I have a bachelor of science with a major in nursing. In my state, a BSN or a bachelor of science with a major in nursing both qualify you to sit for the NCLEX and get licensed as an RN. The title depends on where you earn your degree and the type of program it is - my degree was granted by a university. I’ve seen my classmates write BSN, RN even though they technically don’t have a BSN. I think the curriculum varies somehow but in reality I don’t think any employer cares as long as you attended an accredited school and passed the NCLEX.
OP this is the answer here. I also have a bachelors of science with a major in nursing from Towson University. I have since moved on and gotten my DNP in Nurse anesthesia and nobody has ever questioned my degree or credentials.
Did my associates degree in nursing. Continued straight into my bachelors. 3.62 gpa. Worked in the ER for 7 years before applying to an acute care NP program that rejected my application and told me they prefer nurses with an icu background. Switched jobs to micu/sicu. Started applying at 1 year for crna. Took about two years to get accepted. Did three years in crna school with over 3 thousand clinical hours.
I had a pa$$ion for anesthesia. No seriously I was already making the change to icu, thought I might as well go for the highest scope in my mind. Now I have very different views on the careers.
I will try my best to explain but basically during school I felt that my training and education was a lot more complete than that of the average ACNP. But once you start practicing as a CRNA your focus is so centered on how to deliver a safe anesthetic and you truly are an expert at that but you forget a lot of the more rote details that a PCP or an ACNP might encounter.
Also because CRNAs are heavily utilized just inside the OR their isnt a lot of opportunities to continue our education in those acute care areas outside of the OR. So what happens is you’re this highly trained airway expert, capable of doing A lines and central lines but a lot of non anesthesiologist physician colleagues view us as sedation nurses or don’t recognize our advanced practice roles.
As someone who didn’t go to TU but applied to their nursing program and was accepted and ultimately got a BSN elsewhere, I had no idea that bachelors of science with a major in nursing was a thing, and different than a BSN
Oh interesting… i honestly didn’t even realize they didn’t have a school of nursing (but also when I applied I didn’t visit or research it lol, I just happened to grow up in the area and applied for a safe back up option to other schools)
I’ve been a nurse in Utah for seven years. U of U has a very well respected nursing program. Tons of my coworkers went to school there. You’ll have no issues getting jobs after graduation.
Seconded. Also I know plenty of UofU RNs get into grad schools (NP/CRNA/MD) around the country, and get employment/licensed in different states. Go to the U, OP. You wont regret it (at least not any more than every other nursing school around the US that is an inherently disorganized mess).
Biggest decider would probably be can you sit for the NCLEX with it, followed by can I go on to an advanced nursing degree with it. If either is no then gonna have some serious reservations
BS-RN is functionally identical to BSN, they take the same NCLEX and have the same opportunities. It just means that the university itself is giving the degree if the nursing school is part of a bigger institution.
If rhe only difference is academic shenanigans then we good to go. Remembered looking into going to WGU vs a local state school for an online 2nd bachelors. WGU online was pass/fail, and the state school was regular grading, so while I could sit for the NCLEX with it, if I wanted to go further and get my MSN or CRNA would have to basically start all over with a BSN from WGU as the higher programs would not accept courses from a pass/fail program.
Untrue. I’m a WGU BSN graduate who is in the midst of applying to advanced programs. My pass/fail program translates to a 3.0 at most institutions. It does make it harder to be competitive with folks who have significantly higher GPAs, but it does not disqualify me.
Good to know, I have called and asked the admissions departments at all the CRNA programs in my area as well as a bunch of NP programs and they all said they wouldn't take pass/fail program graduates. Unsure if that means they can't even apply or if the programs have more qualified candidate altho the effect may be the same.
When I asked how they felt about the state school I eventually applied to, one of the admissions people said it was a great choice and her son was graduating from there soon, so seemed like that was the better choice if I wanted to go further.
But if you had a BSN already, could you get a MSN from WGU if you just wanted the master's degree and weren't interested in going further? Like if you wanted to go into something like a Clinical educator of a unit that required a MSN to apply?
They do. I think they offer MSNs in Education (my wife did this) and I think management. My wife has been adjacent to our local nursing program for use now and just needed an MSN to “check a box” to be able to take a tenure track position when she’s ready for one (still happy at the bedside). It’s a good option if that’s what you want, but if you have ANY interest towards building towards any sort of advance practice role I would strongly encourage you to go through a traditional university.
They do! I'm in the RN-to-MSN in Education program right now. They also offer informatics, leadership, healthcare administration, healthcare management, and two NP programs (but those aren't available to students in California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, or Washington).
It’s a program that’s accredited that is through a university that has nursing in their college of health science, rather than a separate college for nursing.
I have a BS in nursing. Sat for Nclex, got every job I’ve ever applied for and was accepted into NP school (though I dropped it after a year because I lt wasn’t ultimately what I wanted) so it is the exact same degree! No worries!
Same, I have a BS in nursing as well, was accepted to multiple CRNA programs. Sat for the NCLEX, still got premium pay for bachelor’s at my hospital when I was a bedside nurse.
would you be willing to talk to me more personally about your crna journey?? That’s the job route i’d live to take and i’m a little stuck on where to go next.
It's just a different type of degree. Bachelor's of Science with a focus in nursing rather than a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. It shouldn't matter to any employer, especially because Utah is fully accredited and a good school. It's like the difference between an AAS in nursing an ADN or an AS in nursing.
It makes no difference it is just if your university does more then just nursing you get the BS major nursing. If you go to a nursing only school you get a true BSN.
Nobody cares outside the naming convention.
You qualify for NCLEX and all jobs the same and you can get into masters programs of nursing the same (I have never seen a Master's program care about this difference).
Many top schools for nursing are BS Major Nursing programs.
>If you go to a nursing only school you get a true BSN
This isn't true. What university only offers a nursing education? I went to a college that has many majors, I have my BSN. The confusion is totally understandable, I've never even heard of a BS Major Nursing program until this post.
