[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN degree typically requires four years of study and 700–800 clinical hours to help students develop critical-thinking skills and prepare to become registered nurses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Core courses include clinical assessment, pharmacology, informatics, pathophysiology, community health, and clinical skills.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prepare for BSN degree programs with science prerequisites. Gain an understanding of transfer credit policies, clinical placements, and format to ensure accreditation and career alignment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for qualified nurses continues to grow. A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree has become more than just a competitive advantage — it’s quickly becoming the standard.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Based on responses from 643 hospitals and healthcare organizations, nearly [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/research-data-center/new-graduate-employment-data” target=”_blank”]95% require[/hen-ui-link] or strongly prefer new hires to hold a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This shift is happening because of greater complexity of patient care and a growing emphasis on professional development and lifelong learning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Understanding the common courses, clinical hours, and technical requirements for a BSN degree can help you successfully plan a rewarding and purposeful nursing career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”font-heading text-xl font-bold text-primary-900″]What Is a BSN Degree?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Avg. Program Length:[/hen-ui-text] 4 Years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Avg. Credits Required:[/hen-ui-text] 120-130 credit hours[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Avg. Earning Potential:[/hen-ui-text] $66,030-$135,320[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Offered Online?[/hen-ui-text] Partially[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Clinical Hours Required:[/hen-ui-text] 700-800 hours[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Traits:[/hen-ui-text] Critical thinking, clinical judgment, leadership, evidence-based practice, health promotion, and professional accountability[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]BSN Program: The Skills You Need[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is a four-year program that prepares you to take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] for licensure as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link]. It builds clinical, leadership, and critical-thinking skills, enabling you to work with more complex patient cases and healthcare settings while preparing you for faster career advancement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Professional and Technical Skills[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing coursework and clinical training, you must meet professional and technical standards that prepare you to deliver safe, effective care. These include skills in communication, critical thinking, and hands-on patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Technical Skills[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical preceptors and professors evaluate nursing students during labs and clinical experiences to ensure they can perform essential technical tasks. These include monitoring vital signs, administering medications and IVs, and delivering proper wound care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Decision-Making and Critical-Thinking Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Critical thinking is essential in clinical nursing. Effective patient care depends on your sound judgment. You must develop skills in reasoning, analysis, and decision-making to assess situations and deliver safe, accurate treatment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Observation Abilities[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must closely observe patients to assess their condition, detect signs of illness, and identify potential risks. Your clinical hours train you to recognize changes, evaluate the impact, and make objective assessments.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Good Communication[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Effective communication enables you to interact clearly with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. You learn to read verbal and nonverbal cues, produce effective written documentation, and become skilled at active listening to support coordinated care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Social Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A strong work/life balance protects your emotional and mental health and helps you make sound clinical decisions. Recognizing a compassionate and culturally competent approach to therapeutics helps you connect with a diverse population and support effective patient care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]BSN Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission requirements for a BSN degree may differ among programs, but most have the same basic criteria for a competitive selection process. Before [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]applying to a nursing program[/hen-ui-link], you should [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]understand the process[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs give preference to candidates with prior healthcare experience. While each program has specific criteria and a timeline for admission, the basic requirements include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cumulative 2.75 GPA or higher from a high school or associate degree program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2.5 GPA or higher for all science courses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]References[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CV or resume[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Significant volunteer experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school/”]Prerequisite coursework[/hen-ui-link] in anatomy, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, and physiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools define the number of transfer credits they allow, which can depend on the courses you want to transfer and the level of nursing education. For example, a BSN degree may allow you to transfer more credits than an associate degree in nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]BSN Degree Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BSN curriculum builds a strong foundation in clinical practice and professional nursing principles. Your education will emphasize [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing/”]critical thinking[/hen-ui-link], effective communication, and compassionate care to prepare you for success in modern healthcare environments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited nursing programs must include required clinical hours and courses, but academic institutions can offer some variety in their requirements. Most programs include the following classes:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assessment of Health and Illness[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community Health Nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Critical Thinking[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health Maintenance and Restoration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health Promotion and Risk Reduction[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human Anatomy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human Growth and Development[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leadership and Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental Health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Microbiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing Care I and II[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing Informatics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nutritional Science[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organizational Systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pathophysiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research in Nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reproductive Health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statistics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Clinical Hours Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN students must complete clinical hours to apply classroom learning in professional settings. All students, whether traditional or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]online[/hen-ui-link], must complete in-person clinicals arranged through local healthcare partners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During clinicals, students work under licensed nurses to build core skills, such as monitoring vitals, conducting assessments, and administering medications. Clinical hours must provide various experiences in specialties like [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]geriatrics[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/pediatric-nurse/”]pediatrics[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/ob-gyn-nurse/how-to-become/”]mother/child[/hen-ui-link], and adult medicine to prepare students for their first RN position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a BSN degree higher than an RN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree does not lead to a higher license than a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link], but it does mean a higher level of education than other programs that lead to the RN. RNs can hold either an associate degree or a BSN. Many hospitals now prefer or require a BSN for leadership roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is required to get a BSN degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students must complete a four-year accredited nursing program to earn a BSN. Common courses include anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care, plus hands-on clinical training. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] for licensure to begin practicing nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you go straight to BSN without an RN license?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, entry-level BSN degree programs allow admission after high school or after receiving your GED certificate. Although they are less common than other options, this program pathway is designed for students who have no prior nursing experience. After graduating from an accredited program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to earn your RN license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many clinical hours are needed for a BSN degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN programs typically require between 700-800 clinical hours, although the exact number depends on requirements set up by each state’s board of nursing. Clinical hours are supervised, hands-on experiences in hospitals or clinics, and are essential for developing nursing skills to meet licensure requirements. All clinical hours must align with state board and program accreditation standards.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]