Nursing major
Nursing: courses, careers, and where to study
Nursing prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers as Registered Nurses — combining biomedical sciences with clinical rotations across hospital units.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the most common entry point into Registered Nursing. Programs include 1.5–2 years of pre-nursing prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, psychology) followed by 2 years of nursing major coursework with clinical rotations. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
The BSN is increasingly the preferred credential — many hospitals (especially Magnet-designated ones) now require it. Students starting at a community college can complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) and then bridge to a BSN through an RN-to-BSN program. The BLS projects 6 % growth in RN roles over the next decade, with persistent national shortages.
What you'll study
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology and pharmacology
- Adult health, pediatric, maternity, mental-health, and community nursing
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing research and evidence-based practice
- Clinical leadership and management
- Health assessment and physical examination
- 700–1,000+ hours of supervised clinical rotations
Typical careers
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- ICU Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- OR / Surgical Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner (with MSN)
- Clinical Nurse Manager
Starting salary range: $66,000–$95,000 starting (BLS registered nurse median $86,070)
Find a Nursing program
CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Nursing programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting — no account required.
Related majors
Health Sciences
Health Sciences is a broad pre-professional major for students preparing for medical, dental, PA, PT, or pharmacy school — combining biology, chemistry, and patient-care exposure.
Biology
Biology is the foundational pre-health major — covering molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of living systems.
Psychology
Psychology majors study human cognition, behavior, and emotion — preparing graduates for clinical, research, business, and human-services careers (and graduate school in clinical, counseling, and I/O psych).