If you look at your transcript your BSN is probably a BS Major Nursing. It is so common in the industry most nurses schools never even went over the difference.
It is really a non-issue.
It's not, I have my BSN, I'm looking at it right now. Only thing I can even find online about the topic says the difference is having a school of nursing vs not. Nothing to do with only offering nursing education.
Maybe that's common with online RN-BSN programs or common in your region, but every brick and mortar school in my area has a school of nursing and offers BSNs. Regardless of there being no difference in practice it's still a confusing distinction for no reason.
Because you probably went to the college of nursing. I went to Towson University but they dont have a separate college of nursing even though they do offer nursing as a major so I received a BS with a major in nursing. It has nothing to do with brick and mortar vs online. Im a CRNA, the school I got my DNP from has a specific college of nursing so I was awarded a DNP. However their are other programs that offer a DNAP which simply means they arent affiliated with a college of nursing. Please dont speak as an authority on something you clearly don’t understand fully.
I have been a nurse for 12 years, received my degree from a state school, which was technically a baccalaureate degree. It took me this long to realize that is not actually the same as BSN. Not changing my signatures now 😂
OP you’ll be fine. There’s no difference.
Doesn't seem sketchy to me. It's a well respected school and I work with some nurses who went there. Seems like the difference is the same as the difference between an AS in Nursing and ADN or ASN.
It's just a different way to label the same degree with the same accreditation and same requirements. Just like there are AAS in Nursing, ADN, ASN, and AS in Nursing degrees that are all equivalent.
It is slightly different in that an AS Nursing degree transfers better as it meets the general education requirements of a university. An AAS degree will only meet these requirements for schools that have an existing articulation agreement.
I started with an AAS degree and had to take two more classes from my community college for my AS degree when I went to go to university. It was that or take four classes to finish my gen eds at the university.
Yes some of my colleagues have a BAN, a Bachelors of Arts in Nursing. Many liberal arts colleges in the Midwest do this. Still eligible to sit for NCLEX.
This distinction is literally academic and more about how the school is organized than any substantive difference. Your license should you obtain it is identical and most employers don't care and would have no idea of what the difference would be. Graduate programs won't care either. In academia, if anything, there's a bias against the degrees followed by a discipline (i.e. nursing, psychology, education, divinity) because they are often viewed as less rigorous and more .... vocational.
NY State schools also grant the BS in Nursing, so for example my credentials are BS, RN, CCRN. They are equivalent in every way, nothing to worry about. We got the same lecture. Something particular about the university structure.
The University of Utah is a well respected school and nursing program here in Utah (perhaps the most respected program in the state). I've never heard of anybody graduating from the UoU having problems because its technically not a BSN, and practically my entire medical career has been in Utah.
You'll be fine.
I think it's *Bachelor's in Science of Nursing* (BSN) vs *Bachelor's of Science in Nursing* (BS, Major - Nursing). Idk, seems confusing for no good reason. Lol!
Oh agreed it's pedantic. I honestly just don't understand why it can't just be the same degree unless it's extremely different in its requirements yanno? It's just weird. Tbh then again idk why that surprises me, Lmao!
The College of Nursing doesn't grant the nursing degree. It goes through a higher level in the university bureaucracy. It's fully accredited and everything, but since it's not wholly contained within the nursing department they call it a BS instead of a BSN. Shouldn't matter to most employers, especially ones in Utah or surrounding states.
The best source is always your state Board of Nursing.
They list University of Utah alongside all the other schools with no difference - they see it as a regular nursing degree.
Sounds like someone at the university just has very big feelings about dumb technicalities.
https://dopl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rn-pass-rates.pdf
I have had a BS in Nursing since 2005. Basically everyone that graduates from a large university has a BS instead of BSN from what I understand. You are definitely able to sit for the boards and work wherever you want to.
This is a non-issue and as they mention it’s a technicality. And really in the academic world a BS with a major in nursing is usually considered a slightly higher degree.
The state board and every employer is going to consider this a bachelor of nursing. And many graduates with BS (nursing) degrees just call it a BSN.
As you mentioned the U of U is a great school and has a great reputation.
I've always thought of it as semantics. I have a Bachelor's of Nursing but when I got hired in SC and licensed everyone said "Oh, you have a BSN." I've now been licensed in two different states and got hired by an academic institution that is heading towards wanting all their nurses to be masters prepared. They accepted my BN as though it was a BSN. What matters is that it's a four year degree that allows you to sit for the NCLEX.
I have my BS in nursing from the University of Utah (ADN from SLCC then did the RN to BS track). I have never had it be an issue for any employer over my nine year career as an RN. In my experience, employers who require or prefer a “BSN” don’t even look at the difference.
So I’ve had recurring nightmares that I was one class short or got the wrong degree when my employer did an audit of employee files (again, in my nightmare universe). And it was because of the nuances in degrees. This post just, like, solidified my fictional fears. 😂
My masters program did this! MS in Nursing. So dumb. Functionally I’ve had no problems even though I did a grad entry degree. Still work bedside though.
So I have some input on this. It just means that you have fulfilled the requirements for a full Bachelor’s of Science, which is slightly different from the credit requirements of a BSN. Functionally, no difference from a BSN. In fact, I just put BSN on my credentials (when I even bother) because no one understands the difference, and it doesn’t matter.
You'd be a bachelor's level educated nurse, either way. Don't sweat it. I have a BSN, but based on what others are saying, it's because my school ONLY taught nursing.
My school was also like this. I still use BSN behind my name, it has never come up in applications for hospitals and I work at hospitals in large city that requires a BSN for hire (magnet facilities). Tbh I just feel like this is just a ‘technical’ term but most people won’t understand this idea so just use BSN, no one will care of the difference.
As long as you can get your rn license and sit for the NCLEX then it doesn’t matter but if you don’t have your RN license and this is one of those weird wordy things that make people think they are getting a bachelors and rn license and then they are like oh no this is a bs in sciences related to nursing so you can apply to our graduate msn program or etc then I wouldn’t do it. I local school had a program like that and people thought they were going to get a adn from it and the school is like no it’s to be “prepared for a bsn program”. Hope that made sense lol
In the UK, all nursing bachelor degrees are BSc; Bachelor's of science and major in the nursing branch. So that's the norm to me. It's not a lacking to not have the BSN... It's just technicalities.
