Bachelor Degree in Nursing BSN

Bachelor Degree in Nursing and the more commonly used equivalent Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are nursing degree programs offered by four year undergraduate colleges and universities. Bachelor degree programs in nursing offer liberal arts and science courses similar to what you would take within any bachelor degree program at a four year college or university. Added to the bachelor degree foundation courses are nursing courses and clinical experiences in local hospitals and health care facilities.

Bachelor Degree in Nursing Points:

Bachelor degree nursing programs generally last 4 years, see nursing schools to find a college or university.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX-RN.
39% of candidates taking the NCLEX-RN exam graduate from Bachelor Degree programs†
RN salaries are $15,000 higher or more compared to that of an LPN, see nursing jobs for salary information.
BSN nursing degree can help career advancement, job security, job satisfaction and personal growth.

Bachelor Degree Programs

This year January through September 2008, about 39% of total first time candidates taking the NCLEX-RN exam did so after completing a bachelor degree in nursing program. Since taking the NCLEX-RN exam is considered one of the last steps to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), this information is useful to nurses trying to decide between an Associate Degree versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing. As college and university costs continue to rise, many nurses are advancing their careers to the Registered Nurse level with an associate degree in nursing from their local community college which without a doubt helps to save time and money.

The general goal of enrolling into a Bachelor Degree in Nursing program is to become a Registered Nurse, and to prepare for any healthcare related job that may require a bachelor degree. To become a Registered Nurse (RN), the candidate must complete a state approved Registered Nurse training program and soon after pass the registered nurse licensing exam. Registered nursing programs generally last 2 to 4 years and are offered by hospitals, vocational nursing schools, technical schools, community colleges, junior colleges, colleges and universities. The applicable license exam for all U.S. states is the computer based NCLEX-RN, which was developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Bachelor Degrees from a college or university generally run for 4 years and graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

LPN to BSN Bachelor Degree Programs

Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing or LPN to BSN nursing programs offer fast track completion of a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing or LVN to BSN nursing programs also exist. Women and men already licensed as a Practical Nurse can generally enroll into a LPN to BSN nursing program and upon completion, if desired, enroll into the next level RN to MSN nursing program to receive a Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN). Women and men already licensed as a Vocational Nurse can generally enroll into the LPN to BSN nursing programs.

Remember that your state board of nursing website has the latest information about Registered Nurse RN licensing requirements for your state. Also remember to verify that your Registered Nurse program is approved by your state, otherwise you may not be able to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam upon graduation. When deciding between an Associate Degree vs Bachelor Degree in Nursing, we recommend that you talk to RN nurses currently working at your healthcare facility, potential employers, and to search for Registered Nurse jobs online to review job descriptions and any other requirements. When reviewing job descriptions look for mention of a bachelor degree in nursing or other degree requirements.

† Source: NCLEX® Statistics from NCSBN, January - September 2008.

Related About Nursing Pages:
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» Nursing Schools
» Nursing Programs
» Nursing Degrees
» Board of Nursing
» Nursing Jobs

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