What Is a BSN: Salary and Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The healthcare industry is one of the most vital sectors of any economy, and the demand for qualified nurses is expected to continue its upward trajectory. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023), the job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

For students considering a nursing career, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has become increasingly beneficial. A BSN degree offers deeper knowledge in areas such as leadership, research, and critical care, providing nurses with the skill set required to manage complex patient needs.

In my research, my team and I have found that the BSN not only opens doors to a broader range of career opportunities but also increases earning potential and career stability. In this article, we will take a closer look at how the BSN education is structured, what kind of salary you can expect with a BSN, and the various career opportunities available in this growing field.

This information will help you understand not only the value of obtaining a BSN but also how it positions you for success in the dynamic healthcare industry.

What are the benefits of pursuing a BSN?

BSN-prepared nurses earn an average salary of $81,220 per year (BLS, 2023).
A BSN degree can lead to a fulfilling nursing career. In 2023, approximately two-thirds of registered nurses in the United States expressed satisfaction with their jobs (Statista, 2024).
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) opens doors to advanced practice roles, such as Nurse Practitioner, which are increasingly in demand. These positions are projected to see a 40% growth in compensation from 2023 to 2033 (BLS, 2023).

What is a BSN?
What are the educational requirements for enrolling in a BSN program in 2025?
How long does it take to complete a BSN?
What skills can students gain from pursuing a BSN?
How does BSN compare with other nursing degree types?
Are there other paths to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree?
Where do BSN nurses work?
What are the main career paths available for BSN graduates?
How can BSN nurses advance their careers?
How can BSN nurses advance their careers?
What should I consider about BSN program accreditation and clinical standards?
What factors should I consider when choosing a BSN program?
Are self-paced online RN-to-BSN programs suitable for working professionals?
What is the job outlook for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
Is an Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Program Right for You?
How Can I Enroll in the Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs?
How can I transition from a BSN to a Nurse Practitioner role?
Other Things To Know About BSN Degree

What is a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for a professional career as a registered nurse. This degree focuses on comprehensively understanding nursing theory, clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare systems. The BSN offers a broad curriculum that includes subjects like healthcare leadership, nursing research, evidence-based practice, and public health.

Students can expect to take an average of four years to complete either an on-site or online nursing program. These programs include classroom instruction and clinical rotations, which allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. The curriculum typically includes:

Core Nursing Courses. These include topics like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and patient care.
Advanced Nursing Topics. Courses in this category focus on critical care, gerontology, pediatrics, maternal-child nursing, and mental health nursing.
Healthcare Management and Leadership. BSN students learn about healthcare policies, ethics, leadership, and management practices, which are essential for taking on roles in healthcare teams.
Community and Public Health Nursing. BSN students concentrate on preventive care, health education, and implementing community health initiatives to promote well-being.
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice. Students are trained to understand and apply research findings to enhance patient care and improve healthcare practices.

In addition to these academic courses, students are required to complete clinical hours, where they practice their skills in real-world environments under the supervision of licensed professionals.

What are the educational requirements for enrolling in a BSN?

The educational requirements for enrolling in a BSN are still aligned with standard nursing education practices. Here's what you need to pursue a BSN:

High School Diploma or GED. To enter a BSN program, you must have completed high school or an equivalent level of education (GED). Competitive nursing programs may require a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher, for consideration.
Prerequisite Courses. Before diving into nursing-specific courses, most BSN programs require applicants to complete foundational coursework. Students must complete general education courses, including English, psychology, sociology, and nutrition. These courses usually comprise the program's first one or two years.
Standardized Test Scores (If Required). Some universities require standardized test scores such as the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT). Applicants also need to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which assesses academic readiness in areas like math, reading, and science.
Letters of Recommendation. Universities, including the easiest nursing schools to get into, may ask for two to three recommendation letters from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities and character.

In addition to preparing the abovementioned education requirements, aspiring BSN students must also prepare for tuition costs early on as tuition costs for this type of nursing program can range from $25,000 to $120,000 (Inspira Advantage, 2023).

