Believe it or not, there are pros and cons to getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. While your earnings may be pleasing, the path to getting a job can be very difficult. So, let’s go over what we know and find out whether you should enroll or not.
What is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree?
This credential is also called a Bachelor of Nursing. It’s an academic degree in the science of nursing and an accredited school must grant it. Meanwhile, it takes the average student about three or four years to complete but there are ways to do it faster.
Bachelor’s degree programs for nursing teach a wide variety of different skills. In fact, course work generally includes the following things:
- Research
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Leadership Skills
- Humanities
- Biology
- Chemistry
Basically, this degree gives you a general education in the field of nursing. But, it’s important to note that further training is necessary if you plan to hold certain jobs.
The pros and cons of becoming a nurse
Nursing can be a very rewarding career. It’s also an essential service, especially these days. So, why doesn’t everybody get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree then? Good question. Here’s what you need to know before signing up for classes:
THE PROS
- You get to work in a respected profession.
- It’s easy to specialize your training for exciting career opportunities.
- Daily tasks vary widely enough to keep work interesting.
- You’re helping people feel better every day.
- The pay is usually very competitive.
THE CONS
- You’re frequently exposed to body fluids and other toxic materials.
- Most nurses work 12-hour days at demanding facilities.
- Some nurses feel underappreciated.
Choosing to become a nurse is honorable because it’s not an easy gig. It’s also not for the faint of heart (or stomach). So, talk to your admission counselor for more facts about this degree.
Tops jobs for Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees
Another advantage is that it’s rarely hard to find a job after earning a BS in Nursing from a good school. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are over 3 million qualified jobs in the field. Meanwhile, the average salary for this degree is around $77,000 a year. Plus, many healthcare facilities give out bonuses too.
With so many choices, it can tough to make the right call. So, here are the top 5 jobs for nursing graduates to consider:
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Research Specialist
- Quality Assurance Coordinator
- Medical Educator
- Public Health Advisor
You can also get your feet wet as a pharmacist to give yourself some more employable skills. Again, talk to your college advisors for some tips on which classes to take first.
The final verdict
You can graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as little as four years. And you can begin a high-paying job right after earning your credentials. Still, it’s a tough gig that’s not for everybody. So study hard and learn about the demands of the job because the world needs dedicated nurses like you.