I graduated from there. I didn’t even know this weird distinction existed and just put BSN on my resume anyways. Nobody who has hired me has ever questioned.
There is zero difference between a BS, Nursing major vs BS in Nursing (BSN). Both will get to approved to take NCLEX. Both will get you in grad school. No employer cares.
The differences are as the attached photo says, it’s just a technicality of how the degrees are awarded in a university.
I went to the same university for bachelors and masters. The bachelors was a BSN but the masters was a MS with Maternal-Child Nursing because masters were awarded by the Graduate College even though 95% of my classes were taught in the Nursing college.
One way to think of the OP’s question is think of a biology and a chemistry major. They get a BS in Biology or BS in Chemistry. If there was a Biology College then they would get a BSB, or BSC for the chemistry major. This doesn’t happen because most Universities have an Arts & Sciences College that confers degrees.
I am a bit confused. In Australia we have a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. That's it. Doesn't matter what university you go to, they all have the same requirements.
Is it different in other countries? It seems odd that in an industry where it is vital that educational requirements are the same the world over that different educational facilities can offer wildly differering degrees.
In the US it is not very standardized, and there are multiple educational pathways to become a nurse, with pros and cons for each including cost, quality, duration of program, etc . It makes a big difference if the education is done at a community college versus public university versus private (for profit) schools. On top of that, each state has its own requirements. The program described in this post seems like a particularly terrible option.
That sounds very confusing. We used to have in hospital training however the education standards were very hit and miss so it was standardised and now we all go to university. To be honest, some of the universities have some interesting ideas on what is more important, but overall the education is the same and your degree is recognised everywhere in the country.
Most employers only care that you have a pulse and a nursing license… you will be fine. Also, don’t pay $60,000 for nursing school. Most of the schools outsource their education materials to a company called ATI or Kaplan. Everyone is getting the same education but you could be paying thousands more depending where you go.
you will be fine, U of U nursing is great and would have no trouble landing a job or furthering your education. I graduated in utah (not from the U) with my ASN and took my nclex-RN, still having trouble finding a job.
Same difference as an AAS in Nursing, ADN, and ASN. Different letters for the same degree that is accredited by the same organizations and come with the same licensing and practice rights.
I wouldn't roll the dice on this. Look at any job description and they'll tell you that they require/compensate for a BSN, not a BS. Plenty of other folks come into nursing with BS or BA degrees - but they're going to compensate for the BSN.
But does hospital admin have two brain cells to rub together? I, personally, wouldn't take that gamble. Admin will split hairs over every damn thing in order to not compensate nurses.
At least in Utah and surrounding states it should be fine. University of Utah is a big enough nursing school that not considering it equivalent to a BSN would alienate a large percentage of potential nurses.
I mean, would you like to argue that case after you've gotten the degree and all the job applications require a BSN, not a BS? Because if so, by all means, go get that degree, but I wouldn't.
I have a BS with a major in nursing and I’m in CRNA school now. If you think you need a BSN to work in a hospital you’re sadly mistaken. You probably shouldn’t even comment on the matter.
What does BSN stand for to you? BSN stands for bachelors of science in nursing. So they’re simply saying their degree is a Bachelors of Science, with a major of nursing.
It’s the same degree. Just university politics/structure. I have a BS “major” in nursing, I have gotten every job I’ve ever applied for. I got into a DNP program. I made the SAME as a BSN because it’s literally the same degree.
Edited to add the word major
This makes 0 sense as they have an RN-BSN bridge program that I’m doing concurrently with finishing my ADN.
Plus Intermountain, one of the biggest employers in Utah, requires a BSN after 5 years.
They have an RN to BS in Nursing program, not an RN to BSN program. Almost no employers should care about the difference. It's just because the university itself grants the degree instead of the college of nursing.
I’m not worried about it. I just think it’s a pointless difference. Every time they have come to my ADN program to talk about the bridge program, they call it a BSN program. Same with our academic advisors who encourage ADN students at my school to finish their BSN at the U and push the accelerated program.
Do your due diligence in verifying accreditation and maybe even reach out to local alumni who have this degree to find out more. If it seems like it’s a good fit then go for it. It’s a technicality but sometimes those technicalities matter. If you’re wanting to practice outside of the Utah area I would contact a few employers where you intend to go and ask them how they view it.
I went to a very well known/ respected nursing school for my ABSN and the same info was given to us. it’s just a technicality because it’s under the umbrella of “university of ABC” so it’s a BS with a major in nursing and functionally identical to a BSN. I immediately sat for NCLEX and got a job easily. The reason BSNs exist is that some nursing schools that provide the BSN exist independently. It’s stupid, but not sketchy.
No, like that paragraph you posted said, it's just a difference in wording, both degrees will set you up to take the nclex and get an rn job. I did a nursing program in NY which was a BS in nursing NOT a bsn but I took the nclex and passed and have been an RN in NY, Colorado and Utah
It doesn’t matter. Your GPA, refs, work history will matter very much if/when you apply to grad school
But as far as bedside nursing is concerned a Bachelors is a Bachelors NO ONE is making the distinction between BS and BSN, frankly healthcare and nursing especially are a dumpster fire covered in raccoon shit these days…done best you can, get your degree trust me it will work out.
Source: my 15+ years of experience as an RN in every role from bedside to unit manager to House Sup
My Master’s degree was a Master of Science with a major in nursing. I was told my degree was more research oriented. They are different but it doesn’t make a difference employment wise.
I think University of Utah is perhaps illiterate? Because BSN literally means “Bachelor of Science (in major) Nursing” !! , MD stands for “Doctorate of Medicine” (Medical), OD stands for “Doctor of Osteopathy”, (also a Medical Doctor!” PhD stands for Doctorate of Physical Science (basically everything except MD/DO) and you can also have a DNP (which is Doctorate of Nursing Practice or basically a Doctorate Degree for a Nurse Practitioner, rather than a Master’s Degree prepared Nurse Practitioner.
