A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). BSN programs typically include coursework in a variety of nursing and liberal arts subjects, as well as clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings.
Some common courses in a BSN program may include:
Anatomy and physiology
Microbiology
Nursing theory and practice
Health assessment
Maternal and child health
Medical-surgical nursing
Mental health nursing
Gerontological nursing
Leadership and management
In addition to these course-based learning opportunities, BSN programs often include clinical experiences, where students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Upon completion of a BSN program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed RNs. With a BSN degree, RNs may have more job opportunities and may be eligible for higher-level positions, such as leadership roles or advanced practice nursing roles.