Bachelor of Science with Major in Nursing versus BSN?!

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Hi all,

I recently passed my boards and accepted my first job, start in 9 days! :) I also am scheduled to start an online bachelor completion program this Monday (the 18th)

I was previously unaware that any bachelor's degree in nursing was anything other than a BSN, but apparently my program is a bachelor of science, major in nursing? The dean made sure to send out a message saying that we can use "BSN" as a credential when we graduate. She also says the ANCC shows that the BSN and the BS with a major in Nursing as the same degree for Magnet status purposes. I never knew there was such thing as two different ways to get a bachelor's degree, and this is somewhat of a concern... Is it different in any way? :confused:

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"The bachelor of nursing degree is a three- to four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for a career in nursing. Often the degree is required to gain "registered nurse", or equivalent, status—subject to completion of exams in the area of residence. Sometimes, though, the degree is offered only to nurses who are already registered. Alternate titles include bachelor of science in nursing and bachelor of nursing science, with abbreviations, BN, BNSc, BScN, BSN, BNurs, BSN, BHSc."

Bachelor's degree - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

vs

Bachelor of Science - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I don't think this is a distinction that any hiring manager anywhere is going to care about.

That said do be sure to check the accreditation of the program. Make sure it is accredited and that the particular accreditation is recognized by any schools or employers you're interested in for the future. There are lots of good and reputable online programs out there- but there are a few shady ones, too.

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Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

I'm confused. Did u think you were attending an ADN program but it turned out to be a BSN? I'm pretty sure a BSN and a bachelor of science, nursing major are the same thing. Why would the dean have to send out a letter? Did no one know what type of degree the program awarded?

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Sounds to me like a distinction without a difference.

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Specializes in Pedi.
Sounds to me like a distinction without a difference.

Agree. How is Bachelor of Science in Nursing any difference from Bachelor of Science with major in Nursing? If you have a BSN, it's because you majored in nursing.

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To clarify, I already have an ASN. I am an RN. I'm in an RN to BSN bridge program online, and I figured out the difference. I'll technically be BS(N), not BSN. I can't use BSN because the college doesn't grant BSN, it grants BS, major in Nursing. Yes, they're accredited by NLNAC. I got it all figured out after I posted this.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Historically, the difference in the titling of the degrees was related to the governance of the university and how it organized its divisions. In many cases, that is still the case.

BSN's and MSN's were offered by schools in which the nursing program was a separate professional school within the university system -- with a separate Dean and committee structure.

BS degress with a major in Nursing were offered by schools in which the nursing program was housed within a larger department of health sciences, etc. There was no separate Dean for just nursing, but rather a Dean over a division that offered several different majors. The nursing programs in such institutions fall under the governance/committee structure of the larger division unlike the schools that are separate professional schools with their own Deans and committees just for nursing.

Over the years, the lines have been blurred -- and the curricula have become the same.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

It probably reflects how your school is divided.

If a school has a separate school of nursing, they *may* issue Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

If a school has a 'School of Science' or some division like that with a nursing program within in it, they *may* issue a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing.

It has something to do with their regional accreditation, and I've heard it's hard for schools to switch between degree types.

I don't think anyone will care or notice the difference.

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I got a BS with a major in nursing. From what I was told by our dean, our degree has more science courses which which are equivalent to what all pre-health professionals would take. I am sure every school is different. I do not think hiring managers or lay nurses care much about the distinction, they see you as just having a bachelors.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

​What is a "lay nurse"?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I don't think anyone will care or notice the difference.

I know I wouldn't :nurse:

Most hiring managers will look at the transcripts to verify the completion of nursing courses.

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