state students. On average, in-state tuition at a community college nursing program costs $72 to $82 per credit hour, while out-of-state tuition is between $154 and $216 per credit hour.

For non-nursing bachelor’s degree students who want to become RNs, an accelerated BSN program typically takes 11-18 months and can cost $18,000 to $40,000 to cover the tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

For working RNs who want to complete the requirements for a BSN degree, RN-to-BSN programs can cost $8,000 to $55,000 for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Healthcare employers may pay tuition costs for an employee to attend an RN-to-BSN program (Smith, 2022).

Another factor that would add to the total cost is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which BSN degree holders must take and pass to become RNs. This exam typically costs around $200. However, many schools include the examination fee in their estimated program completion fees.

Nursing scholarships, grants, and loan programs are available, and filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required before receiving most scholarships or financial aid.

Is a BSN degree worth it?

Completing a degree in BSN can be quite expensive. However, BSN degree graduates can earn various skills and knowledge along the way and increase their employment opportunities.

That said, a BSN is among the bachelor degrees that pay well. The average BSN degree salary is $91,000 annually (Payscale, 2023).

BSN Degree Jobs

The most common role of a nurse is to handle the care and supervision of patients in medical facilities or home settings, using a patient’s medical history to inform current treatments. They prepare patients for procedures, plan for checkups, explain treatments, and address any concerns.

Is BSN in high demand?

Obtaining a BSN degree can help nurses stand out in the job search. A survey conducted in August 2022 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that the average job offer rate for 2021 BSN degree holders in the US was 77% upon graduation and increased to 93% four to six months later.

Specifically, the survey findings indicated that job offer rates varied across regions, with BSN graduates in the South, Midwest, North Atlantic, and West regions receiving job offers at rates of 84%, 80%, 71%, and 55% respectively upon graduation.

Additionally, the job offer rates for BSN degree holders were found to be higher after four to six months, with rates of 96%, 97%, 94%, and 92% in the South, Midwest, North Atlantic, and West regions respectively (AACN, 2022).

What jobs can you get with a BSN degree?

As nursing professionals who medically treat patients and provide emotional and educational support for them and their families, RNs work with different types of doctors in various specialties and environments, including clinics and outpatient centers.

BSN-prepared nurses may also be qualified for leadership and management positions in healthcare organizations after gaining years of clinical expertise. Some potential career paths for BSN-prepared nurses include the following positions:

• Nurse Manager. Nurse managers oversee nursing staff and train other nurses in administering treatments, giving reports, and resupplying hospital or clinic rooms. This position requires at least a BSN and years of experience as an RN.
• Nurse Educator. These nurses instruct aspiring nurses in the classroom and clinical settings and work in teaching hospitals, nursing schools, and technical schools. Nurse educators hold at least a BSN and have experience as an RN.
• Director of Nursing. Needing at least a BSN, this role involves handling all nursing staff in a hospital, including nursing managers and their departments. Responsibilities include coordinating physician visits, maintaining nurse staff, creating reports, conducting assessments, upholding budgets, and resolving patient issues.

Earning a BSN degree can also lead nurses to pursue positions in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics industry, such as:

• Clinical Research Nurse. RNscan use their knowledge and experience in patient care to understand and demonstrate the effects of medicines and drugs on large populations (Western Governors University, 2021). Apart from BSN, this position usually requires a degree in other scientific disciplines, such as biology or chemistry.
• Forensic Nurse. These nurses work with law enforcement professionals to gather evidence from criminal investigations. Aside from their BSN degree, this job often requires a certificate or MSN in forensic nursing.

What kind of salary can I earn with a BSN degree?

When comparing salaries in the nursing field, one may want to consider the difference between BSN vs RN salary, as there can be a significant discrepancy between the two.

RNs get an average base salary of $72,504 annually, while jobs requiring a BSN degree, such as Clinical Research and Forensic Nurses, get around $74,000.

Additionally, the average annual salaries for the leadership and management roles such as the Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager, and Director of Nursing are $80,538, $94,535, and $99,210, respectively.

Types of Degrees in BSN

There are three main types of BSN degrees: traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-BSN. All programs have unique features and requirements, and students should consider their individual needs and goals before choosing a program.

Factors such as current education level, motivation, and whether one intends to work while earning their BSN should be considered when deciding which program to choose.

The AACN provides an overview of traditional BSN programs, accelerated nursing programs, and nursing degree completion programs.

What kinds of BSN degrees are there?

Traditional BSN Degree

Average time to complete: Four years

Traditional BSN programs have general education courses in addition to nursing fundamentals and theory courses, hands-on nursing skills practice, and diverse clinical rotations. There are no prerequisites needed before enrolling in a traditional BSN program.

The program includes classroom lectures, homework, exams, hands-on labs, and clinicals. It is designed for students with no previous college experience and only have a high school diploma.

Thus, traditional BSN programs are ideal for high school graduates or transfer students with a few non-nursing college credits.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Degree

Average time to complete: One to two years

The ABSN program is ideal for transfer students or those with a bachelor’s degree. It is designed for students with non-nursing degrees like a Biology bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits to qualify for admission.

Some ABSN programs blend online course instruction and homework assignments with in-person exams, skills and simulation labs, and clinical activities. The blended ABSN programs offer the best of both worlds, as students can benefit from hands-on experience and the flexibility of online learning.