How long does it take to complete a BSN?

The time it takes to complete a BSN generally depends on the type of program a student chooses:

Traditional 4-Year BSN Program. Most students who enter on-campus and online nursing programs directly after high school will take four years to complete their degree. The first two years typically focus on general education courses, while the remaining two years are concentrated on nursing theory and clinical practice.
Accelerated BSN Program. For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated BSN program can shorten the timeframe to 12 to 18 months. These programs are intensive and focus solely on nursing-specific courses, bypassing the general education courses.

What skills can students gain from pursuing a BSN?

Pursuing a BSN equips students with a wide array of skills essential for success in the nursing profession, including both technical and interpersonal abilities. Here are some of the key skills:

Clinical and Critical Thinking Skills. BSN students learn how to assess patients, identify health problems, and develop treatment plans. Critical thinking is emphasized to make informed, evidence-based decisions in complex healthcare situations.
Patient Care Skills. Students gain practical experience in managing patient care, administering medications, and using advanced medical technology. They also learn how to monitor patients' conditions, update medical records, and communicate effectively with other healthcare providers.
Leadership and Management. BSN programs often focus on leadership skills, teaching students how to manage teams, coordinate care, and take on supervisory roles within healthcare organizations. They also learn to advocate for patients and improve healthcare practices.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Effective communication is crucial for nurses. BSN students are trained in communicating with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. They learn to listen actively, educate patients about their health conditions, and provide emotional support.
Cultural Competency and Diversity Awareness. The BSN curriculum often emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse patient populations and providing culturally sensitive care. This is essential as healthcare becomes more diverse and global.
Research and Evidence-Based Practice. Students are taught how to evaluate research studies and apply evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and healthcare services. They learn to keep up-to-date with the latest medical research and integrate it into daily practice.
Public Health and Policy Knowledge. BSN programs often include coursework on public health, nursing ethics, and healthcare policy, which prepares students to work in public health settings and engage in advocacy for better healthcare systems.

How does BSN compare with other nursing degree types?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Diploma in Nursing are the three primary educational pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). While all three qualify graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed nurses, there are significant differences such as:

Duration

A BSN takes 4 years to complete.
An ADN is a 2-year program, making it a faster route into nursing.
A Diploma in Nursing takes 2-3 years, but fewer schools offer it today.

While these are the standard timelines for completing the nursing programs mentioned, accelerated online RN programs 1 year offer a faster alternative for qualified students who want to enter the workforce quickly. These intensive programs are designed for individuals with prior healthcare experience or relevant coursework, allowing them to complete their RN education in just 12 months.

Curriculum

BSN programs provide a more extensive education, covering nursing theory, evidence-based practice, public health, research, and leadership training, which prepares nurses for specialized and advanced roles.
ADN programs focus mainly on clinical nursing skills and direct patient care, making them a faster route to becoming an RN but with fewer career advancement opportunities.
Diploma programs are hospital-based and focus heavily on hands-on training but lack the academic coursework that ADN and BSN programs offer, such as leadership and research courses.

Clinical Training Hours

BSN students complete 700–1,000+ hours of clinical practice in multiple specialties (e.g., pediatrics, mental health, community health).
ADN programs require around 500–700 clinical hours, focusing mostly on basic patient care and acute care settings.
Diploma programs vary in hours but are heavily clinical-focused, often requiring students to train within a hospital setting.

There also seems to be another difference in terms of the NCLEX passing rates between the three pathways to RN. According to the 2024 NCLEX Pass Rates, out of all the baccalaureate degree holders who took the exam, 91.92% have passed. This is higher compared to the 90.83% and 90.63% passing rates of diploma and associate degree holders, as you can see in the chart below.

Are there other paths to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree?

