Being a nurse is about more than earning a paycheck—for many, it’s a calling. Nursing is a deeply rewarding profession that allows you to make a real difference in people’s health. As the healthcare landscape grows more complex, highly trained nurses are in greater demand than ever before.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow about 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Meanwhile, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reported that enrollment in entry-level BSN programs increased by 4.9% in 2023–2024, reflecting both strong student interest and continued industry demand (AACN, 2024).
Whether you’re beginning a new career or advancing your education, earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) sets you apart. This degree equips graduates with the knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills to thrive in today’s healthcare system. Here are four reasons why pursuing a BSN is one of the best steps you can take to build a rewarding nursing career.
1. More Employment Opportunities
Healthcare employers today increasingly prefer, or require, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In a national survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nearly 28% of employers reported requiring a BSN for new RN hires, and 72% said they strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses (AACN, 2024).
Further, hospitals that are working to achieve “magnet” designation from the American Nursing Association are more likely to hire a bachelors-program graduate, since that designation now requires 100% of nurse managers to hold a BSN, and on average about 50% of all nurses at these hospitals have BSN degrees.
For BSN students, this growing preference means more job opportunities, broader career paths, and greater long-term mobility after graduation.
2. Higher Income Potential
Nursing offers strong earning potential. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Nurses with a BSN, however, tend to earn 10% more on average than those who get licensed as an RN but only achieve an associate’s degree.
While exact salary differences vary by geography, facility type, and experience, higher education often correlates with higher pay. A BSN can also pave the way for higher-paying specialties such as nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner, which require a bachelor’s degree as a foundation.
3. Career Advancement Opportunities
While an RN license allows you to provide patient care, a BSN expands your professional options significantly. Many hospitals, government agencies, and healthcare organizations require a bachelor’s degree for leadership, administrative, teaching, or specialized clinical positions.
For instance, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest employer of nurses in the country, requires a BSN for all supervisory roles. Earning a BSN can also position you for graduate education and advanced certifications that open even more doors throughout your career.
4. More Comprehensive Education & Better Patient Care
BSN programs provide students with a more comprehensive education that leads to better patient care. While all nursing programs teach the fundamentals of patient care, BSN programs take it further, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of communication, critical thinking, leadership, public health, and evidence-based practice.
Research from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) shows that hospitals employing a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses have lower patient mortality and failure-to-rescue rates and demonstrate better diagnostic accuracy (AACN, 2024).
What to Look for in a BSN Program
When choosing a BSN program, you’ll want to consider factors such as:
- Accreditation & approvals: Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized body (such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and approved in the state(s) where you’ll study and practice.
- Clinical experience: Look into the types of clinical partnerships and experiences offered.
- Outcomes: Consider NCLEX-RN pass rates and job placement rates.
- Format & flexibility: Accelerated tracks and hybrid-online options may suit people with prior degrees or those looking to change careers.
- Support: Student services and mentorship can enhance your experience.
Should I Enroll in a BSN Program?
If you want a nursing career that offers opportunity, mobility, and meaningful day-to-day impact, earning a BSN is a smart choice. This degree not only helps you enter the profession but also prepares you to thrive in the future of healthcare.
Take the time to compare programs, ask about outcomes, explore delivery formats and consider how your career goals align. With a strong program and your commitment, you’ll set the foundation for a purposeful career in nursing.
Start Your Nursing Journey at Roseman University
Roseman University offers a CCNE-accredited Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program, allowing students to fast-track their nursing career in less than 18 months. With on-campus programs in Henderson, NV and South Jordan, UT, plus a hybrid-online learning format for those seeking flexibility, Roseman helps students prepare for success from day one.
Roseman ABSN graduates achieve outstanding outcomes, with a 91.22% first-time pass rate on the Next Gen NCLEX and 92.3% employment within six months of graduation, demonstrating the strength of Roseman’s mastery-based learning model and student support.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a fulfilling nursing career, learn more about Roseman University’s ABSN program and begin your journey today.