Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

A bachelor's degree in nursing generally arms an individual with the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health. It teaches how to care for and cure the sick, disabled and injured. It provides instruction in the administration of medication and treatment. One is allowed to assist a physician during treatment and examination, as a part of the internship program.



The 4-year BSN degree (also called a "Prelicensure BSN" program) is preferred by most nursing leaders, as it provides the best opportunities in today's job market.



BSN is a pre-requisite for various positions. It is only the entry point for professional nursing practice. Generally, the first one or two years of the program are spent fulfilling general education requirements, while the last two to three years are spent on nursing courses.



There are various types of nursing degrees for people who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing. The LPN program offers a licensed practicing nurse or a licensed vocational nurse an opportunity to attain the BSN degree in just four academic semesters. The RN is a program designed for Registered Nurse (RN), graduates of associate degree or diploma programs, who want to complete their BSN degree. It provides credit for nursing skills that are already learned through school or work experience.



Quite often, these programs are available with a very flexible schedule, designed to meet the needs of working nurses. Classes might be held only in the evenings or on weekends. Second degree BSN programs are designed for non-nurses who have acquired bachelors' degrees in non-nursing fields. These programs give credit for having completed the liberal arts requirements, allowing one to complete the nursing portion of coursework in two academic years or less.



A variation of the second degree BSN program is an accelerated BSN program. In addition to giving one credit for having completed the liberal arts requirements, an accelerated BSN program allows one to complete the undergraduate nursing course requirements earlier than the students enrolled in a traditional BSN program. Accelerated BSN programs usually take 12 months to complete, though some programs may even run for 16 to 20 months. A 3.0 GPA is often an entrance requirement for both second degree and accelerated BSN programs.