ADN vs. BSN: What’s the Difference?

Nursing

ADN vs. BSN: What’s the Difference?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Aug 8, 2024

A Nursing Student Smiling and Working on a Laptop.

In 2022, the Health Resources and Services Administration reported that about 70% of registered nurses (RNs) have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher. However, becoming an RN only requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This statistic begs an important question: Why do so many nurses prefer BSNs over ADNs?

While each RN likely has their own answer to this question, future and current nurses considering earning a BSN have quite a few factors to think about before making an informed decision. This guide will explore ADNs and BSNs, their similarities, their major differences, and why earning a BSN might be a sound decision for nursing students of all kinds.

What’s an ADN, and What’s a BSN?

An ADN is a two-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for entry-level jobs in nursing. In general, associate degrees are a step above high school diplomas but not quite as advanced as bachelor’s degrees.

A BSN is a four-year undergraduate degree. Like ADNs, BSNs also prepare students for entry-level jobs in nursing. However, bachelor’s degrees are regarded as a step above associate degrees, with programs that include more classes and provide a more comprehensive education.

ADN vs. BSN Curriculum

ADN and BSN programs have similar curriculums. Both types of programs prepare students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become registered nurses. However, there are some important differences between the types of classes offered in ADN programs vs. BSN programs.

ADN and BSN programs both typically include classes on:

Patient rights and safety
State and federal health care laws
Disease prevention and control
Steps in the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, measuring outcomes, etc.).
Basic recordkeeping
Collaborating with various members of a health care team
Different nursing specialties such as surgical, end-of-life, and pediatric nursing

While ADN programs are often completely focused on these foundational subjects, BSN programs include classes on more advanced topics as well.

BSN programs often include classes on:

Analyzing health care research and applying it to their duties
Pharmacology
Nursing administration, leadership, and management
Health care informatics
How public health care policy affects patients, providers, and society as a whole

These classes can help future and current nurses learn important leadership, management, and clinical skills beyond the basic RN job requirements.

ADN vs. BSN: How Long Does It Take to Earn Each Degree?

For those researching ADNs vs. BSNs, how long it takes to earn each degree seems straightforward — ADN programs take two years to complete and BSN programs take four years. However, this is typically only true for students with no prior nursing experience and no prior college experience. For other types of students, the time it takes to earn a BSN is often shorter.

The BSN Timeline for Current RNs

Students who are already RNs and have completed some college courses often qualify for RN to BSN programs. Because RN to BSN students already understand the basics, they typically only need to take more advanced classes, meaning they can earn their BSN in a year to a year and a half.

The BSN Timeline for Students With Previous College Experience

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject can also earn their BSN in a shorter amount of time through an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program . In an ABSN, students take fundamental and advanced nursing classes but don’t typically have to take general education courses. An ABSN program can often be completed in 18 months to two years.

ADN vs. BSN Costs

Because ADN programs are shorter than BSN programs, they cost less overall. Since ADN programs are often offered at community colleges, which are less expensive than colleges and universities that offer four-year degrees, they also often cost less per year. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average yearly cost of tuition and fees for students seeking associate degrees ranged from $4,000 to $19,500. This range is based on data from the 2022 to 2023 academic year.

That same year, the NCES reported that the average yearly cost of tuition and fees for students seeking bachelor’s degrees ranged from $9,800 to $40,700. In both cases, a student’s exact expenses depend on a number of factors including whether they’re:

Attending a public or private institution
Living on or off campus
Taking classes in person or online
Going to an out-of-state or in-state school

However, it’s important to remember that a nursing degree isn’t just an expense. It’s an investment. While a BSN might be more expensive than an ADN upfront, having a more advanced degree can lead to more advanced, higher-paying career options.

Reducing Costs for BSN Students

Looking closely at ADN vs. BSN costs, while NCES data indicates that there’s a gap between the costs for the two degrees, the difference isn’t always so overwhelming. In fact, there are many ways future nurses can make earning a BSN a more economical choice.

