A Full Comparison Between ADN vs BSN Nursing Degrees

• There are several avenues to becoming a nurse. Two-year programs. Four-year programs. RN to BSN programs. 
• The two main direct paths are either an ADV or BSN nursing degree. 
• When deciding which route is best for you, it is important to understand the differences between ADN vs BSN options. Nursing CE Centrals provides a thorough breakdown below. 

ADN vs BSN Nursing Degrees

When deciding to become a nurse, it is important to fully understand the type of training and educational requirements as they can affect and shape the entire path of one’s career.   

Many choose an associate degree in nursing (ADN) while others pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

When one considers the differences, educational level, and requirements of nurses, the following are important to consider in order to have an accurate understanding: 

• What is an ADN? 
• What is a BSN?  
• What are the main differences between ADN vs BSN degrees?
  

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) typically consists of a two-year program that helps an individual to pursue a Registered Nurse (RN) designation and have the opportunity to work in healthcare.  An ADN program provides one with the basic skills needed to become a nurse such as administering patient care after successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).   

ADN nurses work alongside Registered Nurses who have obtained a four-year bachelor’s degree and are able to provide the same care for patients but are typically not able to specialize or take on leadership roles/responsibilities.  

The following lists the main responsibilities among nurses with ADN degrees: 

• Taking patients’ medical histories and recording any symptoms 
• Administering medications such as vaccines 
• Consulting with physicians and healthcare team members 
• Assisting with diagnostic tests and analyzing results  
• Educating patients and families on how to properly manage a condition or injury 

These responsibilities will consistently be a part of a registered nurse’s day no matter the educational level or degree that a nurse possesses.  ADN nurses can work in physician offices, nursing care facilities, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and patients’ homes.  The job outlook for ADN nurses is promising and is projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate in the years to come.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) is a four-year bachelor’s degree completed at a university or college that offers a much broader education than an associate degree.  Often, the BSN offers many more possibilities for those pursuing a nursing career.   

A few of the benefits include a higher salary, increased job offerings, and advancements within a workplace.   

Even though both the associate degree and the bachelor’s degree prepare education and training needed to pass the NCLEX exam and work as a Registered Nurse, a BSN dives deeper by building on the concepts from the associate degree and takes one’s skills and education to the next level.   

There are many programs that allow nurses without a bachelor’s degree to continue their education and earn the required credits needed for the bachelor’s degree.   

It is known as the RN-to-BSN program and allows a working RN to complete the remaining BSN courses that are required.  The increased length of study required for a BSN allows nurses to participate in more advanced procedures while under a doctor’s supervision, and to also manage or supervise other nurses.   

After completion of the BSN, nurses can go a step farther if desired for higher positions by completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which can prepare one for some of the higher paying nursing jobs.   

A BSN program also focuses on developing skills that focus on issues such as research, management, leadership, and social sciences.  Once these nurses undergo this type of program, they are better equipped to deal with both the professional and cultural issues that nurses encounter.

The Differences Between ADN vs BSN

While both ADN and BSN both offer degree options for Registered Nurses, they differ considerably.   

Both degrees are important when working as a Registered Nurse but there are some differences noted.   

The following discusses the main differences noted between the two to assist individuals with making the decision between an ADN vs BSN degree. 

Education

Earning an ADN typically indicates obtaining education from a community college or technical college for two years.  BSN degree programs typically take four years to complete and include more in-depth courses.

The higher-level classes provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to handle more complex and  tasks and responsibilities.  Both ADN and BSN students must pass the NCLEX and meet additional requirements in order to become licensed.   

Career Oppurtunities

Nurses with an ADN can work in a hospital, physician’s office, or other medical facility providing patient care.  There are also other nursing opportunities for those with an ADN such as care coordinating, clinical associate, and home health. 

Nurses with a BSN have the same opportunities as those with an ADN but also have more advanced job opportunities such as education, informatics, managers and administrators, legal, and OR nurses. 

The jobs that a BSN can perform have more complex responsibilities and can be more challenging but are still rewarding.   

Salary & Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average overall salary for nurses is $77,600 per year.  Of course, the range can vary based on where one works, one’s experience, and one’s educational level. 

Many facilities now require a BSN for entry-level education requirements, but of course this requirement varies by organization.  Increased healthcare demands are expected to provide a steady need for RNs in the coming years.  There are many organizations that are offering a higher salary for those with a BSN degree versus an ADN degree.   

The Bottom Line

As one can easily see, an ADN vs BSN ultimately lead to the same goal of becoming a Registered Nurse; however, the two routes have some major differences.  If a nurse has the desire to obtain a more in-depth education, higher paying positions, and more job opportunities in specialized areas, a BSN is the way to go.   

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2021-2031. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers that have retired, transferred to different occupations, or left the work force. 

Read More