Frequently Asked Questions

A bachelor's degree (or "baccalaureate degree") in nursing is a four-year degree that signifies you’ve been equipped with all the skills and competencies you need to offer excellent patient care. It includes nursing-specific coursework as well as Bethel's signature general education courses, all taught within a supportive, Christ-centered environment. Upon graduation from the program, you’ll have earned a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed nursing professional who has passed the NCLEX. The minimum education for an RN is a two-year associate's degree, but a four-year BSN includes broader, foundational learning; additional clinical hours; and more advanced nursing experience. A BSN is preferred for many positions, and some require it. Nurses with a BSN will also have the option to move into leadership positions or pursue graduate school. 

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a BSN program?

Any Bethel student may choose pre-nursing as a major (with the designation PRN) and begin taking general education courses that apply to the nursing major. Once you're a student, you must meet the following criteria and be accepted to the nursing program:

• Be admitted to Bethel University
• Achieve a cumulative Bethel GPA of 2.75, including in the required prerequisite science courses
• Earn a C or better for all prerequisite courses

Here's a complete timeline for admission to the nursing program, and the Bethel Catalog lists the current prerequisite courses for enrollment in the nursing major. If space is limited, not all qualified applicants may be admitted. 

What job opportunities are available after earning a BSN degree?

Healthcare is booming right now, and nursing is one of the most flexible career paths within this sector. With a bachelor's degree in nursing, you can serve in hospital roles, public health, schools, clinics, emergency rooms, home care, hospice and palliative care, or even the mission field. Because of the high demand for nurses in these diverse settings, you may be able to fit your role or schedule to your different interests of stages of life.

How long does it take to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?

A BSN is typically a 4-year undergraduate degree. Beginning college with PSEO or other credits, studying abroad, double-majoring or minoring may change your actual time to completion. Once you're a Bethel student, you'll work with a faculty advisor to map out required coursework and other experiences you'd like to incorporate into your Bethel journey, and estimate when you'll be able to graduate.

Can I complete a BSN program online?

There are some online BSN courses offered nationally, although most require an associate's degree before enrolling. Bethel offers a blended postbaccalaureate nursing program for those who have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and wish to switch professions. The hybrid format includes a mix of online and in-person experiences. 

Earning your BSN instead of a two-year associate's degree will provide you with a variety of benefits that aren’t always available to nurses with only their LPN or RN certifications. Employers often prefer to hire nurses with their BSN, and nurses with a BSN typically have higher earning potential, more career advancement opportunities, and ultimately a more comprehensive education, which results in better patient care.

What kind of clinical experiences do nursing students gain during their BSN program?

Hands-on learning is woven into all undergraduate nursing courses at Bethel University, with state-of-the-art simulation labs allowing students to experience the interactions that would actually happen with patients and family members at the bedside, as well as gain competency using standard clinical equipment. Students also complete off-campus clinical hours and have the opportunity to do local and international service learning in healthcare settings. 

Yes! Bethel offers a separate post-baccalaureate nursing program designed for those who already have an undergraduate degree and wish to pivot to nursing. After graduation from this accelerated nursing program, you'll take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and apply for your nursing license in the state you intend to practice nursing.

What is the earning potential for nurses with a BSN degree?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) shows 2023 median pay for registered nurses as $86,070 per year or $41.38 per hour. The industry is growing faster than average, with an additional 200,000 nurses needed nationally within the next decade. 

Earning your BSN will prepare you to offer more comprehensive patient care. In addition to practical nursing competencies, you’ll develop critical thinking skills and leadership skills. You’ll also have more career options, increased job security, and higher income potential than if you opt for a two-year associate’s degree.

How do BSN programs prepare students for the NCLEX® exam?

Bethel's nursing programs have been specifically created to prepare students well for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which tests standard nursing skills and knowledge and provides licensure for a career in nursing. Bethel has a 40-year track record of excellence in nursing, plus robust academic support services, tutoring, and study sessions, so you'll be well-equipped for the NCLEX! 

What skills are essential for a successful nursing career?

A great nurse must be able to think critically and make evidence-based decisions, sometimes within rapidly-changing or complex situations. Because of Bethel's faith- and ethics-based learning environment, you'll not only gain practical clinical skills, but also come to understand the nuances of the healthcare system, serve diverse populations with compassion and dignity, and integrate your personal faith with nursing practice. 

Are there any scholarships available for nursing students pursuing a BSN?

Yes! Bethel recently repositioned and simplified its undergraduate tuition, bringing the cost down for most students. There are also academic scholarships (based on GPA), legacy scholarships (for students who have a family member who has attended Bethel), federal grants and loans, and a number of donor-funded scholarships specifically for Bethel nursing students. Use Bethel's handy Net Price Calculator to estimate what you'll pay in Bethel University's nursing program.