BSN students can reduce their overall costs by:

Applying for scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Because nurses are frequently in high demand, nursing students often qualify for unique financial aid opportunities through their schools, the government, and professional nursing organizations.
Starting their education at a public community college. BSN programs often accept transfer credits from community colleges, which generally cost less than four-year college credits. Because of this, many nurses start their education there, accrue credits, and transfer to a BSN program later.
Seeking employer-based assistance. Many hospitals and other health care providers encourage nurses to advance their careers by paying for a portion of their education.
Pursuing a BSN online. Students earning online degrees don’t have to pay for housing and typically don’t pay student facility fees. Some nurses also find it easier to continue working while taking online classes instead of attending on-campus classes.
Enrolling in accelerated and RN to BSN programs. Because these programs typically require fewer credits to graduate than traditional programs, students enrolled in them can save both time and money.

While financial aid opportunities vary widely from school to school and even from student to student, aspiring nursing students can do their research to find ways they can reduce costs.

ADN vs. BSN Career Options

One of the most important factors to consider when assessing ADN vs. BSN programs is how each type of degree might impact one’s career options. In the short term, both degrees offer similar opportunities. However, as nurses seek more advanced positions, having a BSN can open more doors.

Similar Early Career Options

Right after graduation, ADN and BSN students generally have similar career options. They typically become RNs and fill any of a number of roles in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, and other facilities.

Common entry-level jobs for recent ADN and BSN grads include:

Oncology nurse. These nurses specialize in providing day-to-day care for people undergoing cancer treatment. They often help administer chemotherapy and coordinate patients’ care among doctors, dietitians, and other professionals. According to Payscale, oncology nurses have a median annual salary of around $82,200 as of June 2024.
Home health nurse. Also referred to as home care nurses, these professionals serve patients who don’t often leave their own homes. Their duties include managing patients’ medications, conducting assessments, and assisting with activities of daily living. Home health nurses have a median annual salary of around $71,500 as of June 2024, according to Payscale.
Emergency room nurse. Emergency room (ER) nurses do everything from triage to stabilizing incoming patients with serious wounds. After helping doctors administer immediate care, they oversee patients’ transfers to other departments and often communicate with families. Payscale reports that ER nurses have a median annual salary of around $77,900 as of July 2024.
Obstetrics nurse. While there are many levels of obstetrics (OB) nurses, new professionals often work on maternity wards where they perform prenatal health screenings, support new parents, and assist with deliveries. According to Payscale, obstetrics nurses have a median annual salary of around $74,100 as of May 2024.

There are opportunities for new RNs in many other specialties as well. But, no matter what their specific duties are, they typically oversee patients’ care while learning about more complex tasks from more experienced nurses on their team.

Midcareer Options May Require a BSN

After gaining experience in entry-level positions, many RNs take on more complex duties, move into more specialized areas such as surgical nursing, or even take on non-bedside roles . While nurses with either an ADN or a BSN are often eligible for these roles, many employers seek nurses with a BSN to fill them because of their more in-depth education in management, research, and leadership.

Experienced nurses with a BSN often become:

Case manager. These nurses are often in charge of coordinating and planning patients’ care. They bridge gaps between patients and doctors, insurance providers, and other health care professionals. Payscale reports that nurse case managers have a median annual salary of around $79,500 as of July 2024.
Nurse manager. Nurse managers oversee staff in a particular department (emergency care, cardiac care, etc.). They’re also typically in charge of scheduling, supplies, and creating reports for administrators. According to Payscale, nurse managers have a median salary of around $95,700 per year as of June 2024.
Nurse informaticist. As experts in health care information technology, these professionals maintain records, train their colleagues to use new technologies, and often analyze data for important trends. Informatics nurses have a median salary of around $84,600 per year as of June 2024, according to Payscale.
Health policy nurse. Health policy nurses (HPNs) use their knowledge of patient care to help administrators craft safe, patient-focused policies. Some HPNs help their own organizations while others advocate for widespread legal reform. According to Payscale, public health nurses, including those who specialize in health policy, have a median annual salary of around $72,300 as of May 2024.

While hiring and promotion policies differ by employer, nurses with an ADN may have to gain more experience to qualify for these roles. And, no matter what type of degree a nurse has, many seek certification in emergency nursing, pain management, or another area to broaden their career opportunities.

Earning a Master of Science in Nursing

While RNs with any type of degree can hold many important positions, the most advanced nursing jobs often require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). An MSN is a graduate degree that typically takes two years to earn. Enrolling in an MSN program typically requires a bachelor’s degree and some nursing experience.

