[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For the first time ever, more than 70% of U.S. nurses have a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/degree-requirements/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree or higher, according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. And more than half of nurses enter the workforce with a BSN degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many healthcare employers prefer or even require [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] to have a BSN to practice in an ever-more complex healthcare system.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover the different types of BSN programs, including [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link], nursing license requirements, and careers after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][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 Nursing 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″]Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree At a Glance[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Program Length[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]4 years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Program Cost, Excluding Room and Board[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$39,000–$70,800[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$95,000[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.10.asp” target=”_blank”]NCES[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN program covers the foundations of nursing. Some common courses include (but are not limited to):[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pathophysiology (the study of disease and injury)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assessing patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing at a community level[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leadership skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research fundamentals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical ethics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your nursing classes will be paired with labs and clinical rotations, which add hands-on practice through lab simulation and similar activities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You have different pathways for obtaining your BSN. For example, if you’re in an RN-to-BSN bridge program, your classes will focus on advanced health assessment, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Students in this program are RNs and have already earned their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degrees in nursing (ADNs)[/hen-ui-link] or a similar credential, meaning classes in this bridge program will build on previous course credits.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]Accelerated BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] are intensive but can be completed in as little as one year. (Check to ensure every program you take is [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]properly accredited[/hen-ui-link], so that credits can easily transfer between institutions.) Finally, graduate-level programs like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree also typically require a BSN as a condition of enrollment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program length, format, and admission requirements will also vary by nursing program type.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Popular Nursing Programs: A Side-by-Side Comparison[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Can be completed online or in-person[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Can enroll after completing high school and prerequisite coursework[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Takes around four years to complete[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-primary-900″]RN-to-BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Usually completed online[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requires an active RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Can be completed in as little as 12 months[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-primary-900″]Accelerated BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Usually completed online[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For non-nurses with a bachelor degree in another field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Takes around 1-2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-primary-900″]MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Can be completed online or in-person[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Often requires a RN license and BSN to enroll[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Takes 6 years for direct-entry, or 2 years after a BSN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree: The Pros and Cons[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your personal financial situation, time constraints, and family obligations may impact your decision to pursue a four-year degree. Consider the pros and cons of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advantages to a BSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-prepared nurses have greater career advancement opportunities than ADN-prepared nurses. For example, most nursing administrative and supervisory positions require at least a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Allows you to pursue master’s or doctoral nursing programs to become an advanced practice nurse and earn higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The critical thinking skills you develop in a BSN program can translate to improved patient care and safety.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is increasingly [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/position-statements-white-papers/baccalaureate-degree-in-nursing-as-a-minimal-preparation” target=”_blank”]becoming the minimum education requirement[/hen-ui-link] for RNs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_Degree_Nursing_(ADN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]ADN-prepared nurse salary is $77,000[/hen-ui-link] per year compared to $95,000 for BSN nurses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Disadvantages to a BSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Baccalaureate study means that candidates spend four years in a program before earning an income as a nurse.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition for four years is significantly more expensive than for two years, and often means additional years of student debt.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In nursing positions that do not require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a BSN does not necessarily equate to a higher starting salary.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work-life balance. It can be challenging to balance classwork and clinical exercises with personal and work commitments.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending nursing school with an advanced curriculum can be stressful and overwhelming.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get a BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Decide on the Type of BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Traditional, bridge, and accelerated BSN programs are available online, in-person, or hybrid. You’ll also want to consider school type, as cost varies widely between public and private schools. Don’t forget to check out financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loans to help cover tuition. Use our degree finder to discover programs that fit your criteria.[/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=”h3″]Meet Your Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements vary by student status, such as freshman or international student. However, common application requirements include:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT or ACT scores[/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″]Volunteer experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school diploma[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school or college transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Background check[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prerequisite courses such as statistics, microbiology, and chemistry.