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by Jaguar Boy

Hello everyone,

I'm a pre-nursing student in Ontario, Canada and I'm hoping to eventually do a Master's of some sort. Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between a "Bachelor of Science in Nursing" and a "Bachelor of Nursing" degree? Also, does anyone know if it makes a difference for entrance to a Master's or Nurse Practitioner program?

[Fiona59]

Re: BScN vs BN

What is a "pre-nursing" student?

Are you still in high school?

[Jaguar Boy]

Re: BScN vs BN

Originally Posted by Fiona59

What is a "pre-nursing" student?

Are you still in high school?

Hi Fiona59,

I've actually got a University degree. I had originally intended to go to medical school, so I took undergraduate science courses (Bio and Chem, Orgo and Biochem) as well as courses in Psychology and Music. I've been out in the working world for about 5 years and have decided to return to an accelerated 2 or 3 year nursing program. I noticed that most universities grant a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, but one of the college/university collaborative programs grants a Bachelor of Nursing. I'm not sure of my ultimate goal, but I'd like to keep my options open for a Master's.

I call myself a "pre-nursing student" since I'm taking a prerequisite course required by the accelerated programs.

Do you happen to know the difference?

[elmar22]

Re: BScN vs BN

Originally Posted by Jaguar Boy

Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between a "Bachelor of Science in Nursing" and a "Bachelor of Nursing" degree?

The former includes so called science subjects (i.e. Organic Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics etc) in its curriculum while the latter includes all nursing subjects. Here in Australia, there is no such thing as "Bachelor of Science in Nursing". Universities here only offer "Bachelor of Nursing". The main reason is that advanced science subjects are thought in high school and when you are accepted as a Nursing university student, it is assumed that you already have a knowledge of these subjects. As a result, starting from first year Nursing, you concentrate on ALL nursing subjects (NURS 101, NURS102..etc)-no Chemistry, biology, etc. This is also the reason why "Bachelor of Nursing" is a three year course here in Australia. I believe other countries offer "Bachelor of Science in Nursing" which is a four year course but most of their first year subjects consist of science subjects or some other useless subjects.

[Jaguar Boy]

Re: BScN vs BN

It's me again...I did find out the difference and thought I'd post just in case someone else has the same question.

A BScN is considered to be a Science degree while a BN is considered an arts degree. One is more science oriented than the other. As far as I know right now, both are accepted by most grad schools.

[elmar22]

Re: BScN vs BN

Originally Posted by Jaguar Boy

A BScN is considered to be a Science degree while a BN is considered an arts degree.

I'm just wondering...If BN is considered an arts degree, why then is the title BN and not BAN (since there is a Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) for a postgraduate title). BSN (undergraduate) and MSN (graduate) are post nominal awards for science oriented nursing degrees... they make sense to me... but a BN and MAN for arts oriented titles...well, where is the "A" in the BN if its considered an arts degree?

[Jaguar Boy]

Re: BScN vs BN

Hmm...I'm not sure, but I suppose if the BN was referred to as BAN, it would be much more logical and I wouldn't have had to wonder about it in the first place.