BSN Programs Near Me: How to Find a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year nursing degree that prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse, and it is the degree some employers, particularly hospitals, require. To find BSN programs near you, start with your state board of nursing's list of approved programs, then narrow it by path: a traditional BSN if you are starting out, an accelerated BSN if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, or an RN-to-BSN or LPN-to-BSN program if you are already licensed. BSN graduates passed the NCLEX-RN on the first try at an 87.6% rate in 2025. Dreambound lists in-person and online BSN programs, plus bridge programs for working nurses.
Nursing, RN to B.S. - Regent University
- Format: Online
- 8-week or 15-week course plans
RN to BSN - Online - Las Vegas College
- Format: Online
- Length: 15 months at the fastest, per the listing
Nursing (RN -BSN) - Bachelor's - ECPI, Charleston, SC
- Format: Hybrid
- Length: 2.5 years at the fastest, per the listing
- Online and on-campus delivery
LPN-to-BSN Programs
BS, LPN to BSN - Berkeley College, Woodland Park, NJ
- Format: In person
- Length: Seven semesters of full-time study
- Admission requires at least two years (2,080 clinical hours) of recent practice as a licensed practical nurse
What You'll Study in a BSN Program
In your nursing coursework, you'll develop a strong foundation in nursing theory, patient care, pharmacology, research, leadership, and clinical skills. You'll learn to think critically, make evidence-based decisions, provide compassionate care to diverse patient populations, and understand the broader healthcare system. Courses in a BSN program can include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Leadership and Management BSN programs include clinical rotations in healthcare settings, where students apply classroom knowledge to patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest BSN program?
For students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN is the fastest path, taking 12 to 18 months including prerequisites, according to AACN. For licensed RNs, an RN-to-BSN program is the shorter route, and Herzing University's online RN-to-BSN lists a 12-month length.
Is a BSN the same as an RN?
No. A BSN is a degree, and RN is a license. BSN graduates become registered nurses by passing the NCLEX-RN, the same exam associate degree and diploma graduates take.
Do BSN nurses get paid more than ADN nurses?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish registered nurse pay by degree, so there is no federal figure comparing the two. What a BSN changes is which jobs you can apply for, since some employers, particularly hospitals, require one.
Can you get a BSN online?
Most RN-to-BSN programs are offered at least partly online, according to AACN. Pre-licensure BSN programs can be hybrid, with coursework online, but clinical hours are completed in person.
Do you need a BSN to become a nurse?
No. Graduates of associate degree and diploma programs also qualify for the NCLEX-RN. New York adds a later requirement: under the state's BSN in 10 law, registered nurses licensed there after June 18, 2020 must earn a bachelor's degree in nursing within 10 years of licensure unless an exemption applies.
Choosing a BSN Program Near You
Choosing a BSN program starts with where you are now. Students without a nursing license look at traditional BSN programs, bachelor's degree holders in other fields look at accelerated programs, and licensed RNs and LPNs look at bridge programs. From there, confirm state board approval, check for CCNE or ACEN accreditation, compare first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates, and ask where clinicals take place. Registered nursing asks for years of coursework and supervised clinical practice before licensure, so check that a program's schedule and clinical sites fit your life before you apply. Dreambound lists BSN, RN-to-BSN, and LPN-to-BSN programs from partner schools.
