What Is a BSN Degree Program in Nursing?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is an undergraduate academic program designed to help students prepare for professional nursing practice through a combination of nursing theory, clinical learning, leadership concepts, and evidence-based care¹. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, many students explore the BSN degree program as a pathway to develop foundational nursing knowledge while preparing for expanded responsibilities within clinical and community settings.

What Is a BSN Nurse?

A BSN nurse is an individual who has completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and meets applicable licensure requirements to practice as a registered nurse (RN)². While licensure determines whether someone can practice nursing, the BSN degree focuses on academic preparation that supports broader nursing competencies.

Students pursuing a BSN degree study topics such as patient-centered care, nursing research, public and community health, health informatics, ethics, and leadership in healthcare systems. This curriculum is designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills that are relevant across a variety of healthcare environments.

The BSN degree is also designed to provide academic grounding for nurses who later choose to pursue graduate-level nursing education.

What Is the Difference Between RN and BSN?

Understanding the difference between RN and BSN is a common question for individuals exploring nursing education². An RN, or registered nurse, refers to a professional license granted by a state board of nursing. Licensure eligibility typically requires completion of an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN examination.

A BSN, by contrast, is an academic degree—Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While some RNs enter the field with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), others pursue a BSN degree either as an initial pathway or through an RN-to-BSN program. The BSN degree emphasizes additional coursework in leadership, research, population health, and healthcare policy, which extends beyond the foundational clinical training required for licensure.

Rather than representing competing pathways, RN licensure and BSN education serve complementary roles. Licensure permits nursing practice, while the BSN degree supports expanded academic preparation and long-term educational flexibility.

What Do BSN Nurses Study?

BSN nursing programs are structured to provide both breadth and depth in nursing education.¹ BSN nursing curriculum commonly includes anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing assessment, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and maternal-child health. Many programs also integrate coursework focused on healthcare systems, nursing leadership, and research literacy.¹

Clinical learning experiences are typically embedded within the curriculum to allow students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. These experiences support skill development in patient communication, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration.

Through this academic preparation, students earning a BSN degree work to develop a well-rounded understanding of nursing practice within complex healthcare environments.

Accelerated BSN Nursing Programs

Accelerated BSN nursing programs build on prior academic coursework and focus intensively on nursing-specific studies. Accelerated formats may follow a structured, full-time schedule and are academically rigorous. While program length and structure vary by institution, accelerated BSN nursing programs are often explored by individuals seeking a focused transition into nursing education.

In addition to accelerated pathways, online and hybrid BSN degree programs may offer flexibility for students balancing academic study with professional or personal responsibilities. Online coursework can allow students to study nursing concepts remotely while completing required experiential components according to program guidelines.

How to Earn a BSN Degree at CalSouthern University

California Southern University offers an online BSN degree program designed to support students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through flexible, distance-based learning. CalSouthern's degree program emphasizes evidence-based curriculum, academic engagement, and student-centered support within an online learning environment. CalSouthern BSN nursing prerequisites include Graduation from an Associate Degree in Nursing Program, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or a Nursing Diploma, and an active and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

Students enrolled in CalSouthern's BSN degree program study nursing theory, healthcare leadership, and population health concepts aligned with contemporary nursing practice. Online delivery allows students to explore course materials, participate in discussions, and engage with faculty while maintaining geographic flexibility.

Accreditation and regulatory alignment are essential considerations when exploring nursing education. Prospective students are encouraged to review CalSouthern's accreditation status and program disclosures to ensure alignment with individual educational goals and state requirements.

Exploring Whether Pursuing a BSN Degree Is Right for You

Deciding whether to pursue a BSN degree involves evaluating academic interests, long-term educational plans, and personal circumstances. For many students, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing supports deeper engagement with nursing science and could help prepare them for continued learning within the profession.¹

By understanding what a BSN degree is, how it differs from RN licensure, and how various program formats function, prospective students can make informed decisions about their nursing education. Exploring online BSN options, such as those available through CalSouthern University, may help students identify pathways that align with their learning preferences and professional aspirations.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. REQ2184035 1/2026

References

¹American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2023). The impact of education on nursing practice. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice. (viewed Dec, 15, 2025).

²National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2022). Licensure pathways and NCLEX overview. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/licensure.page (viewed Dec, 15, 2025).