10 Reasons Why RNs Should Pursue their BSN Degree

Did you know that more than 70% of nurses have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)? In fact, a BSN is the most common degree for registered nurses (RNs), according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

A BSN can lead to more job opportunities, greater autonomy, and higher earning potential. It also prepares nurses for career advancement and improves patient care outcomes.

Thanks to RN-to-BSN training programs, it’s easier than ever for RNs to get their BSN, thanks to RN-to-BSN training programs. Here are the 10 best reasons you should consider earning a BSN.

Busy nurses might feel like they don’t have the time or money to pursue a BSN degree. But there are many good reasons to invest in an RN-to-BSN program, from higher salaries to better care outcomes.

A BSN can boost your earning potential. BSN-prepared nurses earn nearly $20,000 more per year than nurses with an associate degree. According to Payscale data, nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) reported an average annual salary of $80,000, while BSN-trained nurses earned an average of $98,000.

BSN nurses tend to earn more because of their higher level of education and ability to take on more advanced roles.

Most employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN. Today, 70% of employers strongly prefer BSN nurses, according to the 2023 New Graduate Employment Data from the AACN. Furthermore, 25% of hospitals require all new nursing hires to hold a BSN.

That translates into strong employment numbers. The 2023 AACN report found that 84% of BSN graduates had received a job offer at graduation, with 96% landing a job within 4-6 months. By comparison, people with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field reported a 55% full-time employment rate within six months of graduation.

While a two-year ADN program can prepare you for licensure as an RN, a four-year BSN delves deeper into advanced nursing topics, including leadership and research. You’ll explore topics such as health promotion, advanced health assessment, nursing leadership, and clinical practice.

Many RN-to-BSN programs — accelerated BSN programs that can take as little as one year to complete — also incorporate coursework in community health nursing, health education, and behavioral health nursing. These courses add valuable knowledge and skills to your nursing skill set, preparing you for advanced roles in healthcare settings or continued nursing education.

Nurses specialize in many areas. Trauma and travel nurses benefit from high demand, and both roles appear on NurseJournal’s ranking of the best nursing specialties.

Pursuing a BSN degree can help you move into specialized practice areas, including pediatrics, cardiology, oncology, and critical care.

Many of the highest-paying nursing careers require a graduate degree. For example, master of science in nursing (MSN) degree holders report an average pay of $108,000, according to Payscale data from July 2025. In comparison, BSN holders report an average pay of $98,000 — $10,000 less than MSN holders.

Traditional MSN programs tend to require a BSN as part of their admission requirements; however, RN-to-MSN programs require an RN license.

When nurses increase their education level, everyone benefits. According to the AACN, BSN-prepared nurses have advanced critical thinking and leadership abilities that translate to improved patient care and outcomes.

For example, a 2022 study on post-surgery patient care found that a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses translated to a lower risk of harm. And a 2022 Nursing Outlook study found nearly 25% lower odds of inpatient mortality at hospitals with 80% BSN-prepared nurses compared to those with 30% BSN-prepared nurses.

Employers trust BSN-prepared nurses to take on greater responsibilities. For example, magnet hospitals now require all nurse managers and leaders to hold a BSN as a minimum educational requirement.

Similarly, BSN nurses typically have more autonomy in nursing practice, allowing them to make more patient care decisions and hold leadership roles. During a BSN, nursing students take courses on role development, nursing leadership, and nursing practice to strengthen their clinical decision-making skills.

ADN nurses can provide effective bedside care. But with a BSN, nurses can more easily pursue leadership roles. For example, the American Nurses Association (ANA) recommends that ADN nurses who want to move into leadership roles advance their education with a bachelor’s degree.

Leadership careers allow RNs to gain management experience and increase their earning potential.

In 2017, New York State passed a law requiring RNs to hold a bachelor’s degree within 10 years of licensure. With more workplaces preferring or requiring a BSN, other states may follow New York’s lead, making a BSN mandatory for a growing number of practicing nurses.

Healthcare employers, especially hospitals, increasingly view a BSN as an entry-level degree for nurses. According to AACN’s 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, nearly 72% of RNs already hold a BSN or higher, and most nurses enter the workforce with a BSN or higher.

The good news for RNs is that finding a flexible BSN program is now easier than ever. Many top-ranked nursing schools offer online RN-to-BSN programs, which can take as little as 12 months. You can also complete clinical requirements in your current workplace. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement to help advance your nursing career.

Nurses advancing their education may also qualify for nursing scholarships and grants, which can help cover costs.