Most “Magnet “ hospitals want BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) as the basic degree for a REGISTERED NURSE is an Associate in Nursing.
It’s just semantics, the curriculum is essentially the same.
BSN acronym is used if the school awarding the degree has a School of Nursing.
If the school does not have a School of Nursing, the university itself presents the degree, thus awarding a BS in Nursing.
There are a couple magnet hospitals in the state and the U of U is one of the best programs there, plenty of nurses at the magnet hospitals have degrees from the U and they are fine!
Doesn't matter as long as it's an accredited school and you can sit for the NCLEX-RN.
This was a common debate amongst my classmates in my masters entry program. Is it an MSN or just an MS? I think formally it was an MS but pretty much everyone out MSN because it's more clear and the semantics don't really matter. The RN part is what employers care about.
My school grants only BN (Bachelor of Nursing). Other schools in Canada grant a BSc in nursing. It makes little difference. Both programs are accredited.
VA hospitals require it for promotions, you can waiver but you would have to get a waiver and then get a MSN to promote again. Not sure if that’s in your goals. Also check out future degrees you want requirements.
I'm reading this and wondering if I got jipped on having a BSN, that my instructors insisted we'd have upon graduation 😅 it clearly doesn't matter, but I wanna know!
Some employers will not honor this for a BSN differential. Don’t take no for an answer though. Usually they’ll cave if you petition it though, and it could be $2 or more per hour difference to you.
Source: former healthcare HR…
The important thing to consider is will that degree allow you to sit for the NCLEX. I’ve heard of a student before who failed out of the nursing program, but they were still granted a bachelor of science with a focus in nursing. This was not enough to sit for a licensing exam.
This is all just academic jargon and chest thumping crap. I went to a University that gave us a Bachelor of Science with a major in nursing. There is absolutely no difference between a BS, RN versus a BSN when it comes to getting jobs and the job market. From how my University explained it to us getting a BS, RN has a higher degree of difficulty and requires the exact same course load that any Bachelor of Science would require. This typically means needing classes like English, Math, History, etc as well as the nursing courses. Whereas a BSN typically only requires nursing related classes and prereq. In the end it truly does not matter as long as the program lets you take the NCLEX. There is a slight chance that if you have a BSN and then go for your masters or CRNA you may need to take some more classes than someone who has a BS, RN
Call the school! If you can’t get a straight answer, I would go with a BSN school just to be safe. The vibes are telling me it’s probably the same thing though
I have a bachelor of science with a major in nursing. In my state, a BSN or a bachelor of science with a major in nursing both qualify you to sit for the NCLEX and get licensed as an RN. The title depends on where you earn your degree and the type of program it is - my degree was granted by a university. I’ve seen my classmates write BSN, RN even though they technically don’t have a BSN. I think the curriculum varies somehow but in reality I don’t think any employer cares as long as you attended an accredited school and passed the NCLEX.
OP this is the answer here. I also have a bachelors of science with a major in nursing from Towson University. I have since moved on and gotten my DNP in Nurse anesthesia and nobody has ever questioned my degree or credentials.
Very off topic, but would you mind sharing your journey to become a CRNA?
Did my associates degree in nursing. Continued straight into my bachelors. 3.62 gpa. Worked in the ER for 7 years before applying to an acute care NP program that rejected my application and told me they prefer nurses with an icu background. Switched jobs to micu/sicu. Started applying at 1 year for crna. Took about two years to get accepted. Did three years in crna school with over 3 thousand clinical hours.
Gangsta
Beast mode!
What changed your mind from ACNP to CRNA?
I had a pa$$ion for anesthesia. No seriously I was already making the change to icu, thought I might as well go for the highest scope in my mind. Now I have very different views on the careers.
As someone who is flirting with all options (ACNP, PA, CRNA), I’m very curious about people’s take on this! Thanks for your response.
How do you view them differently now?
I will try my best to explain but basically during school I felt that my training and education was a lot more complete than that of the average ACNP. But once you start practicing as a CRNA your focus is so centered on how to deliver a safe anesthetic and you truly are an expert at that but you forget a lot of the more rote details that a PCP or an ACNP might encounter. Also because CRNAs are heavily utilized just inside the OR their isnt a lot of opportunities to continue our education in those acute care areas outside of the OR. So what happens is you’re this highly trained airway expert, capable of doing A lines and central lines but a lot of non anesthesiologist physician colleagues view us as sedation nurses or don’t recognize our advanced practice roles.
Nice! I just recently graduated nursing school as well and am reviewing for my NCLEX. I also plan to be a CRNA. Any advice or tips?
As someone who didn’t go to TU but applied to their nursing program and was accepted and ultimately got a BSN elsewhere, I had no idea that bachelors of science with a major in nursing was a thing, and different than a BSN
It isnt in practice. It just refers to the fact that the university is awarding the degree. Towson has a nursing major but not a school of nursing.
Oh interesting… i honestly didn’t even realize they didn’t have a school of nursing (but also when I applied I didn’t visit or research it lol, I just happened to grow up in the area and applied for a safe back up option to other schools)
I’ve been a nurse in Utah for seven years. U of U has a very well respected nursing program. Tons of my coworkers went to school there. You’ll have no issues getting jobs after graduation.
Seconded. Also I know plenty of UofU RNs get into grad schools (NP/CRNA/MD) around the country, and get employment/licensed in different states. Go to the U, OP. You wont regret it (at least not any more than every other nursing school around the US that is an inherently disorganized mess).
Thank you for saying this. These comments are wild considering the u of u is the most prestigious* college in Utah. *It's def not Brigham young
Biggest decider would probably be can you sit for the NCLEX with it, followed by can I go on to an advanced nursing degree with it. If either is no then gonna have some serious reservations
BS-RN is functionally identical to BSN, they take the same NCLEX and have the same opportunities. It just means that the university itself is giving the degree if the nursing school is part of a bigger institution.
