Is a BSN Degree Worth It?

Do you want to broaden your potential as a nurse? It may make sense to consider a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you're already a Registered Nurse (RN), a BSN degree can build on your existing knowledge, skills and abilities, helping you to progress in your career and provide better care to patients.

"Nursing is an ever-evolving field that requires lifelong learning," said Dr. AnnMarie Vang, a clinical nursing faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Vang has 15 years of experience in education and almost two decades of nursing experience, as well as a doctorate in nursing, herself.

"Obtaining that BSN is a great step into a deeper level of education that can help promote self-growth but also promote improved patient outcomes," she said.

Do You Need a BSN to Become a Nurse?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for registered nurses. However, you can also become a nurse without a BSN.

"There are many routes students can take to become a nurse," she said. "Licensure is regulated by state and not nationally, so it is important to make sure that initial licensure fits the requirements of the state the student will be licensed in."

Associate degrees in nursing are not currently offered at SNHU, but many students choose to start their nursing career with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), according to Vang. Once you graduate from one of these programs and fulfill your state's requirements to become a nurse, you could then pursue an RN-to-BSN program, like SNHU's.

A bachelor's degree could be a requirement for some employers, BLS said. Although you can work as a nurse without a BSN, the degree could be necessary depending on your location and career ambitions.

Learn more about what a BSN degree is.

What States Require a BSN Degree to Be an RN?

New York's "BSN in 10" law requires that all registered nurses earn a BSN degree within 10 years of receiving their licensure, according to the New York State Department of Education. That makes New York the only U.S. state that technically requires nurses to earn a BSN degree.

With that being said, the number of nurses who actually have BSN degrees might be higher than you think.

What Percent of Nurses Have a BSN?

Even if you don't need a one to be a nurse where you live, BSNs have become more prevalent in the profession.

According the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the number of nurses with BSN degrees climbed from 41% in 2006 to 56% in 2016. More recently, a National Nursing Workforce Survey reported that over 70% of registered nurses held a bachelor's degree in nursing or a higher nursing degree as of 2022. That means nurses without a bachelor's degree have become a minority in the field within the last two decades.

What Are the Benefits of a BSN Degree?

Earning a BSN could improve your employability, help you become eligible for advancement opportunities and teach you valuable concepts and skills in patient care and beyond.

What Does a BSN Degree Teach?

According to Vang, a BSN degree teaches leadership skills, furthered assessment skills, concepts of community health and more.

"Within a BSN program, students will also utilize the library and evidenced-based resources," Vang said. "Becoming comfortable with these resources promotes learning best practices and the ability to promote best practices which can improve patient outcomes."

Through SNHU's program, you could take courses like:

• "Clinical Judgment and Holistic Assessment in Nursing"
• "Leadership Practices for the Professional Nurse"
• "Population Health and Cultural Competence"
• "Strategies for Quality Improvement in Healthcare"
• "Understanding Research to Guide Nursing Practice"

Vang emphasized that the potential for career growth isn't the only reason to pursue a BSN degree — the knowledge you gain can also be transformative. "A BSN is something you can do to further your career, but it is also something that you can do just for yourself," Vang said. "Education is always valuable, and self-growth is priceless."

Why Do Hospitals Prefer BSN Nurses?

Hospitals tend to prefer BSN nurses because they're more educated and knowledgeable.

"BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings," said the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Also, hospitals seeking ANCC magnet status will seek nurses with BSN degrees, according to Vang.

Read more about magnet hospitals.

How Can a BSN Impact Your Career?

Obtaining your BSN could help you grow into a leadership position or specialized role, according to Vang. "Options in leadership roles, education roles and community roles often require a BSN degree," she said.

And earning your degree doesn't have to mean putting your career on pause. In fact, Vang noted that SNHU's online BSN degree was designed for working students and can allow you to earn a degree at your own pace while submitting assignments each week.

"Students can continue to work and complete their courses within their own schedule," she said.

For instance, Jamila Aithammousaid '24 earned her BSN online from SNHU while she was already busy working as a nurse.

"I've been a nurse for over 15 years and just getting my degree made me so proud," she said. "It made me feel like I am going to be able to lead in my company, in my work, and that's why I came back to get my degree."

Registered nurses made a median annual salary of $86,070 in 2023, according to BLS.* In comparison, medical and health service managers, including nurse leadership positions, earned a median annual salary of $110,680 in 2023, BLS reported.*

Learn more about nurse leadership.

So, What Comes After a BSN?

Once you earn your BSN, you don't have to stop there. You could continue on your nursing education or even specialize with an advanced degree.

At SNHU, you could earn a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) and choose a concentration, such as:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Healthcare Quality & Safety
• Nursing Education
• Nurse Executive Leadership
• Population Healthcare

Each of these options can allow you to specialize and potentially enhance your employability. For example, nurse practitioners are in particularly high demand.* BLS reports that the role of nurse practitioner is projected to grow 46% by 2033 — much faster than average — and these professionals earned a median annual salary of $126,260 in 2023.*

"Many times, the MSN degree will be utilized for higher leadership or educational roles within an organization," Vang said. "The MSN degree also helps nurses to really dive into the evidenced based practices that can help improve care and patient outcomes."

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.