Nursing is a rewarding and challenging profession that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing care to patients of all ages in a variety of settings.
If you’re interested in a career in nursing, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which nursing major to choose. There are several different nursing degrees available, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
This guide will walk you through the different nursing majors, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), and other nursing specialties. We’ll also discuss the factors to consider when choosing a nursing major, so you can make the best decision for your individual needs and goals.
What is nursing and why is it important?
Nurses are responsible for providing care to patients of all ages in a variety of settings. They work with doctors, other healthcare professionals, and patients and their families to provide comprehensive care.
Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. They are responsible for administering medications, providing wound care, monitoring patients’ vital signs, and educating patients and their families about their health conditions. Nurses also play an important role in providing emotional support to patients and their families.
What are the different types of nursing degrees?
There are two main types of nursing degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a four-year degree that prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). BSN programs typically include a mix of general education courses, nursing science courses, and clinical rotations.
BSN graduates have a wider range of job opportunities and are eligible for higher salaries than ASN graduates. They are also more likely to be promoted to supervisory or management positions.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
An ASN is a two-year degree that also prepares students for a career as an RN. ASN programs typically include fewer general education courses and more nursing science courses than BSN programs.
ASN graduates have a narrower range of job opportunities than BSN graduates, but they are still in high demand. ASN graduates can also choose to bridge to a BSN degree later in their careers.
Other nursing majors
In addition to BSN and ASN programs, there are a number of other nursing majors available, including:
- Accelerated BSN programs: These programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become an RN in a shorter amount of time. Accelerated BSN programs typically take 12-18 months to complete.
- Second-degree BSN programs: These programs are also designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become an RN. However, second-degree BSN programs are typically more flexible than accelerated BSN programs and can be completed in a variety of time frames.
- Online BSN programs: These programs are designed for students who want to earn their BSN degree at their own pace. Online BSN programs typically take the same amount of time to complete as traditional on-campus BSN programs.
- Nursing specialties: There are a number of nursing specialties that students can choose to focus on, such as pediatrics, oncology, critical care, and psychiatric nursing. Nursing specialties typically require additional education and training after completing a BSN or ASN degree.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a nursing major?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a nursing major, including:
- Your interests and goals: What type of nursing do you want to do? What kind of work environment do you prefer?
- Prerequisites: Do you have the prerequisites for the nursing programs you’re interested in?
- Cost: How much can you afford to spend on your nursing education?
- Location: Where do you want to live and work after you graduate?
- Reputation: What is the reputation of the nursing schools and programs you’re interested in?
Option 1: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
What is a BSN degree?
A BSN degree is a four-year degree that prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). BSN programs typically include a mix of general education courses, nursing science courses, and clinical rotations.
Benefits of having a BSN degree:
- Higher salaries: BSN graduates typically earn higher salaries than ASN graduates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for RNs with a BSN degree was $75,330 in 2021, compared to $69,810 for RNs with an ADN degree.
- More job opportunities: BSN graduates have a wider range of job opportunities than ASN graduates. They are eligible to work in all types of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health departments. BSN graduates are also more likely to be qualified for leadership and management positions.
- Better career advancement: BSN graduates are more likely to be promoted to supervisory or management positions than ASN graduates. They are also more likely to be eligible for advanced education and training opportunities.
- More specialized nursing careers: BSN graduates are eligible for more specialized nursing careers, such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist. These careers require additional education and training, but they offer higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement.
What are the prerequisites for a BSN program?
Prerequisites for BSN programs vary from school to school, but typically include:
- High school diploma or GED: All BSN programs require a high school diploma or GED.
- General education courses: Most BSN programs require students to complete a certain number of general education courses, such as English, math, science, and social science.
- Science courses: Most BSN programs require students to complete a certain number of science courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
- Nursing prerequisites: Some BSN programs have additional nursing prerequisites, such as microbiology and nutrition.
What are the typical courses offered in a BSN program?
Typical courses offered in a BSN program include:
- Nursing theory: This includes courses on nursing fundamentals, nursing assessment, and nursing pharmacology.
- Nursing practice: This includes courses on clinical nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and pediatric nursing.
- General education courses: This includes courses on English, math, science, and social science.
What are the job prospects for BSN graduates?
The job prospects for BSN graduates are excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of RNs will grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services.
BSN graduates are in high demand in all types of healthcare settings. They can work as staff nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and more. BSN graduates can also work in research, education, and administration.
Option 2: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
What is an ASN degree?
An ASN degree is a two-year degree that prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). ASN programs typically include fewer general education courses and more nursing science courses than BSN programs.
What are the benefits of having an ASN degree?
ASN graduates have a number of advantages over LPNs and unlicensed nursing assistants. They are eligible to work in all types of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health departments. ASN graduates also earn higher salaries than LPNs and unlicensed nursing assistants.
What are the prerequisites for an ASN program?
Prerequisites for ASN programs vary from school to school, but typically include:
- High school diploma or GED: All ASN programs require a high school diploma or GED.
- Science courses: Most ASN programs require students to complete a certain number of science courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
- Nursing prerequisites: Some ASN programs have additional nursing prerequisites, such as microbiology and nutrition.
What are the typical courses offered in an ASN program?
Typical courses offered in an ASN program include:
- Nursing theory: This includes courses on nursing fundamentals, nursing assessment, and nursing pharmacology.
- Nursing practice: This includes courses on clinical nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and pediatric nursing.
What are the job prospects for ASN graduates?
The job prospects for ASN graduates are good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of RNs will grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services.
ASN graduates are in high demand in all types of healthcare settings. They can work as staff nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and more. ASN graduates can also work in research, education, and administration.
Other nursing majors
In addition to BSN and ASN programs, there are a number of other nursing majors available, including:
- Accelerated BSN programs: These programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become an RN in a shorter amount of time. Accelerated BSN programs typically take 12-18 months to complete.
- Second-degree BSN programs: These programs are also designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become an RN. However, second-degree BSN programs are typically more flexible than accelerated BSN programs and can be completed in a variety of time frames.
- Online BSN programs: These programs are designed for students who want to earn their BSN degree at their own pace. Online BSN programs typically take the same amount of time to complete as traditional on-campus BSN programs.
- Nursing specialties: There are a number of nursing specialties that students can choose to focus on, such as pediatrics, oncology, critical care, and psychiatric nursing. Nursing specialties typically require additional education and training after completing a BSN or ASN degree.
How to choose the best nursing major for you
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a nursing major, including:
- Your interests and goals: What type of nursing do you want to do? What kind of work environment do you prefer?
- Prerequisites: Do you have the prerequisites for the nursing programs you’re interested in?
- Cost: How much can you afford to spend on your nursing education?
- Location: Where do you want to live and work after you graduate?
- Reputation: What is the reputation of the nursing schools and programs you’re interested in?
Here are some additional tips for choosing the best nursing major for you:
- Talk to current and former nursing students. They can give you insights into what it’s like to study and work in different nursing specialties.
- Visit nursing schools and programs. This is a great way to get a feel for the campus culture and learn more about the different programs offered.
- Consider your career goals. If you’re interested in a particular nursing specialty, such as pediatrics or oncology, you’ll need to choose a program that offers the necessary training.
Conclusion
The best nursing major for you depends on your individual needs and goals. There are many different nursing majors to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that’s right for you.