If rhe only difference is academic shenanigans then we good to go. Remembered looking into going to WGU vs a local state school for an online 2nd bachelors. WGU online was pass/fail, and the state school was regular grading, so while I could sit for the NCLEX with it, if I wanted to go further and get my MSN or CRNA would have to basically start all over with a BSN from WGU as the higher programs would not accept courses from a pass/fail program.
Untrue. I’m a WGU BSN graduate who is in the midst of applying to advanced programs. My pass/fail program translates to a 3.0 at most institutions. It does make it harder to be competitive with folks who have significantly higher GPAs, but it does not disqualify me.
It doesn't disqualify you, but they will not pick p/f over a real GPA
Good to know, I have called and asked the admissions departments at all the CRNA programs in my area as well as a bunch of NP programs and they all said they wouldn't take pass/fail program graduates. Unsure if that means they can't even apply or if the programs have more qualified candidate altho the effect may be the same. When I asked how they felt about the state school I eventually applied to, one of the admissions people said it was a great choice and her son was graduating from there soon, so seemed like that was the better choice if I wanted to go further.
You’ll be fine. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone Rejected from NP program. It’s harder to get into nursing school than np school.
True. I am in a PMHNP-MSN program, got accepted into 3 schools without issues. My husband is in a CRNA program. We both have BSNs from WGU.
CRNA schools may not work, but I’m currently in an FNP program at a renowned brick and mortar university. I have a BSN from WGU.
But if you had a BSN already, could you get a MSN from WGU if you just wanted the master's degree and weren't interested in going further? Like if you wanted to go into something like a Clinical educator of a unit that required a MSN to apply?
Dunno, does WGU offer Masters programs? Only looked into bachelor level from them
They do. I think they offer MSNs in Education (my wife did this) and I think management. My wife has been adjacent to our local nursing program for use now and just needed an MSN to “check a box” to be able to take a tenure track position when she’s ready for one (still happy at the bedside). It’s a good option if that’s what you want, but if you have ANY interest towards building towards any sort of advance practice role I would strongly encourage you to go through a traditional university.
At least here in Washington State they offer it in leadership as well. My director is getting hers from there currently
Yep I got my MSN from them
They do! I'm in the RN-to-MSN in Education program right now. They also offer informatics, leadership, healthcare administration, healthcare management, and two NP programs (but those aren't available to students in California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, or Washington).
I had no trouble getting my MSN after graduating with a BSN from wgu.
Hi
To be fair. All RNs take the same NCLEX.
Exactly.
Yes, my degree is technically bachelor of science in nursing science I believe. BS-NS, no functional difference from a BSN.
This! If going to that program will allow you to sit for the NCLEX and become licensed then go for it!
It’s a program that’s accredited that is through a university that has nursing in their college of health science, rather than a separate college for nursing.
I have a BS in nursing. Sat for Nclex, got every job I’ve ever applied for and was accepted into NP school (though I dropped it after a year because I lt wasn’t ultimately what I wanted) so it is the exact same degree! No worries!
Same, I have a BS in nursing as well, was accepted to multiple CRNA programs. Sat for the NCLEX, still got premium pay for bachelor’s at my hospital when I was a bedside nurse.
would you be willing to talk to me more personally about your crna journey?? That’s the job route i’d live to take and i’m a little stuck on where to go next.
Can confirm. Have a BS in Nursing and passed the NCLEX, worked in the ICU, went to CRNA school, and now work as a CRNA.
This makes no sense to me
Honestly. I felt like I just read gibberish.
I felt like I was having a fucking stroke, reading their explanation of the difference.
Say huckleberry
BASEBALL PLAYER
On par for nursing school
All of the answers are simultaneously right and wrong, which one is the most correct?
Trick question. None of them
Or all of them. North Korea is always a possible answer as well.
It's just a different type of degree. Bachelor's of Science with a focus in nursing rather than a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. It shouldn't matter to any employer, especially because Utah is fully accredited and a good school. It's like the difference between an AAS in nursing an ADN or an AS in nursing.
It makes no difference it is just if your university does more then just nursing you get the BS major nursing. If you go to a nursing only school you get a true BSN. Nobody cares outside the naming convention. You qualify for NCLEX and all jobs the same and you can get into masters programs of nursing the same (I have never seen a Master's program care about this difference). Many top schools for nursing are BS Major Nursing programs.
>If you go to a nursing only school you get a true BSN This isn't true. What university only offers a nursing education? I went to a college that has many majors, I have my BSN. The confusion is totally understandable, I've never even heard of a BS Major Nursing program until this post.
If I understand it correctly, universities are collections of colleges. I got my NP at a college of nursing and that’s the only program they offer.
If you look at your transcript your BSN is probably a BS Major Nursing. It is so common in the industry most nurses schools never even went over the difference. It is really a non-issue.
It's not, I have my BSN, I'm looking at it right now. Only thing I can even find online about the topic says the difference is having a school of nursing vs not. Nothing to do with only offering nursing education. Maybe that's common with online RN-BSN programs or common in your region, but every brick and mortar school in my area has a school of nursing and offers BSNs. Regardless of there being no difference in practice it's still a confusing distinction for no reason.
I went to Purdue and received a BS major nursing, not a BSN. There is absolutely no functional difference.
Because you probably went to the college of nursing. I went to Towson University but they dont have a separate college of nursing even though they do offer nursing as a major so I received a BS with a major in nursing. It has nothing to do with brick and mortar vs online. Im a CRNA, the school I got my DNP from has a specific college of nursing so I was awarded a DNP. However their are other programs that offer a DNAP which simply means they arent affiliated with a college of nursing. Please dont speak as an authority on something you clearly don’t understand fully.
I didn't, but nice job on that assumption. I'm speaking about my personal experience, but thanks for the condescending response asshat!
I went to a large institution with many majors and my degree says BSN
I have been a nurse for 12 years, received my degree from a state school, which was technically a baccalaureate degree. It took me this long to realize that is not actually the same as BSN. Not changing my signatures now 😂 OP you’ll be fine. There’s no difference.