Yes, there are multiple pathways to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, depending on your educational background and career goals. The most common options include:

RN to BSN Program. This option is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and wish to further their education by earning a BSN. These programs are typically 1 to 2 years in length and are often offered online to accommodate working professionals. Many RN to BSN programs allow students to complete coursework while continuing to work as nurses.
Direct-Entry BSN Program. Some universities offer a direct-entry path where students apply directly from high school into a BSN program. These programs guarantee admission into the nursing portion of the degree if the student meets academic requirements, often culminating in a 4 to 5-year program that combines undergraduate studies with nursing education.
ADN to BSN Program. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a common entry-level qualification for RNs, but many nurses pursue an ADN to BSN program to advance their education and career prospects. This option is designed for students who already hold an ADN and want to obtain a BSN. These programs typically take 1 to 2 years and can often be completed online, making them more flexible for working professionals. The ADN to BSN pathway provides a more advanced level of education in nursing theory, leadership, and research.
Diploma in Nursing to BSN Program. Some students enter nursing through diploma programs, focusing primarily on hospital clinical training rather than academic coursework. For those looking to continue their education, Diploma to BSN programs offer a bridge from a nursing diploma to a Bachelor’s degree. These programs are often designed for experienced nurses who want to deepen their clinical knowledge and gain leadership skills, and they typically take 1 to 2 years to complete. Many programs allow diploma nurses to complete their BSN while continuing to work as registered nurses.

Is nursing school worth it? Looking at employability, the answer is yes. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN, 2025), out of 5,796,312 licensed nurses in the US, 4,901,304 are actively practicing their professions. That means 84.5% of RNs are employed in different healthcare settings across the US.

Where do BSN nurses work?

BSN nurses are employed in a wide variety of healthcare settings, as their training prepares them to handle a diverse range of nursing tasks, from direct patient care to administrative roles. For those exploring the highest paying medical jobs with the least schooling, becoming a BSN nurse offers a strong balance of education and earning potential. Here are some common places where BSN nurses typically work:

Hospitals. This is the most common workplace for nurses, and BSN nurses are in high demand in both acute care and specialized units like emergency departments, intensive care units (ICU), surgical floors, and maternity wards. Many hospitals prefer BSN nurses because of their advanced clinical knowledge and leadership abilities.
Clinics and Outpatient Facilities. BSN nurses work in primary care clinics, urgent care centers, and specialized outpatient settings. In these environments, BSN nurses assist with patient assessments, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventive care education.
Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Facilities. These include nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities, where BSN nurses provide care for elderly patients or those recovering from injuries or surgeries. They often manage treatment plans, supervise care teams, and educate patients and families.
Home Health Care. Nurses in home health care settings visit patients in their homes, providing care for individuals with chronic conditions, recovering from surgeries, or needing palliative care. BSN nurses in this field are responsible for monitoring patient health, administering medications, and educating families.
Public Health. BSN nurses can work in community-based settings, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and public health education. These roles often involve working in schools, community health centers, or government organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where nurses help improve community health and respond to health crises.
Corporate Health. BSN nurses are employed by large companies or organizations to manage employee health programs, provide occupational health services, and promote wellness initiatives in corporate environments. These roles often include health assessments, immunizations, and employee wellness coaching.
Academic Settings. Many BSN nurses work as nurse educators in nursing schools or universities, teaching the next generation of nurses. This role may require further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), but it can also include clinical instructor positions for new graduates.
Insurance Companies. BSN nurses can also work as case managers or healthcare consultants for insurance providers, helping evaluate treatment plans, conduct health assessments, and ensure that patients receive appropriate care in accordance with their coverage.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2023), 25.0% of hospitals and other healthcare settings require new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while 69.8% of employers strongly prefer BSN program graduates.

What are the main career paths available for BSN graduates?

