Nursing students are sometimes confused about whether to obtain an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) , which usually takes two years to complete, or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which takes four years. Both of these degrees lead to the Registered Nurse (RN) designation, but there are crucial differences between them. Choosing one over the other depends on financial factors, the length of time to be spent in an educational program, and long-term career goals.

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Major Differences between the ADN and BSN

The major differences between the two degrees involve the length of time required to complete each program and the number of academic credits required. A typical ADN degree will take two years, compared to four years for the BSN – plus the time it takes to finish the prerequisites necessary to enroll in a BSN program. (This may not be a factor for individuals who already have Bachelor’s degrees (BAs) from accredited institutions, since accelerated BSN programs allow them to complete all requirements in 18 to 21 months.)

Areas of Study

Both ADN and BSN degrees have the same core areas of study, including adult health, newborn and maternal nursing, and pediatrics. In some degree programs, core courses also include psychiatric, community health, and gerontological nursing. Generally, BSN programs offer more coursework in nursing theory and research. They also spend more time on nursing infomatics, which is the study of how nurses use technology on the job.

Differences in Pay

For the most part, the pay rates for ADN and BSN degree holders start out at the same level. However, since many advanced nursing positions require a BSN degree, graduates of these programs can potentially receive higher pay. For example, in a 2006 California survey, BSNs were shown to receive a mean income of $75,017, compared to $70,804 for ADNs.

Will ADN’s be Phased Out?

While nursing instructors had previously believed that the ADN degree was likely to be phased out, the fact is that some 66 percent of current nursing graduates complete training programs resulting in the ADN or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. These Associate degrees continue to provide health care facilities with capable nurses who can manage patient care. As insufficient numbers of nurses are graduated from four-year BSN programs each year to meet the needs of the health care industry, two-year Associate degrees are expected to remain important for some time to come.

How a BSN Could Make a Difference in Your Career

However, BSN programs prepare graduates more effectively to make critical patient care decisions and to question doctors when orders appear inappropriate. The education provided in a BSN program is more focused on critical thinking, exposing students to more people and cultures, and enhancing the skills required for nursing management. They also offer more opportunities to improve skills in patient assessment and provide a greater examination of disease pathophysiology. Nurses who have the BSN degree will also have an easier time winning faculty teaching positions and high-level administrative jobs.

In Summary

In summary, ADN programs usually cost less and take less time to complete, so graduates can begin working in the field more quickly. BSN graduates have more chances to advance to higher positions in the health care industry, and they are better prepared to take an advanced degree – to become a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist, for example – if they decide to do so.

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