If you're thinking about becoming a nurse, you've probably heard that getting your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is the way to go. But between all the application requirements, entrance exams, and people telling you how hard nursing school is, it can feel pretty overwhelming.
Don't worry; this guide breaks down everything you actually need to know about BSN programs. We'll give you the real talk about what to expect, how to get in, and whether it's worth it.
Let's start with the basics. You've got two main paths to become a registered nurse: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that takes about 2 years, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that takes 4 years. Both let you take the NCLEX exam to become an RN, but that's where the similarities end.
With an ADN, you learn the core nursing skills how to give medications, assess patients, and provide basic care. You'll do clinical rotations and graduate ready to work as a nurse. It's focused and practical.
With a BSN, you get all that same clinical training, plus a lot more. You'll take classes in research, leadership, community health, and nursing theory. You'll also take general education courses like psychology, statistics, and sociology that help you understand patients and healthcare from a bigger picture.
Will a BSN really get you more money?
Initially, maybe not much. New BSN and ADN nurses often start at similar salaries, with BSN nurses making maybe $1-3 more per hour. But over time, that gap gets bigger.
After 5-10 years, BSN nurses typically earn $5,000-15,000 more per year. Why?
They're eligible for more specialized positions, leadership roles, and jobs at hospitals that prefer or require BSN degrees. They also have an easier path to advanced degrees that lead to much higher pay.
You'll hear about "Magnet hospitals" – these are hospitals recognized for excellent nursing care. To get this status, they need 80% of their nurses to have BSN degrees. Even non-Magnet hospitals are moving this direction because research shows better patient outcomes when more nurses have BSNs.
What does this mean for you? More job opportunities if you have a BSN. Some hospitals won't even interview ADN nurses anymore, especially for competitive positions or in certain areas of the country.
Yes. Many nurses do this through RN-to-BSN bridge programs. You can work as a nurse with your ADN while taking BSN classes part-time, often online. Some employers even pay for it.
The downside... It takes longer overall, and you might miss out on some opportunities early in your career. But if you need to start earning money sooner, this can be a good strategy.
Most BSN programs list minimum GPAs of 2.5-3.0, but don't let that fool you. Competitive programs often have average admitted student GPAs of 3.5-3.8. Your science GPA (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology) matters even more than your overall GPA.
If your GPA isn't great, don't panic. Some schools look at improvement trends, and a strong entrance exam score can help balance a weaker GPA. Also, consider schools that don't just focus on numbers... some look at work experience, personal statements, and other factors.
Most nursing schools require either the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2 entrance exam. Both test math, science, reading, and English, but they're different beasts.
The TEAS is shorter (about 3.5 hours) and focuses more on critical thinking. The HESI is longer (up to 4 hours) and covers more content areas, including anatomy and physiology. Students often find the HESI harder because there's more material to study.
Both exams let you retake them, but there are limits (usually 2-3 attempts). Start studying at least 6-8 weeks before your test date. Take a practice test first to see where you stand, then focus on your weak areas.
Some great nursing programs don't require TEAS or HESI scores. These include schools like University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of South Florida, Cal State Fullerton and more. They use other factors like GPA, essays, and interviews instead.
These programs aren't necessarily easier to get into – they just evaluate students differently. If standardized tests aren't your strong suit, these might be worth considering.
The science classes are usually the biggest hurdle. Anatomy and physiology (often called A&P) fail a lot of students because there's so much memorization. Chemistry can be tough if you haven't taken it recently. Microbiology requires understanding complex processes.
Don't try to rush through these. Take them when you can focus on them, and get help early if you're struggling. Many students retake these classes to improve their grades before applying to nursing school.
You might wonder why you need psychology or sociology to be a nurse. Here's why: you'll work with people from all backgrounds dealing with stress, fear, and pain. Understanding human behavior helps you connect with patients and families during their worst moments.
Statistics teaches you to understand research and evidence-based practice. English and communication classes help you document clearly and advocate for patients. These aren't just busy work – they make you a better nurse.
Anatomy and physiology are the foundation of everything you'll do as a nurse. You need to understand how the body works normally before you can understand what goes wrong. This means memorizing hundreds of bones, muscles, organs, and processes.
Chemistry helps you understand how medications work in the body. Microbiology teaches you about infections and how to prevent them. These classes are hard, but they're also the building blocks for all your nursing courses.
