With over three million Registered Nurses employed in the United States, it’s clear to see why RNs are considered the frontrunners—and the backbone—of the medical team. On an average day, a Registered Nurse can be found assessing patients’ symptoms, administering medications, setting up care plans, performing diagnostic tests, as well as educating and comforting families during times of need. RNs have a vast scope of work and must be well-versed on all facets of patient care. It’s no wonder, then, why more employers are seeking nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Nurses with a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) are considered highly-competent in their field and, in turn, often experience stronger patient outcomes.

Whether you are considering becoming a nurse for the first time, or are a seasoned RN looking to advance your education, there are many reasons to pursue a BSN degree. However, you may be wary of a four-year program. Typically, bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete—and the nursing field is no exception. However, there are flexible options available, depending on your current level of experience and education. In fact, some types of BSN programs can be completed in two years or less.

Can I Get a BSN in Two Years, as a New Nurse?

In a critical field like nursing, where others’ lives are in your hands, staying in school for the full extent of your degree program is important. Nursing programs are carefully designed to prepare students for all that may come their way in a healthcare setting, including emergency situations, complex patient conditions, critical procedures, advanced laboratory testing, and medication administration. So, if you are brand new to nursing and just entering college for the first-time, you will need to enroll in an entry-level nursing program and complete its entirety.

Entry-level nursing programs combine classroom and clinical training, to give aspiring nurses the skills they need to succeed in medicine. If you are new to nursing, without prior college experience, you have two options to earn a nursing degree: the associate degree in Nursing program (two years) or a traditional, BSN program (four years). These programs will cover introductory and necessary science courses like Anatomy, Psychology, Physiology, Sociology, and Microbiology. After passing these courses, you can move into your fundamental nursing coursework and advanced patient care topics. All of this is essential to complete your nursing program and become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

It is worth noting that you do not need a BSN degree to pursue your RN license. An associate degree in Nursing is the standard requirement in the field. However, many nurses choose to go back to school for their BSN, or enroll in an entry-level BSN program with goals of career advancement down the road.

What If I Have a Bachelor’s Degree in Another Field – Is a BSN in Two Years Possible?

Yes! This is one exception for new nurses aspiring to earn their Bachelor’s in Nursing degree. If you already have your bachelor’s degree in another field, even if it is unrelated to health and medicine, you can earn your BSN degree on an accelerated timeline. Accelerated BSN programs, commonly called second-degree nursing programs, are available for aspiring RNs with prior education under their belts.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs vary in length. At Goodwin University, students can earn their BSN in less than two years. In fact, with a full-time schedule, you have the opportunity to complete your BSN in as few as 16 months at Goodwin University. This is because we count your prior college education towards your latest coursework, allowing you to check off many prerequisites and earn your BSN degree fast. In order to qualify for this program and earn your BSN in two years’ time, you must meet a handful of requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
• Earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the most recent college coursework.
• Complete certain courses with a ‘C’ or better prior to applying, including Chemistry and Lifespan Development. Must also complete Biology prerequisite courses with a ‘C+’ or better.

Accelerated BSN programs cover many of the topics covered in an entry-level nursing program. However, the pace of the program is intensified in order to get working students into careers they love. If you are considering an ABSN program, know that the coursework is intensive and comprehensive, but will allow you to graduate with your BSN in two years.

I Am a Licensed RN and Looking to Earn My BSN in Two Years—Is It Possible?

Yes! If you are a Registered Nurse and hold a license to practice, you can advance your education through an RN-to-BSN degree program. RN-to-BSN programs are designed for already-working nurses, and are therefore very flexible in class scheduling and time to complete. While program length can vary by school, your BSN degree can be completed in less than two years through an RN-to-BSN program.

At Goodwin University, RN-to-BSN students can graduate with their BSN in as few as 16-months part-time. Unlike an ABSN program, this program option is part-time to accommodate the busy nurse’s work schedule. It is also offered in a fully online format, for nurses who cannot make it to class in-person.

RN-to-BSN programs are quick because they are focused on advancement. With your experience in patient care, you will not be required to complete introductory nursing courses. Rather, you can skip ahead to upper-level BSN courses like Health Assessment, Public Health Nursing, Clinical Nursing Leadership, and Healthcare Policy. RN-to-BSN programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge to become a leader in the field and find upward mobility in your current nursing career. RNs who pursue their BSN degree are often seen as highly-dedicated, highly-skilled nurses who therefore qualify for advanced job opportunities and greater earning potential. And in less than two years, you can get there!

Start Towards Your BSN Degree Today

If you are seeking a flexible, affordable, and accelerated option for your BSN degree, know that you have options. At Goodwin University, seasoned RNs can complete the RN-to-BSN program in just 16 months part-time. Aspiring RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can complete the ABSN program in 16 months full-time. Or, if you are a new nurse just getting started, an associate degree in Nursing is always an option for you.

Interested in learning more about our nursing programs? Visit us online to request more information, or call our admissions team at 800-889-3282 to learn more.