One can complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree by participating in a four-year program at an accredited college, or by completing a program that allows students to build on training that they have already received. In order to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree, one must assess one's current level of training, if any, and the choose the best program based on that assessment. There are many colleges and universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries that offer a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Some of these colleges and universities even offer course selections that can be completed online. There are also a number of programs that help students to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree by building on the courses that the students completed as part of a bachelor's degree in another field.
Students who are already working as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or even registered nurses (RNs) can also participate in programs that allow them to build on the training that they have completed in order to complete Bachelor of Nursing degrees. A Bachelor of Nursing degree is also called a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These degrees that allow LPNs and RNs to complete bachelors degrees in nursing are called "LPN to BSN" and "RN to BSN." A Bachelor of Nursing degree for a person who has a bachelor's degree in another field is called a "second degree BSN."
There are some schools that offer Bachelor of Nursing degree programs that can be completed online. These programs often require students to spend some time in a medical office or hospital as part of an externship program. This offers the students important hands-on training that prepares them for the medical workplace. In these cases, the schools usually give the students assistance in finding an externship in their areas.
Some students choose to participate in accelerated Bachelor of Nursing degree programs. These programs allow students to complete course work and other degree requirements more quickly than students who are simply participating in a traditional four-year program. One of they key ways that these programs work is by offering courses during times of the year when most schools are not in session. By taking courses over the summer and during the winter holiday, students can complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree in much less time than it takes other students to complete a traditional four-year bachelor's degree.