A BSN degree opens up a broad range of career paths beyond bedside nursing. These paths can involve specialization, leadership, and education roles, which offer nurses opportunities to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Some of the main career paths for BSN graduates include:

Staff Nurse/Registered Nurse (RN). Many BSN nurses begin their careers as staff nurses in hospitals or clinics. As an RN, you'll be responsible for direct patient care, including administering medications, assisting with procedures, monitoring patient conditions, and educating patients and their families. Staff nurses often work in specialized areas such as pediatrics, cardiology, orthopedics, or oncology.
Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse. With a BSN, you can advance into leadership positions such as a nurse manager or charge nurse. These roles involve overseeing nursing staff, ensuring quality care is delivered, managing shifts, coordinating patient care, and handling administrative responsibilities. These positions require both clinical expertise and strong organizational skills.
Nurse Educator. BSN nurses can become nurse educators in academic or clinical settings. Nurse educators train nursing students or provide continuing education for practicing nurses. This path typically requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), but some nurses begin teaching as clinical instructors with a BSN.
Nurse Practitioner (NP). For those who wish to take on a more advanced clinical role, becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a popular career path. NPs are advanced practice nurses who have additional education and training (usually a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)). They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide advanced care in a variety of specialties like family practice, pediatrics, and acute care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). CNSs are experts in specific clinical areas, such as cardiac care, neonatal nursing, or oncology. They focus on improving patient care through evidence-based practices, education, and leadership. This role often requires advanced certification and sometimes a Master’s degree.
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) provides anesthesia care for surgeries and procedures. This advanced role requires additional education (a Master’s degree or Doctoral degree) and certification, but it offers one of the highest salaries in the nursing field.
Nurse Case Manager. Nurse case managers coordinate patient care, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or complex health needs. They ensure that patients receive the appropriate treatments, manage their care plans, and work with insurance companies to guarantee that treatment is covered. This role often involves working in hospitals, insurance companies, or home healthcare agencies.
Public Health Nurse. Public health nurses focus on health promotion and disease prevention at the community or population level. They often work with government organizations, non-profits, or local health departments to design programs that address health disparities and improve overall community well-being.
Healthcare Administrator. With experience and further education in management, some BSN nurses transition into healthcare administration roles. These positions involve managing healthcare facilities, overseeing departments, and improving healthcare delivery systems. Many professionals pursue these paths through healthcare administration master's degree jobs, which offer opportunities for advancement and can be highly rewarding both financially and professionally.
Research Nurse. BSN nurses with an interest in healthcare innovation can enter nursing research. These professionals work in academic, pharmaceutical, or healthcare settings to conduct clinical trials, develop new treatments, and improve patient outcomes. Nurses in research roles often collaborate with scientists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to advance medical knowledge.

How can BSN nurses advance their careers?

BSN nurses have a variety of opportunities to advance their careers through further education, specialization, leadership roles, and certification. Here are several ways BSN nurses can take their careers to the next level:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Enrolling in the cheapest online MSN programs is one way to pursue higher practice roles. This allows them to reach a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Nurse Educator. An MSN allows one to work in specialized fields and take on higher-responsibility positions.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Ph.D. For nurses interested in the highest level of clinical practice or research, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Ph.D. in Nursing offers the opportunity to take on leadership roles, influence healthcare policy, and contribute to medical research. Nurse leaders, educators, and researchers often pursue this level of education.
Master of Health Administration (MHA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA). Transitioning into healthcare administration is also a strong career path for BSN nurses who want to manage healthcare facilities or departments at the executive level. Additional qualifications in business or healthcare administration, such as online MHA programs and MBA, can be helpful in this pathway.

Is an Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Program Right for You?

BSN graduates aiming for expedited career transitions and advanced clinical roles may benefit from exploring accelerated pathways. These programs offer focused curricula that integrate intensive clinical training with advanced theoretical instruction, allowing nurses to obtain specialized credentials in a shortened timeframe. Selecting an accelerated option can provide immediate exposure to emerging healthcare practices and leadership opportunities without compromising the quality of education. Detailed program analysis, including factors such as accreditation standards and curriculum design, is crucial in assessing suitability. For further insight, review an accelerated nurse practitioner program.

How Can I Enroll in the Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs?

