What is a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing?

A baccalaureate degree is a more formal way of saying "bachelor's degree," and a baccalaureate in nursing (BSN) is typically a four-year registered nurse program, rather than a two-year associates degree program. Nurses who complete the BSN program often have more options than those with an associates degree.  more

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, also called a BSN, is the most rigorous training method for achieving the status of registered nurse. While it’s commonly thought that registered nurses receive a bachelor’s degree in science, this is not always the case. A registered nurse (RN) can be trained through a private nursing school or through a community or junior college. In common with all four-year degrees, the baccalaureate degree in nursing does not focus exclusively on the classes which will earn the candidate RN status. Instead, students must usually take 60 units of general education requirements while also fulfilling 60-64 units of education in the field of nursing. Because of the advanced education of the nurse with a baccalaureate degree in nursing, he or she may be more likely to earn supervisory positions at larger hospitals, and also may receive slightly more pay. Not all students opt for a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Since nurses are in such high demand, the ability ...  more