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ADN vs. BSN: Which should you choose?
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First of all, let’s establish what each one stands for. A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while an ADN is an Associates Degree in Nursing. Both degrees lead to getting your RN but there are some differences between the two.
The main difference is the length of time and the amount of credits required to complete the program. An ADN typically takes 2 years to complete while a BSN will take 4 years to complete (including the time spent taking the prerequisites to enter the program.) There are also accelerated BSN programs (18-21 months) for students who have already obtained a previous Bachelor’s degree.
Both programs would include the following in their core curriculum: Adult health, Maternal and newborn nursing, and pediatrics. Psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and gerontological nursing are sometimes included as well. A BSN program would typically offer more courses in nursing theory, including nursing research, and nursing informatics, which is a field of study that examines how nurses use technology.
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Generally speaking, the starting rate is the same for an ADN or a BSN prepared nurse, but because many advanced positions require a BSN, the BSN prepared nurse does have the potential to earn more money. In 2006 the state of California conducted a survey of registered nurses. This survey showed that BSN prepared nurses have a mean income of $75,017 while ADN prepared nurses had a mean income of $70,804.
Advantages to taking an ADN program:
- It is usually less expensive
- It is less time consuming – You will become a nurse quicker
Advantages to taking the BSN:
- You will have more opportunities to advance to higher positions in nursing (for example as a nurse manager.)
- You will be prepared to enter a advanced degree program (for example, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist.)
How common is one over the other?
In the state of California in 2006, 46.6% of RN licenses were obtained through ADN programs, while 37.7% of RN licenses were obained through a BSN program. The rest of the RN licenses were obtained through hospital based diploma programs. This is a type of nursing program which is administered by a hospital. When completing a diploma program, one is eligible to sit for the NCLEX (the exam to become an RN), however, no degree is obtained.
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lauriefree
over 5 years ago
6 comments
I am currently pursuing my ADN. Community college is much more affordable for me than a 4 year university. I do plan to eventually get my BSN. Right now my goal is just to be able to get my RN. I am ready to be finished with school.
cateyes01
over 5 years ago
8 comments
HI, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF OR TECHNICIANS ARE ABLE TO TRAVEL AS WELL AS NURSE'S.
I AM GIONG TO SCHOOL NOW FOR NURSING, I MAY WANT TO CHANGE AND START AT LPN, I AM A PCT NOW, IS THERE ANY WAY THAT PCT'S CAN TRAVEL AS WELL? I AM SINGLE WITH NO CHILDREN AND I HAVE A WONDERFUL AMOUNT OF PATIENTS AND I LOVE WORKING WITH PEOPLE, I HAVE GREAT REFERENCES AND I WOULD LOVE TO TRAVEL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JILL MCNEY
cateyes01
over 5 years ago
8 comments
HI, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF OR TECHNICIANS ARE ABLE TO TRAVEL AS WELL AS NURSE'S.
I AM GIONG TO SCHOOL NOW FOR NURSING, I MAY WANT TO CHANGE AND START AT LPN, I AM A PCT NOW, IS THERE ANY WAY THAT PCT'S CAN TRAVEL AS WELL? I AM SINGLE WITH NO CHILDREN AND I HAVE A WONDERFUL AMOUNT OF PATIENTS AND I LOVE WORKING WITH PEOPLE, I HAVE GREAT REFERENCES AND I WOULD LOVE TO TRAVEL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JILL MCNEY
tiajuana36
over 5 years ago
2 comments
Hellor, I need some advice regarding the topic ADN and BSN and accelerated BSN. I am considering nursing and was told that since I have a 2 bachelor's degree there is a way of going about it.Can anyone give me an example? I do not qualify for financial aid & just wrapped up a divorce & have recently had to file bankruptcy. I am also a single mom. I am trying to see what might be the smartest way of going about it. Should I do CNA first and then move up from there while trying to do an ADN course. .Roughly, how expensive is an ADN degree? & does anyone know of schools in CA (or elsewhere) worth looking into. Where and how and whom should I talk to regarding an ADN or an accelerated program (since I have a Bachelor's ). Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
amcpadp
over 5 years ago
4 comments
I received my ADN degree in 1984. I also possess 2 additional Bachelor degrees. My starting salary and that of a BSN were initially not the same, but most facilities recognize "on the job traing" and have "grandfathered" in the ADN to account for this. Therefore, the salaries of an ADN and a BSN after a few years are the same. (at least at one facility I worked at).
