Is it true? BS + RN does not = BSN?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 21, 2011

The answer is actually in your question. The "have a BS in Biology." The BS in Nursing is a comnpletely different degree. Therefore the only was to get a BSN is to go through a BSN program. You can not piece together or back into a BSN through any other method.

There is a way to piece together a BSN... but you have to have a prior Bachelor's, and an RN license... The process is simple: you take the coursework for the RN ->BSN upgrade AND hopefully you have enough transferable units (upper and lower division) that you don't have to take any more coursework... In my case, I should be able to get it done in 30 units after I get the RN.

anie10 · Jun 21, 2011

This thread is really making me take a close look at the schools I am narrowing myself down to.

I am taking the long route (was on UI for 2 years and need to get caught up on pension/IRA/benefits) AS in Spanish/Interdisciplinary (6/11) -> BA Interdisciplinary 12/11) -> MEPN/CNL... I think I can be done by 2015.

I never really noticed the difference when I looked at programs that had accelerated nursing programs. I never noticed whether it was BS in Nursing, B.S.N or an accelerated RN program requiring a previous BA/BS.

Turd Ferguson · Jun 21, 2011

Oooohhh... now I understand what you were asking!

:smackingf

miss81, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2011

Well I'll throw another one at ya... I'm a B.N. (NOT a BSN). My University had a School of Nursing that was 100% autonomous. Not affiliated with the science faculty. So, we did a 4 yr degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing!

nep1980 · Jun 21, 2011

not all BSN are the same as a previous poster said. Some is BS in Nursing while others are BSN. maybe thats what your daughter meant.
I got a BS in Nursing but im not sure how to put that behind my name yet. (anyone know about this)

Penn State graduates B.S. in Nursing not BSN just an FYI

JRP1120, RN · Jun 21, 2011

Same goes in MSN. I had a Professor in school that has an MN and not an MSN.

momtofore · Jun 21, 2011

Both the RN to BSN and accelerated BSN programs at the universities in our area all culminate in earning a BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is the case for three state universities and one medical school. So it seems it truly depends on the individual programs!

cokeforbreakfast · Jun 21, 2011

I graduated from a Bachelor's program but the university I went to was small and only had a "Department of Nursing" rather than a "School of Nursing", so I graduated with a B.S. in Nursing. I was told that only graduates from a university with a specific "School of Nursing", such as Johns Hopkins University, have a BSN. It's a technicality.

Exactly! Thank you.

Usually the smaller schools have a nursing department that is a subdivision of the school of science. Larger schools have a school of nursing, that is an entity unto itself.

Both are bachelors qualified nurses, and there is no distinction between the two.

RN, BS (bachelor of science) = BSN (bachelor of science in nursing).

jelly221,RN · Jun 21, 2011

There is a way to piece together a BSN... but you have to have a prior Bachelor's, and an RN license... The process is simple: you take the coursework for the RN ->BSN upgrade AND hopefully you have enough transferable units (upper and lower division) that you don't have to take any more coursework... In my case, I should be able to get it done in 30 units after I get the RN.

Be careful about this- a lot of schools will not let you just transfer in credits and receive a degree. Most schools have a requirement as to how many units must be taken at that school before awarding a degree. Just make sure you either read the catalog very carefully or speak with a counselor.

This thread is really making me take a close look at the schools I am narrowing myself down to.
I am taking the long route (was on UI for 2 years and need to get caught up on pension/IRA/benefits) AS in Spanish/Interdisciplinary (6/11) -> BA Interdisciplinary 12/11) -> MEPN/CNL... I think I can be done by 2015.
I never really noticed the difference when I looked at programs that had accelerated nursing programs. I never noticed whether it was BS in Nursing, B.S.N or an accelerated RN program requiring a previous BA/BS.

I would look at some of the posts on this forum re: Master's Entry nursing programs. These programs are not looked upon very well by hospital administrators/hiring managers, as there is less clinical time than even some ADN programs. No need to repeat all the info here, just search for Master's Entry.

Moogie · Jun 21, 2011

Well I'll throw another one at ya... I'm a B.N. (NOT a BSN). My University had a School of Nursing that was 100% autonomous. Not affiliated with the science faculty. So, we did a 4 yr degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing!

Some private colleges offer a Bachelor of Arts with a major in nursing. What I find interesting is that many classified ads for nursing jobs will specify that the employers want an RN with a Bachelor of Arts degree (with a major in nursing). Apparently the HR folks who place the ads aren't aware of the BSN, the BS with a major in nursing, or the BN.

And we wonder why people get confused! LOL!

ChrissybRN · Jun 21, 2011

I have a BS in another field. I went to an accelerated nursing school in which I received an assosiates of science in nursing (ASN). I do not have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Even though I already have a bachelors degree it doesn't have anything to to withy nursing degree. It just allowed me to attend an accelerated nursing program.

JoMark06 · Jun 21, 2011

I have a BS in Exercise Science from a traditional 4-yr university. I went back to school 12+ yrs later and got my BSN through an accelerated program. Whether or not your daughter ends up with a BSN depends on the school/program. Your questions will be best answered if you direct them to the school she is attending/planning to attend.

Best of luck to her!