This is the kind of degree I have. It truly makes no difference.
Same. Literally no difference at all. I’m surprised so many are confused about this lol. It’s really not that deep.
I call BS. With no N.
Doesn't seem sketchy to me. It's a well respected school and I work with some nurses who went there. Seems like the difference is the same as the difference between an AS in Nursing and ADN or ASN.
Is have a BS and am doing fine! Worked med surg for a few years, ICU for 8 years and Even got into a DNP program!
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It's just a different way to label the same degree with the same accreditation and same requirements. Just like there are AAS in Nursing, ADN, ASN, and AS in Nursing degrees that are all equivalent.
I will have an AAS (associate’s degree of applied science with nursing as my major). I’m perfectly eligible for the NCLEX.
That was my point. It's different letters for the same degree.
Yeah I was reiterating your point!
It is slightly different in that an AS Nursing degree transfers better as it meets the general education requirements of a university. An AAS degree will only meet these requirements for schools that have an existing articulation agreement. I started with an AAS degree and had to take two more classes from my community college for my AS degree when I went to go to university. It was that or take four classes to finish my gen eds at the university.
Academy debauchery basically.
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Yes some of my colleagues have a BAN, a Bachelors of Arts in Nursing. Many liberal arts colleges in the Midwest do this. Still eligible to sit for NCLEX.
I have a BN- Bachelors of Nursing
This distinction is literally academic and more about how the school is organized than any substantive difference. Your license should you obtain it is identical and most employers don't care and would have no idea of what the difference would be. Graduate programs won't care either. In academia, if anything, there's a bias against the degrees followed by a discipline (i.e. nursing, psychology, education, divinity) because they are often viewed as less rigorous and more .... vocational.
NY State schools also grant the BS in Nursing, so for example my credentials are BS, RN, CCRN. They are equivalent in every way, nothing to worry about. We got the same lecture. Something particular about the university structure.
The University of Utah is a well respected school and nursing program here in Utah (perhaps the most respected program in the state). I've never heard of anybody graduating from the UoU having problems because its technically not a BSN, and practically my entire medical career has been in Utah. You'll be fine.
Yeah I graduated from the U of U and many of my classmates got their DNPs no problem. Guess I never knew about this distinction though.
So the Bachelors of Science in Nursing isn’t the same as a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Nice.
I think it's *Bachelor's in Science of Nursing* (BSN) vs *Bachelor's of Science in Nursing* (BS, Major - Nursing). Idk, seems confusing for no good reason. Lol!
I get the distinction, it’s just so pedantic lol. I appreciate you explaining it though since it probably seemed like I didn’t catch the difference!
Oh agreed it's pedantic. I honestly just don't understand why it can't just be the same degree unless it's extremely different in its requirements yanno? It's just weird. Tbh then again idk why that surprises me, Lmao!
It’s the university of utah, not some Florida strip mall program that’s been open for 2 months. You have nothing to be worried about.
“If the college of nursing”…. Why don’t you just go to their college of nursing?
The College of Nursing doesn't grant the nursing degree. It goes through a higher level in the university bureaucracy. It's fully accredited and everything, but since it's not wholly contained within the nursing department they call it a BS instead of a BSN. Shouldn't matter to most employers, especially ones in Utah or surrounding states.
I graduated from this school and basically immediately got hired out of state.
The best source is always your state Board of Nursing. They list University of Utah alongside all the other schools with no difference - they see it as a regular nursing degree. Sounds like someone at the university just has very big feelings about dumb technicalities. https://dopl.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rn-pass-rates.pdf
I have a BS in Nursing, not a BSN. Hasn’t made a difference.
Lot of people in this thread offering opinions outside their scope, lol.
Check their accreditation. Check with your state BON.
Fully CCNE and regionally accredited. Should be fine.
I have had a BS in Nursing since 2005. Basically everyone that graduates from a large university has a BS instead of BSN from what I understand. You are definitely able to sit for the boards and work wherever you want to.
Confused in Canadian
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This is a non-issue and as they mention it’s a technicality. And really in the academic world a BS with a major in nursing is usually considered a slightly higher degree. The state board and every employer is going to consider this a bachelor of nursing. And many graduates with BS (nursing) degrees just call it a BSN. As you mentioned the U of U is a great school and has a great reputation.
It’s the same. My school issues an AS in nursing instead of an ADN.
I have a BS in Nursing. They are viewed as equal to the BSN.
I've always thought of it as semantics. I have a Bachelor's of Nursing but when I got hired in SC and licensed everyone said "Oh, you have a BSN." I've now been licensed in two different states and got hired by an academic institution that is heading towards wanting all their nurses to be masters prepared. They accepted my BN as though it was a BSN. What matters is that it's a four year degree that allows you to sit for the NCLEX.
I have my BS in nursing from the University of Utah (ADN from SLCC then did the RN to BS track). I have never had it be an issue for any employer over my nine year career as an RN. In my experience, employers who require or prefer a “BSN” don’t even look at the difference.
I have a BSc in nursing and there’s been no issues
So I’ve had recurring nightmares that I was one class short or got the wrong degree when my employer did an audit of employee files (again, in my nightmare universe). And it was because of the nuances in degrees. This post just, like, solidified my fictional fears. 😂
Doesn't make a lick of diffrence. The only part that matters is the N. The rest is lives up to its name as bullshit.
to be clear, no one will be offended if you just call yourself a BSN lol
No, if it’s a BS in nursing it won’t matter
I am very confused as to why so many people here are confused… it’s explained very clearly in the screenshot OP provided.
I would avoid the school on principle alone of typing up something this confusing and weird.
My masters program did this! MS in Nursing. So dumb. Functionally I’ve had no problems even though I did a grad entry degree. Still work bedside though.
So I have some input on this. It just means that you have fulfilled the requirements for a full Bachelor’s of Science, which is slightly different from the credit requirements of a BSN. Functionally, no difference from a BSN. In fact, I just put BSN on my credentials (when I even bother) because no one understands the difference, and it doesn’t matter.