Prospective students seeking an accelerated pathway should evaluate programs with streamlined curricula and robust clinical components to ensure rapid yet comprehensive preparation for advanced nursing roles. Considerations include verifying accreditation status, assessing student support services, and comparing program outcomes such as licensure success rates and career placement figures. Detailed insights into enrollment criteria, tuition costs, and course structure can help identify optimal solutions for expedited learning. For instance, reviewing the fastest RN to BSN online programs offers a focused look at efficient program designs and application processes.

How much is the salary of BSN Nurses?

The average hourly rate of RNs in hospitals is $39 and approximately $81,000 per year (ZipRecruiter, 2025). BSN nurses can work in various industries, offering different salary levels based on job complexity, responsibilities, and work environment. Below is an overview of BSN nurse salaries in 2023 across different sectors and brief explanations of their roles according to BLS:

Federal, State, and Local Government ($114,860). Nurses in government roles often work in public health agencies, military healthcare, correctional facilities, and VA hospitals. They may also be involved in policy development, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
Employment Services ($110,230). Nurses in employment services work as travel nurses, temporary contract nurses, or staffing agency RNs. They fill gaps in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private healthcare facilities, often earning higher pay due to short-term assignments and urgent demand.
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing ($108,640). Nurses in pharmaceutical industries work in clinical research, drug safety, and regulatory affairs. They assist in medication testing, patient trials, and healthcare product development, ensuring new treatments meet safety standards.
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing ($106,470). These nurses work with medical device companies to train healthcare professionals, conduct clinical trials, and develop new medical technologies. Their role involves testing and improving medical equipment such as imaging machines, pacemakers, and diagnostic tools.
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods ($103,940). BSN nurses in this sector work in medical supply and equipment distribution, helping healthcare providers choose the right medical products. They may also assist with product training, sales, and technical support for hospitals and clinics.

When choosing where to work, it's important to consider which industries have the highest concentration of nurses. According to BLS 2023 data, nursing jobs make up the largest portion of employment in industries like general medical and surgical hospitals, specialty hospitals, and psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals. These nursing roles typically offer salaries that are significantly higher than how much do certified nursing assistants make, making them attractive options for those seeking career advancement in healthcare.

The chart below outlines the industries with the highest concentration of employed registered nurses

What should I consider about BSN program accreditation and clinical standards?

Accreditation and clinical rigor are pivotal to ensuring a BSN program meets the expectations of employers and regulatory bodies. Prospective students should verify that programs are accredited by recognized bodies, which validates the curriculum and supports licensure eligibility. Evaluate each program’s clinical components to ensure they offer a balanced integration of academic learning with practical experience. In some cases, you might consider programs that reduce clinical hours without compromising competency—learn more about how this balance is achieved by reviewing Does Capella RN to BSN have clinicals?. Consider these factors alongside student outcomes, faculty expertise, and post-graduation support to make an informed decision.

What factors should I consider when choosing a BSN program?

When evaluating a BSN program, focus on accreditation standards, curriculum rigor, and clinical placement opportunities to ensure compliance with industry and regulatory benchmarks. Assess each program based on faculty expertise, graduation outcomes, and the availability of robust student support services. Additionally, consider program flexibility—whether it is offered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format—to align with your personal and professional objectives. For accelerated pathways, research the top accelerated BSN online programs to gauge program efficiency and quality without compromising comprehensive training.

Are self-paced online RN-to-BSN programs suitable for working professionals?

Self-paced online RN-to-BSN programs provide registered nurses with the flexibility to advance their education while managing professional and personal responsibilities. Unlike traditional accelerated programs, these options allow learners to set their own pace, which can be particularly valuable for those balancing work shifts, family commitments, or varying clinical schedules. Evaluating these programs based on accreditation, curriculum quality, and clinical placement opportunities is essential to ensure that the chosen pathway meets professional standards and career goals. For a detailed comparison of available flexible options, review self-paced online RN-to-BSN programs.

