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Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a great way to enter the nursing profession with strong clinical preparation and long‑term career potential. Understanding how to get a bachelor’s in nursing, the skills and competencies you can expect to learn, and how different program formats work can help you choose the right path with confidence.

This guide breaks down what a BSN degree is, how students typically earn one, how Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs differ from traditional pathways, and other information for prospective nursing students considering their options. 

What Is a BSN Degree?

A BSN is a four‑year undergraduate degree that prepares students to become RNs. BSN programs combine classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experiences to help students develop the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to care for patients in various health care settings. 

Although it’s possible to become an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma, many employers prefer candidates with a BSN. A BSN signals a deeper foundation in clinical reasoning, leadership, evidence‑based practice, and patient‑centered care.

Earning a BSN is also beneficial for career advancement. BSN‑prepared nurses are often eligible for more advanced roles, including charge nurse positions and specialty practice areas, as well as pathways to graduate study. Education can also affect pay: ADN-prepared nurses earned a median annual salary of around $82,000 in 2026, while BSN-prepared nurses earned around $100,000, according to Payscale.

Why a BSN Is a Strong Choice for Aspiring Clinicians

A BSN offers several advantages for students who want to enter the nursing profession:

• Prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX‑RN), which is required for licensure

• Provides a broader and more comprehensive education than ADN programs

• Opens doors to specialized nursing roles and leadership opportunities

• Supports long‑term career growth in a rapidly evolving health care field

For many students, especially those considering an ABSN program, understanding how to get a bachelor’s in nursing starts with the program’s structure and specialization opportunities.

Different Paths to Get a Bachelor’s in Nursing

Formal nursing education has significantly evolved in the past few decades. Modern technology, online learning, and program formats geared toward different types of learners have changed the landscape of nursing education and training.

Those wondering how to get a bachelor’s in nursing will find multiple options. The right choice depends on your educational background, career goals, and timeline.

1. Four‑Year BSN Program

A traditional BSN program is designed for first‑time college students or those early in their academic journey. These programs typically include:

• General education courses

• Foundational science courses

• Nursing theory and clinical coursework

• Clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings 

Students graduate prepared to take the NCLEX‑RN and begin working as RNs. 

2. RN to BSN Program

RN to BSN programs are designed for licensed RNs with an associate degree or a nursing diploma. These programs take between 12 and 24 months to complete, allowing working nurses to pursue a bachelor’s degree as full-time or part-time students while continuing their careers.

Key features typically include:

• Online and hybrid formats

• Flexible scheduling

• Coursework focused on leadership, research, and advanced practice concepts 

Many employers encourage or require RNs to complete a BSN for career advancement. 

3. ABSN Program

ABSN programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and are ready to transition into nursing. These intensive, fast‑paced programs allow students to earn a BSN in a shorter time frame. Accelerated programs can typically be completed in two years or less.

Key features typically include: 

• Online and hybrid formats for scheduling flexibility

• Prerequisite science courses

• Accelerated nursing coursework

• Skills labs and simulation

• Clinical rotations in diverse health care settings 

This pathway is ideal for career changers who want a direct, efficient route into nursing. 

BSN vs. ABSN: Key Distinctions

BSN and ABSN programs both lead to the same degree and prepare students for RN licensure, but differ in structure, admissions requirements, and student experience. 

Enrollment Requirements

Traditional BSN programs typically require: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent

• Minimum GPA

• Standardized test scores (varies by institution)

ABSN programs typically require:

• A completed bachelor’s degree in a non‑nursing field

• Completion of prerequisite science courses (such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry)

• Minimum GPA requirements

• A professional resume outlining academic and professional experience

• A demonstrated ability to succeed in an accelerated academic environment 

Program Format Differences

Traditional BSN programs:

• Take approximately four years to complete

• Include liberal arts and sciences coursework

• Offer a more gradual pace

• Often include campus‑based learning and student life experiences

ABSN programs:

• Are accelerated and intensive

• Focus exclusively on nursing coursework

• Combine online coursework, in‑person laboratories, and clinical rotations

• Are designed for motivated students ready for a fast transition into nursing

For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, the ABSN pathway offers a direct, efficient route to becoming an RN. 

How ABSN Programs Prepare Students for Nurse Licensure

Nurse licensure is the process that allows graduates to legally practice as RNs. Every state requires RNs to hold an active license, which ensures that nurses meet professional standards for safety, competency, and ethical practice.