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Complete Your BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete the required coursework and clinical hours, which may vary depending on the program. An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-BSN online program[/hen-ui-link] may be more convenient, for example, while an in-person program may offer more structured learning opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While nursing programs set clinical requirements, it’s important to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/education/board-of-nursing-licensure-requirements.page” target=”_blank”]check with the state[/hen-ui-link] where you plan to work to ensure the program meets state licensing requirements. This will help ensure you’re eligible to apply for a nursing license when you graduate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn to manage patient care independently, make critical decisions, and collaborate with members of the healthcare team to gain competence and confidence as a nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Take the NCLEX[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you attended a traditional or accelerated BSN program, you can [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]take the NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and become an RN. Regardless of your starting point, a BSN enables you to advance your education and earn an MSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Do You Learn in a BSN Program?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN program features a mix of lectures, coursework, lab simulations, and clinical rotations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Examples of the core BSN courses include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anatomy[/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″]Pharmacology[/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″]Research and statistics[/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″]Psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upper-division courses explore specialty areas such as gerontology, global public health, maternal-child care, and pediatrics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology has a reputation for being one of the hardest nursing courses since you have to learn drug calculation, brand and generic drug names, their contraindications and side effects, and their uses and how they work within a patient. While your BSN courses will require a significant amount of reading and studying, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in clinical rotations outside of the classroom.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical and Lab Components[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical hours are completed as clinical rotations, or “clinicals,” where nursing students work shifts in a hospital or clinic under an RN’s supervision. During these experiences, students administer medications, assess patients, plan nursing interventions, and monitor outcomes. Clinicals offer the opportunity to:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Shadow working RNs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Apply classroom skills in real-world settings[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Network with future employers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Build confidence and competence[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Classes focused on a specific population, such as behavioral health, will be paired with a clinical rotation. Nursing classes that teach technical skills, such as health assessment, will be paired with a laboratory simulation. Some classes, like maternal child health, require both a clinical rotation and laboratory simulation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a BSN program, you’ll complete 400-1,000 clinical hours, depending on your state and program. Clinicals typically last 8-12 hours and occur one day per week. If you’re in the RN-to-BSN program, your required clinical hours will be less as you’ve already completed a significant amount of clinical hours in your previous training. For in-person BSN programs, the faculty usually secures your clinical site, while online students are responsible for finding a local setting to complete their clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurses With a BSN Degree: Career and Salary Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Beyond working in hospitals as RNs, individuals with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] can find careers as public health nurses, nurse managers, and nursing informatics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that registered nursing jobs will grow 6% from 2023-2033, faster than the average 4% for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Public Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/public-health-nurse/#career-outlook”]public health nurse (PHN)[/hen-ui-link] is an RN who works to promote and protect community health. They often work in government agencies, public health departments, community health clinics, and federally qualified health centers. Typical duties include assessing community healthcare needs, vaccine administration, communicable disease reporting and assessment, public health education, collaborating with community organizations, and advocating for public policy.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average Salary:$78,437[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023-33[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Nurse Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]nurse manager[/hen-ui-link] oversees nursing staff and facilitates the clinical operations of a nursing unit or department. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers. Typical duties include managing the nursing schedule, recruiting and hiring new employees, training nurses, and collaborating with medical staff.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average Salary:$102,684[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023-33[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Nursing Informatics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/what-can-you-really-do-with-a-nursing-informatics-degree/”]nurse informaticist[/hen-ui-link] works with data to improve patient care and outcomes. They often work in hospitals, academic settings, or for multi-facility health systems. Typical duties include analyzing electronic healthcare data, optimizing workflows to make electronic charting more efficient, and educating staff on new technology.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average Salary:$98,409[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023-33[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Clinical Nursing Instructor[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-educator/”]nursing educator or instructor[/hen-ui-link] oversees a group of nursing students during their clinical rotations. They typically work for university hospitals, community colleges, and universities. Typical duties include teaching nursing skills, selecting patient assignments for nursing students, and monitoring nursing students during clinical tasks like medication administration.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average Salary:$94,727[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook:8% growth from 2023-33[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose pt-8″]Utilization Review Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A utilization review nurse ensures patients receive appropriate care in a cost-effective manner. They typically work for insurance companies, hospitals, and private practices. Typical duties include obtaining prior authorization, collaborating with insurance and medical providers, reviewing electronic health records, and investigating insurance denials.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average Salary:$87,946[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023-33[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a BSN in nursing?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It’s a four-year program that covers nursing foundations like the study of injury and disease, patient assessment, public health, pediatric nursing, ethics, and research, among other topics. It prepares students to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/how-to-master-nclex-style-test-questions/”]take the NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and work as RNs in various healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a BSN focus on?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN focuses on topics including disease and injury, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, nursing research, community health, and nursing leadership. Students learn the art and science of nursing, along with critical-thinking and decision-making skills to practice safely and competently in a variety of nursing roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Why is it important to get a BSN degree in nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s important to get a BSN for long-term job stability. Some employers may require a BSN, while others may set a deadline for you to earn your BSN after starting work.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a BSN higher than an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is a nursing degree, while a RN is a nursing license. An RN license can be obtained through completing an ADN or BSN program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]