What is the job outlook for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

The BLS data for 2024, which ranks Registered Nurses (RNs) as sixth in the occupations with the most job growth in 2023 and projects continued growth through 2033, signals a promising future for BSN graduates.

Coupled with the global shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030 (as reported by the World Health Organization, 2024), these trends suggest that nursing will continue to be an in-demand profession with significant opportunities for BSN-prepared nurses.

The global shortage of nurses presents opportunities for BSN graduates to work in the U.S. and internationally, particularly in regions with a critical need for healthcare professionals. Many countries are looking to import nurses to fill the gaps in their healthcare systems.

Here’s What Graduates Have To Say About Their Bachelors Of Science In Nursing Degree

"Completing my BSN was one of the best decisions I've made. The program was challenging, but it gave me a solid foundation in leadership and research, which has been invaluable in my role as a nurse manager. I feel confident and prepared to make a real difference in patient care every day." – Anne
"The BSN curriculum pushed me to think critically and prepared me for more specialized roles in nursing. Since graduating, I've had the opportunity to work in various settings, from hospitals to public health, which has given me a deeper understanding of the diverse healthcare needs of different communities." – Leo
"I was initially unsure about pursuing my BSN, but I’m so glad I did. It wasn’t just about learning clinical skills—it taught me how to advocate for patients and navigate complex healthcare systems. The confidence and career opportunities I've gained have made the effort worthwhile." – Mavi

Key Findings

The three pathways to becoming an RN in the US are: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Diploma in Nursing.
The NCLEX Passing Rate of BSN graduates is 91.92% in 2024.
69.8% of hospitals and healthcare systems increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, with some states moving toward BSN mandates for RNs.
84.5% of registered nurses are active nurses in healthcare settings.
Nurses in government roles have the highest mean salary, which is: $114,860 per year.

How can I transition from a BSN to a Nurse Practitioner role?

BSN programs establish a solid foundation in clinical practice, patient care, and leadership, which are vital for progressing to advanced practice roles. To transition into a Nurse Practitioner position, graduates must pursue a specialized, accredited nurse practitioner program that builds on their existing skills and expands expertise in advanced clinical decision-making and patient management. It is essential to evaluate each program based on its curriculum focus, clinical training opportunities, and accreditation standards to ensure alignment with long-term career objectives. For detailed insights and comparative analysis of these advanced pathways, review how much is nurse practitioner school.

Other Things To Know About BSN Degree

What is the highest nurse degree?

The highest nursing degree is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, which prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare policy roles. A PhD in Nursing is also considered the highest for those pursuing research and academic careers.

What kind of nurse gets paid the most?

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is the highest-paid nursing role, getting an average pay of $224,061 per year (Salary.com, 2025). CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgeries and procedures, with an average salary that significantly exceeds other nursing specialties.

What is the hardest subject in nursing?

Pharmacology is often considered the hardest subject in nursing due to the extensive knowledge required of medications, dosages, interactions, and side effects. The complex nature of drug therapy can be challenging for many students.

Can you become an RN without a BSN?

Yes. You can become a Registered Nurse (RN) without a BSN by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, many hospitals and healthcare facilities are increasingly requiring or preferring nurses with a BSN.

References:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2023). New graduate employment data. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/research-data-center/new-graduate-employment-data

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, January 18). Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, January 18). Registered nurses. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, January 18). Occupations with the most job growth, 2023 and projected 2033. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gallup. (2023, July 13). Americans' ratings of professions stay historically low. Gallup. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://news.gallup.com/poll/655106/americans-ratings-professions-stay-historically-low.aspx

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2024). NCLEX statistics: 2024 quarter 4 pass rates. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NCLEX_Stats_2024_Q4_Passrates.pdf

Statista. (2024, February 15). Current job satisfaction in nursing career in the United States as of 2023. Statista. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1389150/current-job-satisfaction-nursing-career-united-states/

World Health Organization. (2024, March 12). Nursing and midwifery. World Health Organization. Retrieved March 12, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nursing-and-midwifery