ADN vs. ABSN: Why Earn an Accelerated Degree?
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Dec 1, 2025
ADN vs. ABSN: Why Earn an Accelerated Degree?
There are several educational paths to becoming a nurse, including diploma programs and associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Among the fastest paths are accelerated programs, which allow students to graduate with a nursing degree on an abbreviated timeline.
For aspiring nurses who’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) could be a strong option. Such programs often allow students to gain a bachelor’s-level nursing education in the same amount of time — or less — as it takes to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
Aspiring nurses should explore ADN vs. ABSN programs and consider the benefits of enrolling in an accelerated nursing degree program.
What Is an ADN?
An ADN is an entry-level nursing degree program. Although it generally takes anywhere from 18 months to two years to complete, the timeline can vary depending on the school and program you choose. An ADN prepares individuals to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), become certified as registered nurses (RNs), and join the health care workforce.
Recent ADN program graduates can find entry-level nursing roles in various settings, including hospitals and clinics, nursing homes and hospice facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. As they gain experience, RNs with an ADN can progress to higher-level roles; however, they may hit a ceiling with certain employers or in specific areas, such as nursing leadership. According to the 2023 Employment Research Brief from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nearly 70% of hiring employers strongly preferred BSN graduates.
Typical Courses in an ADN Program
ADN programs cover areas such as the following:
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Anatomy and physiology
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Microbiology
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Psychology
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Pharmacology
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Nursing theory
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Lifespan development
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Foundations of nursing
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Nursing skill development
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Health assessment
Students will also need to complete a clinical rotation, a practicum, or an internship before graduating to satisfy state licensure requirements.
What Is an ABSN?
An ABSN is an undergraduate nursing degree program designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. It is BSN program on an accelerated timeline requiring approximately the same amount of time to complete as an ADN program.
ABSN programs offer the same education as a BSN program and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN, but they’re less expensive and can be completed significantly faster. Recent BSN graduates often work in similar roles as ADN graduates, but they can have a greater advantage when applying for highly sought-after positions or with top-tier employers. An ABSN can also help RNs eventually transition into nursing education, nursing leadership, and other areas.
Typical Courses in an ABSN Program
An ABSN program covers similar ground as an ADN program but often goes deeper into BSN coursework, such as nursing theory, ethics, public health, and health policy, among other areas. ABSN courses include the following:
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Theoretical Frameworks of Nursing
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Population Health
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Nursing Care of Specialized Populations
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Quality Across Health Care Systems
ADN vs. ABSN: Similarities and Differences
ADN and ABSN programs are both designed to help individuals enter the nursing workforce quickly, with similar completion timelines. Although, depending on the program and student, an ABSN program may even take less time to complete than an ADN program. When considering ADN vs. ABSN programs, keep in mind that an ABSN requires students to have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a different field.
Graduates of either type of program should be well prepared to take the NCLEX-RN, which is required for earning a nursing license in all 50 states, and they should have the skills and experience for a hands-on nursing career.
However, ADN and ABSN programs result in different degrees, as well as different levels of skill and knowledge. ABSN graduates often have more exposure to nursing theory and ethics, public health, and health policy, preparing them for a broader range of roles and making them more competitive for positions with top-tier employers or in popular geographic areas. As a result, BSN-prepared nurses may command higher salaries. For example, Payscale reports a median annual salary for RNs of about $76,500 in 2025 and a median annual salary for BSN-prepared nurses of about $97,000.
The costs of standard ADN and BSN programs can vary significantly, with BSN programs often requiring a much higher financial investment; the abbreviated timeline of an ABSN program reduces its cost, but it may still be more expensive than an ADN program. However, for those seeking a robust and rewarding nursing career, the benefits of holding a bachelor’s degree will often make the initial investment worthwhile.
Fast-Track Your Nursing Career With an ABSN Program
ADN and ABSN programs both offer quick paths to a nursing career, but an ABSN program may be a better fit for aspiring nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field. Such a program offers all the benefits of a standard bachelor’s degree in nursing, with a lower cost and time commitment.
The online ABSN program at The University of Tulsa can be completed in as little as 2 years. Coursework follows an eight-week format and is offered three times a year, providing working professionals with the flexibility to start at a time that suits them best. The online ABSN at TU also includes an immersive nursing skills boot camp and community-based clinical experience. Program graduates have some of the highest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates in the state of Oklahoma (100% in 2023).
Learn more about fast-tracking your nursing career with the online ABSN at TU today.
Recommended Readings
How Much Do RNs Make in Oklahoma?
Lifelong Learning in Nursing: What It Is and How a BSN Can Help
Types of Nurses and Their Salaries
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2023 Employment Research Brief
American Nurses Enterprise, ADN vs BSN: Which Is Right for You?
Cascade Health Services, What Is an ADN in Nursing?
Indeed, A Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs (ABSN)
Indeed, 10 Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree in Nursing