The difference does lie in the opportunities for advancement. This is where a BSN becomes important. However, in the State of Ohio to become a Nurse Practitioner, one does not always need to have a BSN; a Bachelors Degree is all that is required.(depending on the area of focus).
Over the years, I can honestly say, I have always made as much as my BSN conterparts. I do wish that I had finished my BSN though. So, if you have the time and the determination, do it when you can...it will benefit you in the long run! And remember, aquiring more knowledge is never a waste of time. :) Good Luck!!!!
amcpadp
over 5 years ago
4 comments
I received my ADN degree in 1984. I also possess 2 additional Bachelor degrees. My starting salary and that of a BSN were initially not the same, but most facilities recognize "on the job traing" and have "grandfathered" in the ADN to account for this. Therefore, the salaries of an ADN and a BSN after a few years are the same. (at least at one facility I worked at).
The difference does lie in the opportunities for advancement. This is where a BSN becomes important. However, in the State of Ohio to become a Nurse Practitioner, one does not always need to have a BSN; a Bachelors Degree is all that is required.(depending on the area of focus).
Over the years, I can honestly say, I have always made as much as my BSN conterparts. I do wish that I had finished my BSN though. So, if you have the time and the determination, do it when you can...it will benefit you in the long run! And remember, aquiring more knowledge is never a waste of time. :) Good Luck!!!!
kpilon1309
over 5 years ago
2 comments
Currently, I am a student going for an ADN. Mostly because right now that is all I need to be able to go and get a job. I probably will get my BSN down the road but first, I need to be able to work and help support my family. ADN's and BSN's both take the same N-CLEX, so it is not like I won't learn all that I need to know to give proper care. Once I have a job though, I can sit back and decide how much further I wish to go with this career.
annicemuhammad
over 5 years ago
2 comments
BSN is what I'm looking for--I would like very much to work in the ER. Maybe someday I'll eventuallly teach. I choose to go for the BSN because I know that I'll have more chances at bigger and better opportunities.
cuttie
over 5 years ago
1002 comments
Like luvsmusic63 said, why do some many sectors in nursing make nursing so complicated. In Florence Nightingdale time. Everyone was wandering and including doctors were wandering why patients were dying. Florence Nightingdale, introduced the first aseptic procedures. You don't have to be a genious, to realize good sanitation enviroments is very crucial in the patient healing process. If you stay with the basic, you want go wrong.
pearlbaker2
over 5 years ago
2 comments
ADN is what i am looking for.
Account Removed
over 5 years ago
There was one state in the West; I forget which one that made BSN the minimum for a nursing license. This article is a little sparse about the courses covered in the different programs. Think about it. Four years of education vs two to make life and death decisions in many cases. Also the BSN has courses on leadership and management. The ANA is pushing very hard to make BSN the minimum. They are also talking of making PhD or DNS the minimum for Nurse Practitioner.
luvsmusic63
over 5 years ago
8 comments
Diplomas Nurses received great hands on experience early in their education. I really don't know why we are rarely mentioned and made to feel inferior. I went to school for 3 years...longer than an ADN . Give us the respect we deserve.
luvsmusic63
over 5 years ago
8 comments
Diplomas Nurses received great hands on experience early in their education. I really don't know why we are rarely mentioned and made to feel inferior. I went to school for 3 years...longer than an ADN . Give us the respect we deserve.
betty
over 5 years ago
4 comments
Max 150 words.
JonZ
almost 6 years ago
78 comments
My understanding is that they were largely phased out but do to the nursing shortage they are starting to come back. I started a discussion thread on the topic so we can get more information from other users.