What is a BSN Degree? A Guide for Healthcare Professionals Ready to Become RNs

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 120-credit undergraduate nursing degree that prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and practice as a registered nurse (RN). The BSN combines general education, nursing theory and supervised clinical experience, and it's the typical entry-level degree for RNs according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

If you already work in patient care as a paramedic, licensed practical nurse (LPN), respiratory therapist (RT), cardiovascular technician (CVT) or military medic, your training and experience may help you reach a BSN faster through a bridge pathway. This guide explains what a BSN degree is, how it compares to an associate degree in nursing, what the latest workforce data shows and how Herzing's nursing programs can help you build on the healthcare experience you already have.

BSN Degree at a Glance

What Is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree?

BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a baccalaureate undergraduate nursing degree you can earn as a key step to becoming a registered nurse. At Herzing, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 120-credit pre-licensure program focused on holistic, safe and quality evidence-based patient care, with hands-on clinicals built into the curriculum.

According to the BLS, nursing programs cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology and the social and behavioral sciences. Bachelor's programs add education in communication, leadership and critical thinking, which helps prepare you for the broader responsibilities RNs take on in hospitals, clinics and community settings.

When you complete a BSN program, you'll be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Passing the exam lets you apply for RN licensure in your state.

BSN vs. ADN or ASN: What's the Difference?

Both a BSN and an associate degree in nursing (ADN, or ASN at Herzing) prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN. The biggest differences between an ASN and BSN come down to credits, coursework, and how employers view each degree.

If you'd like to become an RN sooner, an Associate of Science in Nursing can be a practical first step. Many nurses later return for a BSN through an online RN to BSN program.

Why Move Into Nursing?

If you already care for patients every day, you've developed skills that carry into nursing, including patient assessment, clinical communication and calm decision-making under pressure. Healthcare professionals who often take the step into nursing include:

• Paramedics
• Military Medics
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
• Respiratory Therapists (RTs)
• Cardiovascular Technicians (CVTs)

The outlook for RNs remains steady. The BLS projects employment of registered nurses to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.

Many of those openings will come from the need to replace nurses who move into other occupations or retire. In the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study, 39.9% of RNs said they intend to leave the profession or retire within the next five years.

RN Workforce by the Numbers

Becoming an RN can also widen your scope of practice. As an RN, you'll have the opportunity to plan and coordinate patient care, and you may choose to pursue areas such as pediatrics, ambulatory care or oncology as your career develops.

Why Earn a BSN Instead of an Associate Degree?

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) released The Future of Nursing report, which recommended increasing the share of RNs with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020. The workforce has moved steadily toward that goal. NCSBN's 2024 workforce study found that 73% of RNs now hold a baccalaureate degree or higher, the highest level of educational attainment NCSBN has recorded.

Employers have followed the same trend. In the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 2023 employment survey, 25.0% of hospitals and other healthcare settings required new hires to have a BSN. In that same survey, 69.8% expressed a strong preference for BSN program graduates.

Research on patient care supports a push toward the BSN. A widely cited 2003 study published in JAMA found that a 10% increase in the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses on hospital units was associated with a 5% reduction in patient mortality.

A BSN is also the typical starting point for graduate study. Qualifying Herzing students at select campus locations may be eligible to complete select graduate-level courses as part of their BSN or RN to BSN program plan, which can help you prepare for a future Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

BSN Bridge Pathways for Healthcare Professionals

Herzing University offers several degree pathways to a BSN. Many of these pathways let you apply previous coursework, licensure or military training toward your degree. Bridge options accept up to 54–90 approved transfer credits, depending on your pathway and prior education, so you can build on what you already know.

Online BSN available in select states. General education classes are online, core nursing courses are on campus, and a 100% online didactic option is available for bridge pathways. Clinicals take place in person.

LPN to BSN

LPNs have already completed a Practical Nursing diploma and passed the licensing exam. Herzing's LPN to BSN bridge option lets you use your current licensure and experience to earn a BSN faster than a traditional pre-licensure program, in about 28 months. You'll need a current, active PN license and a minimum TEAS score, which varies by campus. If you'd like to become an RN with an associate degree first, the LPN to ASN option takes 16–20 months.

Paramedic to BSN

Paramedics have experience in emergency assessment and fast clinical decision-making to bring to the classroom. The Paramedic to BSN bridge option is a 120-credit program you can complete in about 28 months. The 72-credit Paramedic to ASN option takes about 20 months. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and the TEAS test.

Respiratory Therapist (RT) to BSN

Respiratory therapists often work alongside nurses in acute and critical care, so the move to RN can feel like a natural next step. Herzing's RT to BSN option takes about 28 months, and the RT to ASN option takes about 20 months at Birmingham, Clarksville, Nashville, Orlando, Tampa and Online.

Cardiovascular Technician (CVT) to BSN

If you work in cardiovascular diagnostics, the CVT to BSN option helps you build on your technical training as you prepare for a broader patient care role. The BSN bridge takes about 28 months, the ASN bridge takes about 20 months and admissions are rolling, with no application deadlines.

Military Medic to BSN

Your military medical training can count toward your nursing education. Herzing's Military Medic to BSN bridge option is designed for Army Combat Medics (68W), Army Practical Nursing Specialists (68C), Navy Hospital Corpsmen (HM) and Air Force Medical Technicians. The BSN takes about 28 months, and the ASN option takes about 20 months. Veterans and active duty military may also be eligible for special military tuition rates through Herzing's military programs.

RN to BSN

Already an RN with an associate degree or nursing diploma? Herzing's RN to BSN program features 100% online classes in 8-week sessions, and you can finish in as little as 12 months of full-time study. You can block transfer up to 70 credits from your associate degree or diploma and transfer up to 90 credits total. In place of traditional clinicals, you'll complete a 45-hour community health project.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, the Accelerated BSN lets you earn your BSN in 20–24 months. The program combines online general education classes with on-campus nursing classes, simulation labs and clinical training with community healthcare partners at 10 campus locations. Herzing notes that the 20-month pace moves very fast, and students who need science prerequisites may need 24 months.

How long does it take to earn a BSN?

A traditional BSN typically takes about four years, according to the BLS. At Herzing, your timeline depends on where you're starting and what you've already completed:

• Pre-licensure BSN: 36 months for students new to nursing
• Accelerated BSN: 20–24 months if you hold a bachelor's degree in another field
• Bridge options for LPNs, paramedics, RTs, CVTs and military medics: about 28 months
• RN to BSN: as little as 12 months for licensed RNs

Licensed healthcare professionals can often earn credit for previous coursework and professional or military experience, which may shorten your path. An admissions advisor can review your transcripts and credentials to help you find the right fit.

What to Expect in a BSN Program

Clinical experience is an integral part of Herzing's pre-licensure and bridge BSN pathways. You'll pair classroom learning with hands-on clinicals in a variety of healthcare settings and practice skills in simulation labs before working with patients. Your coursework prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN when you complete your program.

Herzing's on-campus BSN pathways are offered in Atlanta, Brookfield, Clarksville, Kenosha, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando and Tampa, with online options available in select states. Program availability varies by state, so it's worth confirming which options are open to you where you live.

Take the Next Step Toward Your BSN

Whether you're a paramedic, LPN, respiratory therapist, cardiovascular technician, military medic or practicing RN, a BSN can help you prepare for a wider role in patient care. Herzing's bridge pathways are designed to recognize the experience you've already earned, with personalized support from admissions through graduation. When you're ready to take the next step to a nursing career, we're here to help.