RN vs BSN: What's the Difference and Which is Right for You?

Registered nursing licensure is one of the first stepping stones to the nursing profession. The two nursing degrees that lead to RN licensure are an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

Often simply called RN, ADN pathways are much shorter than BSN. With both degrees leading to the same licensure, we must ask, what is the difference between RN and BSN?

This guide explores RN vs. BSN differences, including detailed definitions of each degree and tuition, program length, and salary discrepancies. Read on to discover which of these pathways suits your career goals.

RN stands for registered nurse. In this context, it refers to a nurse with an ADN degree or, less commonly, an RN diploma. 

ADN-RN Degree

Associate Degrees in Nursing take two to three years to complete. You can usually attend these programs at community colleges or vocational schools. Upon graduation and state licensure, students have all the tools necessary to practice as a registered nurse.

Program Length	2-3 Years
Salary	$79,000 annually or $33.46 per hour (Payscale)
Credit Hours	50-70 (Varies by program)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma or GED equivalent Minimum high school GPA High school chemistry and biology with minimum grade requirements Achieve program-specific standards for SAT/ACT math scores Pass the HESI entrance exam with a minimum score Pass a criminal background check

 

RN Diploma

RN diploma programs are a much less common pathway to licensure. They are hospital-based nursing programs that prepare students for the NCLEX and licensure but do NOT award a degree.

These programs are significantly shorter than ADN and BSN degrees. Also, credits may not transfer to a formal university program, meaning students must start over if they pursue a degree.

Program Length	1-2 Years
Salary	$72,000 annually or $25.12 per hour (Payscale)
Credit Hours	40-50 (Varies by program)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma or GED equivalent Minimum high school GPA High school chemistry and biology with minimum grade requirements Achieve program-specific standards for SAT/ACT math scores Pass the HESI entrance exam with a minimum score Criminal background check, drug screen, and physical Mental health exam

 

Like an ADN, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for RN licensure. Expanding on the clinical curriculum of an ADN, the 4-year degree incorporates nursing theory and leadership. Many professionals, including potential employers, consider it the gold standard in RN education. 

Program Length	4 Years
Salary	$96,000 annually or $36.99 per hour (Payscale)
Credit Hours	120-140 (Varies by program)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma or GED equivalency Minimum high school GPA Meet GPA requirements for prerequisite courses Minimum ACT/SAT scores High school and/or transfer transcripts Earn minimum score on HESI and/or TEAS Letters of recommendation Admissions interviews Criminal background check, drug screen, and physical

 

>> Related: What Degree Do You Need to Be a Nurse?

RN refers to an ADN degree or RN diploma, and a BSN is a 4-year bachelor's level degree. While these programs prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), they're starkly different programs.

In this section, we'll explore the differences between RN and BSN in nursing.

1. Curriculum

RN and BSN programs largely focus on the same clinical skills. However, BSN programs also teach expanded skills in critical thinking, leadership, theory, and research. These expanded skill sets are invaluable to the profession and prepare BSN graduates for advanced education, should they pursue it.

2. Career Opportunities

ADN and BSN nurses are qualified to work in various bedside and non-bedside nursing jobs. Registered nursing licensure spawns several unique career opportunities, from hospitals to private clinicals and home care.

However, because employers seek out nurses with a BSN degree, ADN nurses may have a more difficult time securing desirable positions. The additional education afforded by a BSN gives graduates a leg up in a competitive job market. It also prepares them for advancement opportunities in a healthcare system, like moving into administrative and leadership roles.

3. Advanced Education

The BSN curriculum prepares nurses for graduate studies, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). ADN nurses can still pursue higher education by earning a BSN or finding bridge pathways, like RN-MSN programs.

The primary difference is that pursuing an MSN as a BSN is more streamlined and accessible. RN-MSN bridge programs are less abundant and can take longer than a traditional MSN because they incorporate BSN education.

According to Payscale, nurses with a BSN degree can earn an average annual salary of $96,000 or $36.99 per hour, while a nurse with an ADN degree can earn $79,000 annually or $33.46 per hour. 

Why the Pay Discrepancy?

Although ADN and BSN-RNs share the same level of licensure, they receive different salaries. Although all nurses start at entry-level bedside positions, BSN nurses have more advancement opportunities. 

BSN-RNs may enter leadership, managerial, or advanced roles with higher salaries. Additionally, some hospitals value the expansive BSN education and pay more for it in entry-level positions. Thus, BSN-RNs may start on a higher "step" than their ADN-educated counterparts.

When deciding between your ADN and BSN, it can be helpful to consider the pros and cons of each degree. 

From your budget to time constraints to what future career opportunities are important to you, there are specific advantages and disadvantages to choosing an ADN or a BSN. Let’s take a closer look at each one. 

Pros and Cons of an Associate Degree in Nursing 

 

Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

 

Earning an Associate's Degree in Nursing permits you to enter the field quickly. You'll begin earning experience in less time than your BSN counterparts, but is it worth forgoing the additional education?

The American Association of Colleges of Nurses has also considered phasing out ADN programs completely for several years. While that decision is nowhere near happening, it does speak to the professional reception of ADN vs. BSN education. 

Considering that certain hospitals preferentially hire BSN-RNs, earning an ADN does put you at a disadvantage. For example, larger teaching and Magnet hospitals often only hire BSN-prepared nurses. 

Associate degrees in nursing may also limit your ability to advance your career, as graduate nursing programs often require a BSN degree for entry.

There is no single right answer when choosing between an ADN and a BSN degree. The "right" program is the program that is right for you. You must consider your immediate resources and long-term goals and weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Considering Your Goals and Needs

If you're a busy parent with an immediate need to earn an income, the local community college's ADN program may make the most sense. You can quickly enter the nursing field and take your time advancing to a BSN after getting your licensure.

Conversely, if you want to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, earning an initial BSN will put you on the most direct path to that goal. Assuming you can commit to the timeline and support yourself through the program, pursuing a bachelor's could be your best choice.

Bottom Line

We urge you to consider your options, including time, finances, and other obligations, and look at your long-term career goals before deciding between an ADN or BSN program. 

• Is an ADN the same as an RN?

  • ADN and RN are not the same thing. An ADN is a 2-year nursing degree, while an RN is a level of nursing licensure awarded to those who pass the NCLEX-RN and meet state requirements. However, the term "RN" is often used to refer to an ADN-educated nurse.

• Which is better, RN or BSN?

  • A BSN degree is a better option because it will open more career opportunities, including administration, leadership, and more streamlined entry into graduate programs.

• What can a BSN do that an RN Cannot?

  • Nothing, BSN-RNs and ADN-RNs have the same licensure level and scope of practice. Earning a BSN puts nurses at hiring, salary, education, and promotion advantages, but doesn't award them a higher licensure. 

• What is the salary difference between a BSN and an RN?

  • According to Payscale, nurses with a BSN degree can earn an average annual salary of $96,000 or $36.99 per hour, while a nurse with an ADN degree can earn $79,000 annually or $33.46 per hour.