The BSN prepares students for a career in nursing.
The bachelor's of science in nursing, or BSN, is a common four-year undergraduate training program for entry-level nurses. BSN students also take registered nurse (RN) certification examinations, which allow them to practice as staff nurses after graduation. Nursing coursework is similar to an associate's nursing degree program, but BSN students also take university-required liberal arts and humanities classes, which provide the academic foundation needed for future graduate training.
Admission Criteria
Aspiring nurses planning to apply to BSN programs should prepare by taking all math and science coursework offered by their high schools. BSN university programs are highly competitive. Therefore, advanced placement classes, a strong academic record and applicable nursing-related work, such as a nurse assistant at an assisted-living facility, will increase an applicant's chance of acceptance to a BSN program. The University of Maryland School of Nursing also requires two academic references and asks candidates to write an essay outlining their BSN career goals.
Degree Providers
BSN degrees are offered by conventional bricks and mortar colleges and universities, as well as online programs, such as the University of Saint Mary's online BSN program. Regardless of whether you choose a traditional college program or an online school, both will provide nursing advisors and course facilitators who will provide assistance and guidance throughout your academic and practical nursing training.
Coursework
BSN students are typically required to take English composition, foreign language, psychology and statistics classes, in addition to their nursing studies, to fulfill the academic obligations of a baccalaureate degree. Nursing courses include pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, informatics and technology, psychiatric and mental health nursing, gerontology, pediatrics and women's health. In addition, BSN students will take several practical nursing classes where they will acquire the clinical skills required for staff nurse work.
Certification
Before BSN graduates can work as RNs, they must first pass the National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Accredited nursing training programs should provide BSN students with both the academic and practical education to pass the NCLEX-RN without difficulty. Universities can offer an NCLEX-RN review course as part of their nursing curriculum.
Career Preparation
According to the University of Texas-Arlington, an advantage of the BSN degree is that the program provides new graduate nurses with the broad educational preparation necessary to make an efficient transition into the complex world of healthcare and move quickly into leadership positions. BSN graduates are expected to assume a leadership role among staff nurses, often supervising vocational nurses and less experienced RNs. The BSN also prepares graduates for employment by hospitals, private doctor's offices, extended-stay rehabilitation facilities and community health centers, as well as providing the education needed for future graduate study.
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