Program Overview
Earning a nursing bachelor’s degree prepares students for a rewarding and in-demand career in healthcare. This four-year program provides the knowledge, hands-on clinical training, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in nursing practice. Through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory simulation, and supervised clinical experiences across a range of health care settings, students gain expertise in patient care, health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing leadership.
A nursing bachelor’s degree is designed to prepare graduates for eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Completion of this bachelor’s degree in nursing provides the academic foundation and clinical competencies required for entry into professional nursing practice. Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health agencies, long-term care facilities, and other health systems. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, patient-centered care, and population health concepts to prepare students for today’s complex healthcare environment.
The nursing bachelor’s degree curriculum builds progressively from foundational sciences to advanced nursing care across the lifespan. Students develop clinical judgment, ethical decision-making skills, and leadership abilities that support safe and effective nursing care. As healthcare delivery continues to evolve, earning a nursing bachelor’s degree provides graduates with strong preparation for both immediate employment and future graduate study.
Understanding different nursing degree levels is important when planning a nursing career. While entry pathways into nursing vary, employers increasingly prefer or require a bachelor’s degree in nursing because of its expanded focus on research, leadership, and community health. This comprehensive academic preparation supports improved patient outcomes and expanded career mobility.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Nursing, BSNKU School of Nursing
The Bachelor’s in Nursing is part of the School of Nursing, a community of future health care leaders.Bachelor’s in Nursing Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the nursing bachelor’s degree program will:
- Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical judgment in delivering safe, evidence-based patient care.
- Apply evidence-based nursing practices and current research to improve patient and population health outcomes.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interprofessional healthcare teams.
- Exhibit leadership, accountability, and professionalism in diverse healthcare environments.
- Integrate ethical, legal, and regulatory standards into nursing practice.
- Utilize health information technology and data to support quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Nursing?
A nursing bachelor’s degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths in healthcare. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become registered nurses. According to Lightcast, registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing earn competitive wages and experience strong employment demand nationwide.
Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, schools, public health departments, long-term care facilities, and specialty practice areas. With experience, many nurses pursue leadership roles, clinical specialization, or advanced practice education. Salary potential can vary by region and specialty, but national data consistently shows strong earning power. National compensation data related to bachelor of science in nursing salary outcomes and projected BSN salary growth reflect the continued need for well-prepared professional nurses.
Common job titles for graduates include:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Critical Care Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Surgical Nurse
As healthcare systems grow increasingly complex, a nursing bachelor’s degree provides the comprehensive preparation employers seek when hiring professional nursing staff.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students afford their nursing education. Scholarships, grants, and loan programs are available to qualifying students. For more information, visit our Financial Aid site.Admission Requirements
Admission into the nursing bachelor’s degree program is competitive (admission is not guaranteed) and requires two years of undergraduate study at KU or another institution. Applicants must:
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75+ on a 4.0 scale
- Complete prerequisite courses
- Submit a nursing application
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students pursuing a nursing bachelor’s degree gain extensive hands-on experience through clinical placements in hospitals, community agencies, and healthcare facilities. Clinical education allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world patient care under the supervision of experienced nurse faculty and preceptors.
Simulation laboratories provide additional opportunities to practice assessment skills, medication administration, and emergency response in controlled environments before entering clinical settings. These immersive learning experiences strengthen confidence and clinical competence.
Beyond coursework, students may participate in service learning, research initiatives, and student organizations focused on professional development and advocacy. Engagement opportunities help students build professional networks while completing their bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Bachelor’s in Nursing Sample Courses
Students enrolled in the nursing bachelor’s degree program complete coursework that builds scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and leadership skills. Sample courses may include:
- Alterations in Physiological Functioning
- Basic Assessment and Clinical Skills
- Pharmacology
- Nursing in an Evolving Healthcare System
- Population Health, From Local to Global
Course sequencing integrates theory, laboratory instruction, and clinical practice to ensure graduates of the nursing bachelor’s degree are fully prepared for professional nursing licensure and practice. For a full list of required courses, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Nursing Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications deadlines for fall and spring terms are:
Fall:
- August 1: application opens
- November 1: priority deadline
- December 15: final deadline
Spring:
- March 1: application opens
- June 1: priority deadline
- July 15: final deadline
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years, after completion of undergraduate courses.