To earn licensure, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN. This exam evaluates whether candidates are prepared to provide safe, entry‑level nursing care. 

Content areas include:

• Safe and effective care environments

• Clinical judgment and decision-making

• Patient safety and infection control

• Health promotion and maintenance

• Psychosocial and physiological integrity

The NCLEX‑RN uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT), so the number of questions varies for each test taker. Those sitting for the exam may receive between 70 and 135 scored questions.

The exam adjusts the difficulty of each question based on the previous response.

• Answer correctly and receive a slightly harder question.

• Answer incorrectly and receive a slightly easier question.

The goal is to pinpoint test takers’ true ability level as efficiently as possible.

The NCLEX‑RN doesn’t use a percentage‑based passing score. Instead, it uses a logit‑based standard that measures ability level relative to question difficulty.

The exam ends once the CAT algorithm determines with 95% confidence whether a test taker’s ability is above or below the passing standard, which is often before the exam’s five-hour time limit. 

How ABSN Programs Support Licensure Preparation

ABSN programs prepare students for licensure through:

• Comprehensive nursing coursework aligned with NCLEX‑RN test plans

• Skills labs and simulation experiences that develop sound clinical judgment

• Supervised clinical rotations across multiple specialties

• Emphasis on evidence‑based practice and patient safety

• Integrated NCLEX‑RN preparation resources and practice assessments

• Faculty support and coaching throughout the program

By the time ABSN students graduate, they have the academic foundation, hands‑on experience, and exam preparation needed to pursue RN licensure with confidence. 

BSN Career Paths to Explore

One of the biggest advantages of earning a BSN is the wide range of career paths it opens in both clinical and nonclinical areas. Whether student nurses plan to work directly with patients, support health care operations, or move into leadership, a BSN gives them the flexibility to grow throughout their careers. Below are several clinical and nonclinical roles BSN graduates can pursue. 

Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices. They focus on developmental needs, family-centered care, and age‑specific communication.

Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses work in ICUs and care for patients with complex or life‑threatening conditions. They monitor advanced equipment, manage ventilators, and respond to rapid changes in patient status.

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses work in community settings to promote wellness, prevent disease, and support population health initiatives. Their work often includes outreach, education, and advocacy.

Case Manager

Case managers coordinate long-term care plans for patients with chronic conditions or complex health needs. They help patients navigate treatment options, insurance requirements, and community resources.

Clinical Research Nurse

Clinical research nurses support medical studies by monitoring participants, collecting data, and ensuring that research protocols are followed. Their work helps advance new treatments and improve patient outcomes. Many research nurses hold advanced degrees, but they’re not always required.

Informatics Nurse

Informatics nurses bridge the gap between clinical practice and health care technology. They help implement electronic health records (EHRs), analyze data, and improve digital workflows.

Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators oversee staffing, budgeting, and operations within health care organizations. They play a key role in shaping policies, improving patient care systems, and supporting nursing teams.

Additional Resources for Prospective BSN Students

Before taking the next step, prospective nurses may want to explore additional tools, guides, and professional resources to understand how to get a bachelor’s in nursing and what the journey can look like.

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing, NCLEX-RN Test Plan: A formal test plan from NCSBN outlining the structure, purpose, and content areas of the NCLEX‑RN exam.

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing, The Essentials: A framework from AACN that outlines the national competency standards that guide curriculum development for nursing programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

• Osmosis, “The Osmosis Ultimate Guide to Thriving in Clinical Rotations”: A student‑focused guide designed to help developing nurses understand how to succeed during their clinical rotations.

• Open Resources for Nursing, Nursing Fundamentals: An extensive glossary of nursing terms.

• Research.com, “2026 BSN Salary: How Much Does a BSN Nurse Make?”: An in‑depth career guide that breaks down how much BSN‑prepared nurses typically earn across different roles, experience levels, and states.

• American Nurses Association: A professional organization providing access to nursing standards, advocacy updates, continuing education resources, certification information, and professional development tools for nurses at every stage of their careers.

Your Path to Nursing Begins With the Right Program

Learning how to get a bachelor’s in nursing is the first step toward a rewarding, meaningful career. Whether you pursue a traditional BSN approach, an RN to BSN pathway, or an accelerated BSN program, the degree equips graduates with the clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and professional preparation needed to thrive as RNs.

ABSN programs, in particular, offer the fastest route for motivated students who want to transition into nursing quickly while still receiving a comprehensive education. The best way to start is by evaluating BSN programs that deliver the education you need in a format that works for you.