Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Unitek can lead to a fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse. It can also be a pathway for current Associate Degree RNs to advance their careers. Acquiring a BSN gives students the knowledge and skillset to meet the increasingly complex demands of healthcare today. Students can earn their BSN degree at Unitek in two to three years. The BSN curriculum includes 120 units. There will be a total of 74 units required for licensure and 46 units of other degree requirements. A BSN degree can open doors for your future nursing career. Through our program, you will train to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including: complex and critical care, acute care, long-term care, community health nursing, school nursing, and home health.
Pathways to earning your BSN degree at Unitek College
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program: A three-year BSN program to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
- Advanced Placement Option: Individuals who are already an LVN and completed the ASVN or earned the equivalent credits, are encouraged to apply for Advanced Placement status and complete the BSN program in two years. Students can also take the VN and ASVN programs and continue to BSN through the Advanced Placement path.
- RN to BSN Online Program: A degree-completion program that transitions Associate Degree RNs into Bachelor’s Degree RNs. This pathway can be completed in 12 months, depending on transfer credits.
What you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BSN?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an academic degree in the science and principles of nursing. It’s typically granted by an accredited education provider. Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) often pursue this degree to further their education and take the next step in their careers.
Why do I need a BSN degree?
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become an RN, but BSN-trained nurses generally have higher salaries, management positions, and leadership roles. A BSN degree can make a significant difference in the life and career of a Registered Nurse.
What jobs can a BSN get?
In addition to all the standard duties of a regular RN, those equipped with a BSN might also qualify for added responsibilities, specializations, and opportunities. Some of these include the following areas:
- Management
- Department Supervisor
- Research Positions
- Teaching Positions
- Hospice Nurse
- Palliative Care Nurse
- OB/GYN Nurse
- Pediatrics Nurse
- Surgical Nurse
- ICU Nurse
What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?
A BSN is a bachelor’s degree, whereas an RN is a license. If you’d like to become a licensed RN, you must enroll in a pre-licensure nursing program. Some programs will grant you an associate degree, but others will lead to a BSN degree. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) usually requires two years of study. A BSN degree, on the other hand, might require three or four years of study. This is because a BSN degree builds a greater foundation for career advancement.
Do BSNs get paid more than RNs?
Nurses with BSN degrees tend to receive higher salaries than those with associate degrees. According to statistics from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the average salary of an RN was about $66,620, while the average salary for a BSN holder was $75,484. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the top ten percent earned more than $106,530.
How long is the BSN program?
This is a pre-licensure program that can be completed in about two or three years—depending on credit transfers—with three 16-week semesters per year. Other BSN programs usually take three or four years to complete.
How much is the BSN program?
BSN program costs can be influenced by various factors, such as individual goals and finances. At Unitek College, there are several financial aid options available. Please speak with a school representative to gain more information.
Demand for Registered Nurses (RNs)
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.3 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives. Because of a growing demand for registered nurses with greater education, registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without one.
Registered Nurse (RN) Duties and Responsibilities Include:
- Record patient medical histories and symptoms
- Administer patient medicines and treatments
- Set up plans for patient care or contribute to existing plans
- Observe patients and record the observations
- Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results
- Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
- Explain what to do at home after treatment
Opportunities for Registered Nurses with a BSN Degree
In addition to all the standard duties of a regular RN, RNs with a BSN may also qualify for added responsibilities, specializations and opportunities, including:
- Management
- Department Supervisor
- Research Positions
- Teaching Positions
- Hospice Nurse
- Palliative Care Nurse
- OB/GYN Nurse
- Pediatrics Nurse
- Surgical Nurse
- ICU Nurse
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Unitek College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org/).
Enrollment Process
To enroll in the Unitek College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program, a prospective student must complete the admissions requirements which includes the following:
- Career planning session and admissions interview
- Submit proof of high school education or equivalent
- Entrance assessment test
- Financing arrangements and, if applicable, all documents needed to obtain an official award letter for Federal Student Aid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Campus Locations
Contact any of our campuses to learn more about how to become a Registered Nurse or to enroll in the program. Your future starts at Unitek College.