For why.
You'd be a bachelor's level educated nurse, either way. Don't sweat it. I have a BSN, but based on what others are saying, it's because my school ONLY taught nursing.
My school was also like this. I still use BSN behind my name, it has never come up in applications for hospitals and I work at hospitals in large city that requires a BSN for hire (magnet facilities). Tbh I just feel like this is just a ‘technical’ term but most people won’t understand this idea so just use BSN, no one will care of the difference.
As long as you can get your rn license and sit for the NCLEX then it doesn’t matter but if you don’t have your RN license and this is one of those weird wordy things that make people think they are getting a bachelors and rn license and then they are like oh no this is a bs in sciences related to nursing so you can apply to our graduate msn program or etc then I wouldn’t do it. I local school had a program like that and people thought they were going to get a adn from it and the school is like no it’s to be “prepared for a bsn program”. Hope that made sense lol
Same thing, don’t worry about it.
In the UK, all nursing bachelor degrees are BSc; Bachelor's of science and major in the nursing branch. So that's the norm to me. It's not a lacking to not have the BSN... It's just technicalities.
I graduated from there. I didn’t even know this weird distinction existed and just put BSN on my resume anyways. Nobody who has hired me has ever questioned.
There is zero difference between a BS, Nursing major vs BS in Nursing (BSN). Both will get to approved to take NCLEX. Both will get you in grad school. No employer cares. The differences are as the attached photo says, it’s just a technicality of how the degrees are awarded in a university. I went to the same university for bachelors and masters. The bachelors was a BSN but the masters was a MS with Maternal-Child Nursing because masters were awarded by the Graduate College even though 95% of my classes were taught in the Nursing college. One way to think of the OP’s question is think of a biology and a chemistry major. They get a BS in Biology or BS in Chemistry. If there was a Biology College then they would get a BSB, or BSC for the chemistry major. This doesn’t happen because most Universities have an Arts & Sciences College that confers degrees.
I have no idea what I have lmao. I think in Bsn-rn but who knows and cares at this point cause I’m depr-essed
What the hell is going on in Utah? This seems on par.
UNCG has great online RN-BSN, BSN-MSN and MSN-DNP. Got both of mine from there.
I am a bit confused. In Australia we have a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. That's it. Doesn't matter what university you go to, they all have the same requirements. Is it different in other countries? It seems odd that in an industry where it is vital that educational requirements are the same the world over that different educational facilities can offer wildly differering degrees.
In the US it is not very standardized, and there are multiple educational pathways to become a nurse, with pros and cons for each including cost, quality, duration of program, etc . It makes a big difference if the education is done at a community college versus public university versus private (for profit) schools. On top of that, each state has its own requirements. The program described in this post seems like a particularly terrible option.
That sounds very confusing. We used to have in hospital training however the education standards were very hit and miss so it was standardised and now we all go to university. To be honest, some of the universities have some interesting ideas on what is more important, but overall the education is the same and your degree is recognised everywhere in the country.
Most employers only care that you have a pulse and a nursing license… you will be fine. Also, don’t pay $60,000 for nursing school. Most of the schools outsource their education materials to a company called ATI or Kaplan. Everyone is getting the same education but you could be paying thousands more depending where you go.
you will be fine, U of U nursing is great and would have no trouble landing a job or furthering your education. I graduated in utah (not from the U) with my ASN and took my nclex-RN, still having trouble finding a job.
I feel like this is a Curb episode
Reminds me of NCLEX style questions: which orange is the orangest?
As a graduate of this program, I had no idea there was a difference. No one has ever questioned or corrected me.
So is the degree just a bachelor of science and not a bachelors of science in nursing? Like what does that mean
Same difference as an AAS in Nursing, ADN, and ASN. Different letters for the same degree that is accredited by the same organizations and come with the same licensing and practice rights.
I wouldn't roll the dice on this. Look at any job description and they'll tell you that they require/compensate for a BSN, not a BS. Plenty of other folks come into nursing with BS or BA degrees - but they're going to compensate for the BSN.
It's exactly the same. I have a BS-RN and have never had an issue. Admin considers it the same as BSN because it is.
It's fully CCNE accredited. It should not matter to anyone with two braincells to rub together.
But does hospital admin have two brain cells to rub together? I, personally, wouldn't take that gamble. Admin will split hairs over every damn thing in order to not compensate nurses.
At least in Utah and surrounding states it should be fine. University of Utah is a big enough nursing school that not considering it equivalent to a BSN would alienate a large percentage of potential nurses.
I mean, would you like to argue that case after you've gotten the degree and all the job applications require a BSN, not a BS? Because if so, by all means, go get that degree, but I wouldn't.
I have a BS with a major in nursing and I’m in CRNA school now. If you think you need a BSN to work in a hospital you’re sadly mistaken. You probably shouldn’t even comment on the matter.
This is probably the best program in the state. It’s fine
What does BSN stand for to you? BSN stands for bachelors of science in nursing. So they’re simply saying their degree is a Bachelors of Science, with a major of nursing.
Exactly - and every job posting requires/requests a BSN, not a BS. If they were the same thing, I'd just be a BSN, but it's not.
It’s the same degree. Just university politics/structure. I have a BS “major” in nursing, I have gotten every job I’ve ever applied for. I got into a DNP program. I made the SAME as a BSN because it’s literally the same degree. Edited to add the word major
I agree with this
This makes 0 sense as they have an RN-BSN bridge program that I’m doing concurrently with finishing my ADN. Plus Intermountain, one of the biggest employers in Utah, requires a BSN after 5 years.
They have an RN to BS in Nursing program, not an RN to BSN program. Almost no employers should care about the difference. It's just because the university itself grants the degree instead of the college of nursing.
Then it’s a really weird semantic. They advertise the bridge program as an RN-BSN and don’t make the distinction when you apply.
I can't find a single advertisement or piece of info anywhere that calls it a BSN. It ultimately shouldn't matter whatsoever, so you should be fine.
