ADN vs. BSN: Understanding the Differences
Working in healthcare is often a calling as much as it is a career. Across the country, talented nurses are playing a fundamental role in our healthcare system. From those who work in nursing homes to those in rural and underserved communities, hospitals, urban clinics, and government agencies, nurses provide essential care to patients of all ages.
For those who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing, there are different paths they can take, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a more advanced foundational program like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students who understand the differences between an ADN vs. a BSN can decide which nursing program is right for them and begin pursuing their professional goals.
ADN vs. BSN: What Are They and How Are They Similar?
Prospective nursing students have different needs, goals, budgets, and schedules to consider when choosing between postsecondary programs. Luckily, there are different options and pathways available for those interested in becoming a nurse. Typically, students choose between an ADN and a BSN.
Both programs are entry-level nursing degrees that equip graduates with practical clinical skills, however, the two programs are not the same. Between an ADN and a BSN, there are some key similarities and differences for students to consider.
Why Pursue a Nursing Degree?
For anyone looking to work as a Registered Nurse (RN), earning a post-secondary degree in nursing is integral. Depending on a graduate’s goals, one program may be more beneficial than the other. However, both programs teach valuable and versatile skills.
By earning a nursing degree, graduates can prepare themselves to either step directly into a nursing role or set themselves up to pursue an advanced degree in nursing. Whether an ADN or a BSN, both are introductory nursing degrees that provide the opportunity for students to explore the world of nursing. These programs can help students navigate their career trajectory — whether that be specializing in a specific age group or type of illness, medical research, management, or a hands-on clinical care role.
What Is an ADN?
The most entry-level degree option for those looking to become an RN, an ADN is a program that focuses on practical nursing skills. Typically requiring a shorter time commitment than a BSN, an ADN can be the right option for students who would like to enter the workforce as quickly as possible and are aiming to focus on hands-on, clinical roles.
Preparing graduates to manage everyday entry-level medical procedures and patient care, ADN-trained nurses can be a valuable addition to facilities like nursing homes or clinics, or in fields like search and rescue or health coaching.
What Is a BSN?
A BSN is widely considered to be the benchmark foundational degree in nursing. The most well-rounded entry-level degree, BSN programs teach students both practical skills, as they would learn in an ADN, as well as in-depth theoretical nursing information. By including theory-based classes in addition to clinical training, graduates can build leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills that they may not have the opportunity to develop in an ADN program.
A great option for students who want a well-rounded education with a pathway to additional training and advancement, BSN programs provide graduates with a wider range of educational and career options. This can include leadership careers in facilities ranging from hospitals to medical research, public and private clinics, and government agencies.
ADN vs. BSN: How Are They Different?
Choosing the right foundational nursing program can come down to understanding the differences between programs just as much as their similarities. By examining the differences between an ADN and a BSN, prospective nursing students can decide which program suits their timeline, budget, and career goals best.
Program Duration
Program duration is one of the key differences between an ADN and a BSN. Typically, an ADN requires approximately two years of full-time study to complete, allowing graduates to enter the workforce sooner rather than later.
By contrast, a BSN normally requires a four-year full-time study commitment, with some programs offering an accelerated three-year option. While it is typically a more substantial investment of both time and tuition, BSN graduates also build a more advanced set of skills and theoretical foundation than those who graduate from an ADN.
Curriculum
The required curriculum for these two programs may cover similar topics, but there are some key differences. Typically, an ADN focuses on practical nursing skills that allow graduates to enter the workforce as functional RNs as quickly as possible. The main difference lies in the fact that while a BSN covers the same practical skills, it also explores the theoretical side of nursing.
Some of the courses that are likely to be covered in both programs include the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Health assessments
- Pharmacology
- Medication administration
- Vital sign measurement
Beyond the practical skills earned within an ADN, some of the theoretical courses covered in a BSN include the following:
- Psychology, sociology, and humanities
- Global perspectives
- Ethics and law in nursing
- Leadership and teamwork
- Nursing research
- Specialty nursing in areas such as pediatric, maternal, psychiatric, and community health
- Systems-based practice
- Health assessment and cooperative experience
Why Choose a BSN?
One of the key factors behind choosing a BSN is that it is considered the benchmark foundational nursing degree, and many healthcare facilities lean towards BSN graduates. By completing a BSN, graduates may be equipped to perform more advanced tasks than ADN graduates and set themselves up to pursue an advanced degree or a nursing specialization.
For students deciding between ADN vs. BSN, a graduate’s future career goals will play an important part. If students decide that they would like to pursue an advanced degree in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), completing a BSN is the industry-standard prerequisite. ADN graduates will need to complete a bridging program like an RN to BSN to qualify.
Additionally, many specializations, leadership roles, and pathways to becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) require a BSN alongside an advanced nursing degree, years of workplace experience, and certification. By completing a BSN, students can move through their educational pathway more easily, allowing them to reach advanced specializations and certifications more efficiently.
Career Opportunities
Nurses are in high demand across the country. With many of the current workforce reaching retirement age and some transitioning into other careers, demand for skilled nurses is rising. According to a report published by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), federal authorities have projected that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 63,720 registered nurses, with some states feeling the shortage more severely than others.
While a student’s choice to complete either an ADN or a BSN can be a factor in the hiring process, skilled nurses are valuable and can play a fundamental role in organizations, industries, and facilities nationwide.
