What is ‘BSN in 10’? How New Education Laws Affect Your Nursing License
If you are a bedside nurse or a nursing student, you have likely heard the whispers in the breakroom about "BSN in 10." For some, it sounds like a helpful career roadmap; for others, it feels like a looming deadline that threatens their hard-earned license.
The nursing profession has been debating educational standards for decades, but the conversation moved from "recommendation" to "requirement" with the passage of groundbreaking legislation in New York. Understanding how these laws work—and whether they apply to you—is essential for protecting your professional future and ensuring you don't face a surprise license suspension.
What Exactly is the ‘BSN in 10’ Law?
The "BSN in 10" law refers to legislation that requires Registered Nurses (RNs) who enter the field with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 10 years of their initial licensure.
New York was the first state to officially sign this into law in December 2017. The goal is to elevate the educational standard of the nursing workforce, citing extensive research that shows hospitals with a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses have lower patient mortality and improved safety outcomes.
Who is Affected and Who is "Grandfathered" In?
One of the biggest sources of anxiety is the fear that veteran nurses will be forced back to school. However, the New York law includes a robust grandfather clause. Here is how the demographics break down:
Exempt (Grandfathered): If you were already licensed as an RN in New York on or before December 18, 2017, you are not required to get a BSN to maintain your license. This also applies to students who were already enrolled or pending acceptance into an associate or diploma program at that time.
Required: If you started your nursing education after the law went into effect, the clock starts ticking the moment you receive your initial RN license. You must complete your BSN within 10 years, or you will be unable to renew your registration to practice.
What Happens if You Miss the 10-Year Deadline?
In states like New York, the BSN is now a requirement for permanent licensure. If a nurse subject to this law fails to obtain their degree within the 10-year window, their license will not be renewed.
However, the law isn't entirely heartless. There are provisions for one-year extensions if a nurse can demonstrate a significant hardship or "extenuating circumstances" that prevented them from finishing the degree on time. But these are temporary fixes; the ultimate goal remains the baccalaureate degree.
Will Other States Follow Suit?
While New York is currently the only state with a fully enacted "BSN in 10" law, several other states, including New Jersey and Rhode Island, have considered similar bills.
The trend is clearly moving toward a more educated workforce. Even in states without a legal mandate, the healthcare industry is self-regulating:
Magnet Hospital Policies: Most hospitals seeking Magnet status (the highest credential for nursing excellence) already require their ADN hires to sign a contract promising to finish a BSN within 3 to 5 years.
Competitive Hiring: In major metropolitan areas, many health systems have stopped hiring ADN-prepared nurses entirely for acute care positions.
The Reasoning: Complexity and Patient Outcomes
Why the 10-year push? The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and other governing bodies argue that modern healthcare is too complex for a two-year degree. Nurses are now expected to:
Navigate highly advanced medical technology.
Analyze clinical data and participate in research.
Lead interdisciplinary teams and manage population health.
Understand the "Big Picture" of healthcare policy and economics.
Protecting Your Career: Proactive Steps
If you are a "post-law" nurse or work in a state considering similar legislation, don't wait until Year 9 to start your degree. Here is a strategy to stay ahead of the curve:
Audit Your Employer’s Benefits: Most hospitals offer tuition reimbursement. Some will pay for your entire RN-to-BSN program if you attend a partner university.
Look for Online, Asynchronous Programs: These are designed for working nurses and allow you to take one class at a time.
Monitor Legislative Changes: Follow your State Board of Nursing (BON) for updates on new education requirements.
The Bottom Line
"BSN in 10" is not about devaluing the incredible clinical skills of ADN nurses. It is about evolving the profession to meet the demands of a sicker, more complex patient population. By understanding these laws, you can turn a legal requirement into a strategic career move that increases your salary, your job security, and your ability to provide top-tier care.
Navigating the Path from RN to BSN: Your Guide to Career Growth and Higher Earning Potential