BS to BSN Programs

BS to BSN Program Basics

A growing number of aspiring nurses are ready to make career changes and are using their previous BS or BA degrees to earn a nursing degree on an accelerated timeline. Accelerated BSN programs are popular with students because they build on prior educational experience, helping students complete the program and enter the workforce more quickly. Accelerated BS to BSN nursing programs designed for this type of student are also an increasingly popular option for nursing schools as a means to quickly increase the number of qualified nurses and alleviate the nursing shortage.

BS to BSN Programs are also commonly known as accelerated bachelor of science in nursing or ABSN programs. They are also occasionally referred to as second degree or post bacc nursing programs. While program naming will vary, the foundational structure is the same and allows students who have previously completed a BS or BA degree to earn an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in as few as 12 to 18 months. 

Students with a diverse set of experiences and educational backgrounds are drawn to accelerated nursing programs. Undergrad BS or BA majors for second-degree nurses vary widely, but some of the most common include biological sciences, humanities, and business. Those with bachelor's degrees in biological sciences and humanities may have a slight advantage, as they have often completed some science courses during their undergraduate studies. However, most students have to take at least a few prerequisites to meet program requirements for BS to BSN programs. Second career nursing students often bring a wealth of personal and professional experience that allows them to excel in the accelerated nursing environment. 

BS to BSN Program Transition

Students who have earned a previous bachelor's degree have already demonstrated competence in college-level courses and possess a foundation of general education credits to build upon. This foundational knowledge enables BS to BSN program students to begin their nursing studies immediately upon entering the program. Most students with a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree will be eligible for accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs after completing the required prerequisites. Once students have completed the program's requirements and are accepted, they typically complete the nursing coursework within 12 to 18 months.

As name the name implies, accelerated BSN programs are completed at an accelerated pace. One of the more challenging transitions BS to BSN students will face is the pace the material is covered. Accelerated nursing programs move more quickly than traditional undergraduate bachelor's degrees, which takes some adjustment for most students. 

What to Expect in BS to BSN Programs

Students first complete prerequisite science courses, including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, chemistry, and statistics. After completing the prerequisites, students formally apply to the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program of their choice. Most Bachelor of Science to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS to BSN) programs immerse students in nursing from the very first day of class. Students will remain engaged in fast-paced coursework for 12 to 18 months. After completing the program's requirements and graduating, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

Accelerated BSN programs combine didactic work with hands-on clinical training. The didactic work helps students understand the pathophysiology and foundations of nursing practice, enabling them to begin hands-on clinical training safely. Student nurses can expect to study nursing fundamentals, health assessment, pharmacology, med-surg, mental health, obstetrics, pediatrics, health literacy, and much more. Some programs also offer exposure to other areas of nursing, such as public health and home health care. Nursing students must also complete in-person clinical rotations. During clinical rotations, students are often paired with practicing nurses, where they observe and practice hands-on clinical skills in a controlled environment. Clinical training is a crucial component of all nursing programs, as it provides hands-on experience that helps develop skills and confidence.  

Students in ABSN programs should also expect to spend a significant amount of time preparing for the NCELX-RN, the licensing exam for registered nurses. Most nursing programs begin preparing students for the NCLEX in their first term and assign regular practice questions to help students become familiar with the material and test format they will encounter. NCLEX pass rates are a standard indicator students use to assess program quality, as they indicate how well the program prepares students for the licensing exam.

Working in BS to BSN Programs

Many students pursuing BS to BSN programs consider working during their nursing program. Accelerated nursing programs are typically full-time and intensive experiences, making it difficult, if not impossible, to work while attending them. Students realistically need 60+ hours each week to focus on coursework, and trying to schedule working hours around nursing lectures, clinicals, group projects, and other program requirements can result in poor performance. For this reason, most BS to BSN programs strongly discourage working during school.

BS to BSN Program Challenges and Considerations

When considering a second degree in nursing, many students have concerns and reservations. There is a significant financial investment associated with returning to school, and while the long-term benefits are well-documented, figuring out how to pay for school in the short term can present a challenge. Many students use loans, scholarships, and grants to fund their education.

Accelerated BSN students must also consider the time commitment associated with these intensive programs. Balancing personal obligations can be difficult, making it ideal to have a support system while attending school. The transition to full-time, intensive coursework can be challenging even for the most accomplished undergraduate student.  

Ultimately, it is crucial not to underestimate the emotional toll of participating in such an intensive educational experience. Accelerated nursing students need to develop good self-care habits early to prevent burnout, both in school and when practicing as a nurse.

Benefits of BS to BSN Programs

While the demands of accelerated BS to BSN programs are significant, this path has myriad benefits. Rapid entry into the high-demand field of nursing creates stability and strong earning potential while also opening up a considerable number of career opportunities. Very few degree programs can match the speed to the workforce and diversity of career opportunities available to nurses. Nursing has significant long-term growth and advancement opportunities, as nurses can benefit from a wide variety of specialties and options for continuing their education in advanced practice, management, or education. 

Choosing the Right BS to BSN Program

Everyone will have different priorities and preferences when selecting a nursing school. Students will need to consider accreditation, NCLEX pass rate, clinical placements, location, format, support services, and career support offered by the colleges they are considering. There are several additional factors to consider, which we cover in the article "How to Choose a Nursing School."     

Tips for Getting Started on Your BS to BSN Program

Start by making a list of factors that are most important to you in a BS to BSN Program. Research various programs and create a centralized location to organize the information. Many students develop a spreadsheet or Word document to organize their research. Collect information from the schools you are interested in. Many schools offer information sessions where you can learn more about the program from enrollment representatives. It is rare, but programs will allow you to tour the clinical site, providing you with even more insight into the experience you can expect.  

Once you understand which programs interest you, you can complete the required prerequisites and begin your application. While you are waiting to hear back from prospective schools, it is essential to start planning for the financial and emotional demands of returning to school.

Build Confidence

When you are just starting the research process for going back to school, it can seem overwhelming. As you navigate these early stages of your research, understand that many nervous prospective students have come before you and achieved their goals. Just like nursing school, take this process one day at a time and do your best. The future of healthcare depends on people like you to join an elite, highly educated, skillfully trained, and compassionate nursing workforce.