Registered Nurse
The main career outcome of a nursing degree is becoming a registered nurse (RN), which is both a career and a certification. Nursing graduates must complete their RN license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam to become fully certified RNs. A license is required for any candidate looking to work as a registered nurse in public and private facilities.
After completing their RN license, graduates may find themselves working in a variety of roles and organizations, including the following:
- Hospitals
- Private healthcare clinics
- Government agencies
- Nursing homes
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Medical research facilities
- Specialized care facilities
- Schools or educational institutions
Facilities of all sizes across the country can benefit from the skills of nursing graduates. RNs have the opportunity to pursue both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Depending on their role, graduates may find themselves with a range of different day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. In clinical care positions, these may include the following duties:
- Performing patient assessments
- Monitoring vitals and changes in patient health
- Keeping record of patient health
- Administering medications and basic treatments
- Interacting with patients and their families
- Coordinating with other care professionals and implementing care plans
- Informing patients about their condition and care objectives
In roles outside of clinical or patient care roles, job duties and responsibilities will depend on the role and industry. While many, like those in search and rescue or first responders, will benefit from a nurse’s practical medical skills, many like those working in nonprofits or education may rely on the theoretical foundation built in a BSN.
Salary and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses was $86,070 as of May 2023. Additionally, the BLS projected employment for registered nurses to grow by 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Depending on if a graduate has an ADN or a. BSN, their salary may also shift, with BSN graduates potentially earning a higher salary due to additional training.
Additional factors, like level of education, workplace experience, and location, can also play a part in the salary available within different nursing roles. In addition, many facilities may prefer BSN graduates over ADN graduates, particularly if the role requires more advanced skills.
BSN Career Opportunities
Graduates from a BSN program have multiple career opportunities from which they can choose. While many graduates will opt to pursue an advanced degree like an MSN or DNP, those who enter the workforce after completing their BSN can do so in a variety of industries, including healthcare. Once they have completed their RN certification, BSN graduates may find themselves working in both public and private companies, as well as clinical or non-clinical roles.
Nurse Manager
Nurse managers are skilled and experienced graduates. As a more senior-level role, the nurses who are eligible for management positions typically have at least five years of practical, hands-on experience before moving up the ladder. While many facilities may prefer candidates who have also completed an advanced degree like an MSN or DNP, BSN graduates with sufficient experience and training may also be eligible for nurse management roles.
Between an ADN and a BSN, BSN graduates are better equipped to pursue senior level roles. Tasked with duties such as overseeing other nurses, assisting in the hiring and training of nurses, collaborating with other senior-level leadership, and managing the operations of a nursing department, nurse managers are highly skilled healthcare professionals. According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earned a median annual wage of $110,680 as of May 2023.
Research Nurse
As healthcare professionals who explore topics like public health, diseases, medications, and the success or efficacy of treatments, nurse researchers are at the forefront of improving how we treat patients. Thanks to the focus on nursing theory and research within a BSN program, becoming a research nurse may be a strong option for BSN graduates who would like to pursue an advanced role in nursing outside of bedside clinical care.
Depending on the organization, while it is not required to have an MSN or DNP, many prefer to hire candidates with an advanced degree, building upon the research skills introduced in a BSN. For those who complete a doctoral degree to become a medical scientist, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,890. Nurse researchers with a BSN are more likely to have a similar salary to that of a registered nurse until they gain experience or earn an advanced or doctoral level degree.
Travel Nurse
Travel nurses perform many of the same day-to-day duties as an RN who doesn’t travel; however, they do so on temporary contracts in different facilities. This role may require regular travel, and their salary can vary depending on the location, job requirements, and work hours required. Between an ADN and a BSN, BSN graduates may be more likely to be hired as travel nurses as they may be trained for a more versatile set of procedures.
For nurses who enjoy travel and would like to open doors to work across the country, pursuing a higher education or additional certifications as a nurse practitioner (NP) can be beneficial and provide them with a higher salary than an ADN or BSN trained RN. According to Payscale, travel nurses earn an average annual salary of $84,070 as of December 2024.
Nurse Educator
Tasked with training the next generation of nurses, nurse educators teach and mentor nursing students. On a day-to-day basis, nurse educators prepare lesson plans, instruct students, act as mentors, and in some institutions conduct research. Within healthcare facilities and clinics, educators may be responsible for evaluating staff performance, helping to orient new hires, and providing professional development to nursing staff.
While some facilities may hire BSN level RNs for training and professional development, most post-secondary institutions require graduates to have completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). According to the BLS, post secondary nursing instructors and teachers earned a median annual salary of $80,780 as of May 2023.
Pursue a Fulfilling Career in Healthcare with a Degree in Nursing
A quality nursing education can open doors to a variety of opportunities for skilled graduates. Whether they are looking to pursue a role in healthcare or are passionate about another career that can benefit from practical nursing skills, post-secondary degree nursing students can acquire the foundation they need to succeed. By understanding the differences between an ADN vs. a BSN, students can choose the program that is right for them and aligns with their career goals.
If you are a prospective nursing student looking for a well-rounded degree, the BSN program at New England College may be a great option. With immersive clinical experiences, strong partnerships, and an accelerated track that allows students to graduate in as little as 32 months, NEC’s BSN is a versatile option for RNs who want to succeed in the field.
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