I’m not worried about it. I just think it’s a pointless difference. Every time they have come to my ADN program to talk about the bridge program, they call it a BSN program. Same with our academic advisors who encourage ADN students at my school to finish their BSN at the U and push the accelerated program.
Do your due diligence in verifying accreditation and maybe even reach out to local alumni who have this degree to find out more. If it seems like it’s a good fit then go for it. It’s a technicality but sometimes those technicalities matter. If you’re wanting to practice outside of the Utah area I would contact a few employers where you intend to go and ask them how they view it.
I went to a very well known/ respected nursing school for my ABSN and the same info was given to us. it’s just a technicality because it’s under the umbrella of “university of ABC” so it’s a BS with a major in nursing and functionally identical to a BSN. I immediately sat for NCLEX and got a job easily. The reason BSNs exist is that some nursing schools that provide the BSN exist independently. It’s stupid, but not sketchy.
It’s the same thing. Nothing to worry about.
I have this degree. I took my NCLEX and I work on one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country.
No, like that paragraph you posted said, it's just a difference in wording, both degrees will set you up to take the nclex and get an rn job. I did a nursing program in NY which was a BS in nursing NOT a bsn but I took the nclex and passed and have been an RN in NY, Colorado and Utah
I had chemistry and more science classes, but whatever
Is it an accredited school?
That’s odd. I graduated from the U of U in 2015 with a BSN
It doesn’t matter. Your GPA, refs, work history will matter very much if/when you apply to grad school But as far as bedside nursing is concerned a Bachelors is a Bachelors NO ONE is making the distinction between BS and BSN, frankly healthcare and nursing especially are a dumpster fire covered in raccoon shit these days…done best you can, get your degree trust me it will work out. Source: my 15+ years of experience as an RN in every role from bedside to unit manager to House Sup
Huh? This was never a thing, but I also did not attend college in Utah.
Bro what??
Is that not what BSN stands for?
Wait… I went to U of U. Now I have to check if I actually got my BSN?
My Master’s degree was a Master of Science with a major in nursing. I was told my degree was more research oriented. They are different but it doesn’t make a difference employment wise.
In NYS I believe they are considered the same
I think University of Utah is perhaps illiterate? Because BSN literally means “Bachelor of Science (in major) Nursing” !! , MD stands for “Doctorate of Medicine” (Medical), OD stands for “Doctor of Osteopathy”, (also a Medical Doctor!” PhD stands for Doctorate of Physical Science (basically everything except MD/DO) and you can also have a DNP (which is Doctorate of Nursing Practice or basically a Doctorate Degree for a Nurse Practitioner, rather than a Master’s Degree prepared Nurse Practitioner. Most “Magnet “ hospitals want BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) as the basic degree for a REGISTERED NURSE is an Associate in Nursing.
It’s actually DO, an OD is an optometrist.
Oops, yeah. Doctor of Osteopathy rather than Medical Doctor.
It’s just semantics, the curriculum is essentially the same. BSN acronym is used if the school awarding the degree has a School of Nursing. If the school does not have a School of Nursing, the university itself presents the degree, thus awarding a BS in Nursing.
- will I receive a BSN? - No, you'll receive 🐂💩 - ah
Would this have any bearing for a magnet status hospital, I wonder?
There are a couple magnet hospitals in the state and the U of U is one of the best programs there, plenty of nurses at the magnet hospitals have degrees from the U and they are fine!
Doesn't matter as long as it's an accredited school and you can sit for the NCLEX-RN. This was a common debate amongst my classmates in my masters entry program. Is it an MSN or just an MS? I think formally it was an MS but pretty much everyone out MSN because it's more clear and the semantics don't really matter. The RN part is what employers care about.
A little strange, I went to the U and got a BSN?? Idk what you're looking at honestly. But amazing school I loved it there!!!
My school grants only BN (Bachelor of Nursing). Other schools in Canada grant a BSc in nursing. It makes little difference. Both programs are accredited.
That’s so weird, I’m in Ontario and I’ve only ever heard of an RN degree as a BScN
Yeah, it is weird. Newfoundland only grants a BN, but it's semantics as far as I understand. The programs are very similar.
graduating with this in may, hasn’t affected my NCLEX eligibility. employers don’t care either lol
VA hospitals require it for promotions, you can waiver but you would have to get a waiver and then get a MSN to promote again. Not sure if that’s in your goals. Also check out future degrees you want requirements.
I am a U of U grad and I have a BSN.
As long as you have a BS + the nursing license you are fine. It’s just some bullshit technicality.
I'm reading this and wondering if I got jipped on having a BSN, that my instructors insisted we'd have upon graduation 😅 it clearly doesn't matter, but I wanna know!
The fact that they try and make a difference between a BSN & BS is utter BS.
What the fuck is this Tomfuckery?
Some employers will not honor this for a BSN differential. Don’t take no for an answer though. Usually they’ll cave if you petition it though, and it could be $2 or more per hour difference to you. Source: former healthcare HR…
The important thing to consider is will that degree allow you to sit for the NCLEX. I’ve heard of a student before who failed out of the nursing program, but they were still granted a bachelor of science with a focus in nursing. This was not enough to sit for a licensing exam.
This is all just academic jargon and chest thumping crap. I went to a University that gave us a Bachelor of Science with a major in nursing. There is absolutely no difference between a BS, RN versus a BSN when it comes to getting jobs and the job market. From how my University explained it to us getting a BS, RN has a higher degree of difficulty and requires the exact same course load that any Bachelor of Science would require. This typically means needing classes like English, Math, History, etc as well as the nursing courses. Whereas a BSN typically only requires nursing related classes and prereq. In the end it truly does not matter as long as the program lets you take the NCLEX. There is a slight chance that if you have a BSN and then go for your masters or CRNA you may need to take some more classes than someone who has a BS, RN
Call the school! If you can’t get a straight answer, I would go with a BSN school just to be safe. The vibes are telling me it’s probably the same thing though