Accelerated BSN programs have a more condensed time frame of one to two years and may offer multiple start dates per year. Most ABSN programs require prerequisite courses before enrollment, ensuring students are prepared to enter the nursing curriculum.

RN-BSN Program

Average time to complete: Around two years

The RN-to-BSN program is for those who have already obtained an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and want to further their education and career. This program is designed to build upon the foundation of knowledge and skills gained during ADN training.

It typically takes around two years to complete, although the duration may vary depending on the institution and the course requirements. RNs pursuing this program will learn advanced nursing concepts and skills, including leadership, research, community health, and evidence-based practice.

They will also gain experience managing complex patient cases, working in interprofessional teams, and leveraging technology in healthcare delivery.

One of the benefits of an RN-to-BSN program is that it is designed for working RNs who may not have the flexibility to attend traditional on-campus classes.

There are nurse practitioners schools online, and many programs offer the BSN degree through hybrid formats that allow them to complete coursework at their own pace, on their schedule. This makes balancing work, family, and other commitments easier while pursuing the BSN degree.

BSN Degree Requirements

A BSN degree typically requires a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher, SAT scores, and an application essay. However, the specific requirements for a BSN degree vary depending on the institution.

Admission Requirements

Most accredited BSN programs require the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent. BSN programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED (General Education Development) test credential.
• Standardized test scores. Some BSN programs may require applicants to submit scores from standardized tests such as the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Test). However, this is not a universal requirement and many schools do not require these scores.
• Personal statement or essay. Many BSN programs require applicants to submit a personal statement or essay that outlines their goals, motivation for pursuing nursing, and any relevant experiences.
• Letters of recommendation. BSN programs may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or other professionals who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities and potential as a nurse.
• Health and background checks. BSN programs typically require applicants to undergo health and background checks to ensure they are physically and mentally able to perform the duties of a nurse and have no criminal history that would prevent them from obtaining licensure.

After admission, BSN students are generally expected to complete the general education requirements and core courses, and maintain a good GPA (Bsn, 2023). The list of requirements includes:

• General education courses. BSN programs often require completion of general education courses such as English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Nursing courses. BSN programs typically require several courses in nursing theory, clinical practice, health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing research.
• Clinical experience. BSN students are typically required to complete a certain number of clinical hours to gain practical experience in patient care.
• Electives. BSN programs may require completion of a certain number of elective courses, allowing students to focus on areas of interest or explore different fields.
• GPA requirement. Many BSN programs require students to maintain a minimum GPA (grade point average) in order to remain in the program and graduate.
• Certification and licensure. Upon completion of a BSN program, graduates are required to pass the NCLEX-RN in order to become licensed to practice as an RN.

Skill Requirements

Some BSN program also require applicants to have the following core skills:

• Critical thinking. Aspiring RNs should be able to analyze patient data and make informed decisions about their care.
• Problem-solving. They should also be able to identify and solve problems that arise during patient care.
• Listening and communication. Future nurses should be able to actively listen and effectively convey information to patients and their families.
• Leadership and teamwork. Nurses should be able to work in a team and provide leadership when necessary.

What to Look for in a BSN Degree Program

Investing in a BSN degree program can be costly. Therefore, it is important to consider the following qualities that the best degree colleges have in common when choosing which BSN program to take to make it worthwhile:

• NCLEX-RN passing rate. Licensure passing rates usually reflect the effectiveness of an institution’s curriculum.
• Accreditation. The CCNE (Council on Collegiate Nursing Education) or the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) are two organizations that must accredit the BSN degree program.
• Curriculum and costs. Tuition and fees may differ in price from one university to another. Students must therefore do their homework and pick a curriculum that fits all of their needs while offering good value for money.
• Student support services. Financial aid options help students shoulder their studies.

Is a BSN degree right for you?

One’s job goals, financial situation, and personal objectives must all be considered while deciding whether to pursue a BSN degree. The BSN program needs a sizable amount of time and financial commitment, much like most respected degrees.

However, the advantages of earning a BSN degree are significant and include better employment possibilities, higher earning potential, and more chances for career advancement.

A BSN degree can be a good investment for nurses passionate about providing great patient care and giving back to their local communities.

That said, aspiring nurses can choose the right curriculum and know what to expect from their nursing education by being aware of the various parts of the degree.

References:

1. 2022 Data on Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses. (n.d.). https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Research-Data-Center/Employment/2022
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Salary | PayScale. (n.d.). https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary
3. Bsn, A. B. a. R. (2023, January 10). BSN Degree & Online BSN Programs. https://www.registerednursing.org/degree/bsn
4. Lasater, K. B., Sloane, D. M., McHugh, M. D., Porat-Dahlerbruch, J., & Aiken, L. H. (2021). Changes in proportion of bachelor’s nurses associated with improvements in patient outcomes. Research in Nursing & Health, 44(5), 787–795. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.22163
5. National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Fast Facts: Tuition costs of colleges and universities (76). https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76
6. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). 2022 NCLEX Pass Rates. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NCLEX_Stats_2022-Q4-PassRates.pdf
7. Registered Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
8. Smith, L. (2022, November 17). Average Tuition and Fees of a BSN Program. BSN Programs. https://www.bsnprograms.org/tuition-and-fees.html
9. Western Governors University. (2021, July 8). Medical Biotechnology: Advancement and Ethics. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/medical-biotechnology-advancements-ethics1811.html
10. Writers, S. (2022, December 23). How Much Does Nursing School Cost? | NurseJournal.org. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost