During a BS program, you will take the nursing curriculum required by your state. This will include courses in nursing principles and pharmaceuticals. As part of your coursework, you may also need to complete general requirements for your degree, including math, writing and science courses. You will also spend a specified number of hours working in a hospital or clinic environment. This will allow you to not only see some of classroom skills in a real-world situation, but you will demonstrate to clinical proctors that you can perform these skills.
When you work toward a bachelor’s in nursing, you will take additional coursework in nursing. This may include classes in nursing theory and research. You may also need to take classes in leadership skill building. Programs may allow you to choose coursework and concentrate some of your studies in particular areas of nursing, such as community health, family care or gerontology. The availability of these elective concentrations may vary by program and state regulations.
After you complete your BS in nursing, you will begin applying for positions as a registered nurse. With your degree, employers may give more weight to your application than another applicant with an associate degree in nursing. Some employers specifically seek out nurses with a bachelor’s since some studies indicate this level of nursing education will offer better patient care and treatment outcomes, according to “The Journal of the American Medical Association.” As well, a BS in nursing may also qualify you for faster advancement and supervisorial opportunities.
Earning a bachelor’s in nursing will allow you the option of continuing your academic career to pursue a master’s or doctorate in nursing. These degrees will allow you to focus your studies in a particular area or pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. Some doctorate programs also focus on research instead of clinical practice, so your career goals will impact whether you want to enter certain programs. Whichever degree you choose, a graduate degree may offer additional career opportunities, but you do not need a master’s or doctorate to qualify as a registered nurse.