Is a BSN worth it? A Bachelor of Science in Nursing facilitates better patient outcomes than an Associate Degree in Nursing. Plus, BSN-prepared nurses enjoy more entry-level job opportunities and career advancement opportunities in diverse settings.
Only you can determine if earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is worth the investment. However, getting a BSN is worth it if you’re looking for a career that allows you to make a positive difference in your community, provides excellent career stability and offers lucrative earning potential.
A BSN program prepares you to provide direct patient care confidently in various health care settings. Furthermore, a career you can be proud of doesn’t require four years of study. For example, consider the satisfaction you’ll get when you earn your nursing degree in as few as 15 months with Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Accelerated 2nd Degree ABSN program.
However you choose to earn your degree, you’re likely to find that you can answer, “Is getting a BSN worth it?” with a resounding “Yes!” Below, we explore six reasons why a BSN is worth it.
1. Better Patient Outcomes
As a future nurse, your patients’ best interests will be your priority. Is getting a BSN worth it for your prospective patients? Studies show that nurses with bachelor’s degrees are better positioned to help patients enjoy more favorable outcomes than nurses with only an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes that hospitals with a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses saw lower 30-day inpatient surgical mortality rates in one study. Similarly, another study highlighted by the AACN found that BSN-prepared nurses are “significantly better prepared” in 12 out of 16 areas of nursing competency concerning patient safety and quality of care compared to ADN-prepared nurses.
So, is a BSN worth it? Your future patients would most likely agree that it is.
Does it matter where you get your nursing degree? Get some food for thought here.
2. Opportunities at Magnet Hospitals
Holding at least a BSN can pave the way toward opportunities at Magnet hospitals — hospitals recognized for nursing excellence. Nurse leaders at these health care facilities collaborate on strategic nursing goals to improve patient outcomes. Nurses generally aspire to work at these hospitals because Magnet hospitals are known for providing excellent education benefits and career development opportunities for nursing professionals.
3. Foundation for Graduate Education
In nursing, pursuing graduate-level nursing education is a goal many share. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can allow nurses to pursue career advancement opportunities. For example, after earning a graduate nursing degree, you might pursue a management position in health administration or decide to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
4. Meeting Employer Expectations
If you’ve researched transitioning into this rewarding field, you know there are several degree options for entering the nursing workforce. However, they’re not all equal regarding career growth and development. So, why is getting a BSN worth it?
Many health care employers expect nurses to have a BSN. An AACN survey discovered that over 82% of health care employers prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses, and 41% of health care facilities have established the BSN as the minimum hiring requirement. Employers expect to see this credential on applicants’ resumes.
Learn how to become a registered nurse in 5 steps here.
5. Is a BSN Worth It? Consider Diverse Career Options
Not only is it more accessible for BSN-prepared nurses to land an entry-level job after graduation, but it’s also possible for them to choose from diverse career opportunities. With this nursing degree, you might pursue nursing specialties and settings as varied as:
- Emergency room nurse
- Home health nurse
- Emergency medical evacuation nurse
- Pediatrics nurse
- Women’s health nurse
- Primary care nurse
- School nurse
You could even travel nationwide, accepting short-term assignments as a travel nurse. This would allow you to explore a particular city or region at your leisure while caring for your patients.
6. Advancement Opportunities
What’s more, a BSN sets you up nicely should you decide to advance your education further in pursuit of a higher-paying nursing role such as nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner or nurse midwife — all of which require an MSN or DNP degree and advanced practice certification.
The Notre Dame ABSN program streamlines pursuing this educational stepping stone. Students who complete the ABSN program and meet the admissions requirements for the MSN program will have a guaranteed seat in our MSN program, with some coursework accepted as credit requirements.
Ready to get started on your BSN? Learn what to expect in nursing school here.
Is Getting a BSN Worth It for You?
It’s time to decide if a nursing career is right for you. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you could graduate from our ABSN program in as few as 15 months, fully prepared to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam.
Our program in Baltimore is ideal for motivated, hardworking students who aspire to a meaningful career. You can choose from online or on-campus classes, in-person nursing labs and clinical rotations. Plus, with three start dates per year in January, May and September, you can get started sooner than you’d think.
Reach out to our team of dedicated admissions counselors today to learn more about why enrolling in our 15-month ABSN program in Maryland is worth it for your future nursing career.