A popular career option for nurses with an MSN is becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). There are four types of APRNs:

Nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners (NPs) often serve as patients’ primary care providers. They can order medical tests, diagnose illnesses, and even prescribe medications. Payscale reports that NPs have a median annual salary of around $107,400 as of July 2024.
Clinical nurse specialist. While clinical nurse specialists (CNS) can perform many of the same patient care duties as NPs, they also help their colleagues learn about and implement new evidence-based practices, educate providers and patients, and take part in research initiatives. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for CNSs is around $100,700 as of July 2024.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia while patients undergo surgery. They’re also instrumental in conducting presurgery assessments, preparing the operating area, and monitoring patients during and after procedures. The median annual salary for CRNAs is around $183,000 as of July 2024, according to Payscale.
Certified nurse midwife. As experts in reproductive health, clinical nurse midwives (CNMs) perform deliveries; care for mothers before, during, and after birth; and diagnose and treat any number of sexual health issues. Nurse midwives have a median annual salary of around $103,000 as of January 2024, according to Payscale.

In addition to taking on clinical roles, many nurses with an MSN become nurse educators, nursing directors, and medical researchers. This means that, in addition to working for health care providers, nurses with an MSN also work for universities, pharmaceutical companies, and medical research firms.

ADN vs. BSN Salaries

Regardless of what type of degree they have, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that registered nurses in the U.S. have a median annual salary of $86,070 as of May 2023. However, because nurses with a BSN have more in-depth training and frequently hold more advanced positions, their salaries are often higher when compared to nurses with an ADN.

For example, Payscale reports that nurses with an ADN have a median annual salary of about $77,000 as of March 2024, while nurses with a BSN have a median annual salary of about $95,000 as of June 2024.

According to Payscale, nurses with an MSN have a median annual salary of about $104,000 as of June 2024. This includes those in administrative positions such as director of nursing and those who fill advanced front-line roles.

By the Numbers: The Advantages of Earning a BSN in Health Care Today

While deciding to pursue a BSN is a personal decision for many RNs, the health care industry seems to be moving in a direction that favors experience and advanced education equally. Fortunately, researchers have been keeping an eye on and reporting this trend for new and current nurses trying to carve their own paths.

More Nurses Are Entering the Workforce With a BSN

In 2018, the Health Resources and Services Administration reported that nearly a majority (about 48%) of RNs had entered the workforce with an ADN. But in 2022, that number fell to 44%. That year, a BSN became the most commonly held degree among new RNs at 45%. If this trend continues, the BSN may become the preferred degree for more competitive RN positions.

Many Employers Now Prefer or Require a BSN

Every year, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing conducts a survey of nursing program faculty. In the most recent survey, responses indicate that about 25% of health care employers require new nurses to have a BSN. About 70% prefer applicants with a BSN.

Having a More Highly Trained Staff Can Result in Improved Patient Outcomes

Recent research indicates that, as more nurses enter the workforce with higher levels of education, the health care system stands to improve. A 2021 study of over 500 hospitals published in the peer-reviewed journal Research in Nursing & Health provides an example of this principle in action.

For each hospital, the study’s authors looked at changes in three care quality metrics between 2006 and 2016: length of stay, patient readmission rates, and in-hospital mortality. Most hospitals that employed more nurses with a BSN by 2016 had improved these metrics considerably.

While the authors say more research on the relationship between education and outcomes needs to be done, their work indicates that nursing education plays an important role in improving the health care system overall.

Make Earning a BSN a Part of Your Journey

Individuals who are considering an ADN vs. a BSN have many factors to account for when making their decision. One of those is which option is more accessible. The online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at The University of Tulsa makes nursing education more accessible than ever before.

Designed with working RNs in mind, TU’s RN to BSN program provides the flexibility of online learning while allowing students to receive one-on-one support from our experienced faculty. The curriculum covers pharmacology, metrology, and advanced theoretical concepts nurses can use to pivot into more complex roles. Each course can be completed in about eight weeks, meaning you can earn your BSN in as little as 12 months.

To find out how TU can help you take the next step in your nursing career, read more about our admission and transfer policies and request more information today.

Recommended Readings

The Role of a Community Health Nurse

How Global Health Nursing Supports Population Health

Nurse Advancement Opportunities for RNs

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, New Graduate Employment Data

American Nurses Association, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Health Resources and Services Administration, National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN)

National Center for Education Statistics, Fact Facts: Tuition Costs of Colleges and Universities

Payscale, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Degree

Payscale, Average Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Salary

Payscale, Average Home Health Nurse Hourly Pay