Your first clinical day will probably be terrifying and exciting at the same time. You'll meet your instructor and fellow students, get oriented to the hospital unit, and maybe observe your assigned nurse. Don't expect to do much hands-on care right away – you'll start by observing and doing basic tasks.
You'll likely feel overwhelmed by all the equipment, the pace, and the serious nature of everything. This is completely normal. Every nurse has been there.
Medical-surgical (med-surg) nursing is usually first. You'll care for patients with various conditions – diabetes, heart problems, post-surgery recovery. It's a great place to learn basic nursing skills and time management.
Pediatrics means caring for babies and children. It's very different from adult nursing – kids aren't just small adults. You'll also work with worried parents, which adds another layer of complexity.
Obstetrics involves caring for pregnant women, new mothers, and newborns. You might observe births, help with breastfeeding, and learn newborn care.
Psychiatric nursing focuses on mental health. You'll learn therapeutic communication and work with patients dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health conditions.
Community health takes you outside the hospital – maybe to schools, health departments, or home visits. You'll learn about prevention and population health.
Some patients will be scared, in pain, or just having the worst day of their lives. They might take it out on you. Try not to take it personally. Listen to their concerns and get help from your instructor or the nurse if needed.
Some experienced nurses might seem unwelcoming to students. Remember, they're busy and responsible for keeping people alive. Be helpful, stay out of the way when they're dealing with emergencies, and show that you're eager to learn.
Community college BSN programs (if available) are usually cheapest... maybe $15,000 to $25,000 total. Public universities range from $20,000 - $60,000 for in-state students, much more for out-of-state. Private schools can cost $80,000-150,000 or more.
Remember that cheaper isn't always better, but expensive doesn't guarantee quality either. Look at NCLEX pass rates, job placement rates, and clinical partnerships when comparing schools.
Beyond tuition, you'll need uniforms ($200-300), nursing equipment like stethoscopes ($100-200), textbooks ($1,000+ per year), and clinical requirements like background checks and drug tests ($200-300).
Don't forget transportation costs for clinical sites, which might be far from campus. Some students spend $100+ monthly just on gas to get to clinicals.
Many hospitals and healthcare systems offer scholarships in exchange for work commitments after graduation. These can be great deals, but read the fine print about how long you must work and what happens if you don't fulfill the commitment.
Look for nursing-specific scholarships from professional organizations, foundations, and your state's nursing association. The government also offers loan forgiveness programs for nurses who work in underserved areas.
New nurse salaries vary widely by location. In expensive areas like California or New York, new nurses might start at $70,000-90,000. In lower cost-of-living areas, starting salaries might be $45,000-60,000.
Don't just look at the salary number – consider the cost of living. A $50,000 salary in a small town might give you a better quality of life than $80,000 in an expensive city.
Experienced nurses can earn $60,000-100,000+ depending on their location, specialty, and role. Nurses who move into management, get specialty certifications, or pursue advanced degrees can earn much more.
The job security in nursing is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth in nursing jobs through 2032, faster than average for all occupations.
Most nursing jobs come with excellent benefits – health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and often tuition reimbursement for continuing education. Many hospitals offer flexible scheduling, including 12-hour shifts that give you more days off.
Nursing is one of the most stable careers available. People will always need healthcare, and the aging population means demand for nurses will continue growing. Even during economic downturns, nurses usually keep their jobs.
Most new nurses start in hospitals. Medical-surgical units are common first jobs...its busy but great for learning. Critical care units like ICU and emergency departments are more intense but often pay more and offer extensive training.
Specialty units like cardiology, oncology, or orthopedics focus on specific patient populations. These can be great if you're interested in a particular area of medicine.
Nurses work in schools, occupational health departments, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. Some work for home health agencies, visiting patients in their homes.
Government jobs include working for the Veterans Administration, public health departments, or the military. These often offer excellent benefits and job security.
Travel nurses work temporary assignments (usually 13 weeks) at hospitals that need extra staff. You can see different parts of the country, earn good money, and gain diverse experience.
The downsides include constantly moving, being away from family and friends, and having to adapt quickly to new workplaces. Most travel companies require at least one year of experience before they'll work with you.
Critical care, emergency, and operating room nurses often earn more than general medical-surgical nurses. Nurses who work nights, weekends, or holidays usually get shift differentials that boost their pay.
Specialized certifications can also increase your salary. For example, becoming certified in critical care nursing or emergency nursing demonstrates expertise that employers value.