RN vs. BSN: Why Earn Your BSN?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Mar 3, 2026

Three nurses in scrubs, one wearing a hijab, talk in a hospital corridor.

What drives nurses to continue their education? Recent results from the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey conducted by the Journal of Nursing Regulation reveal that the nursing profession is evolving faster than ever, and pursuing advanced credentials is becoming a key part of that transformation.

Although more than 70% of registered nurses (RNs) already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher, the data show that many are also advancing further — earning master’s and doctoral degrees to prepare for roles in teaching, leadership, and advanced practice.

Nurses are recognizing that continuing education not only enhances clinical skills but also boosts confidence, expands career opportunities, and positions them to make a greater impact on patient care.

Are you considering a career change to nursing and obtaining your registered nurse (RN) license? You can either pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN for RN licensure. Explore the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and options for accelerated BSN degrees for a more efficient pathway.

RN and BSN: Definitions

When comparing RN vs. BSN, it’s helpful to understand that the two terms mean different things. An RN is a type of nursing license and role, while a BSN is an academic degree.

What’s an RN?

RNs administer and coordinate patient care and offer wellness education. Some RNs specialize in treating specific populations or types of care, such as pediatric or surgical nursing.

The American Nurses Association reported in 2025 that RNs represented the largest segment of the health care workforce and that the career was one of the largest U.S. professions. Presently, 4.3 million RNs are working across every aspect of health care in the United States.

What’s a BSN?

A BSN is a degree from a college or university that can prepare students for a career as an RN. BSN degree programs feature a broad range of coursework and clinical experience, with focuses including:

Clinical practice
Nursing theory
Population health
Health promotion
Critical thinking
Case management
Communication
Leadership skills

Historically, earning a BSN degree has taken four years. However, many universities offer accelerated programs for students who already have a non-nursing degree. Accelerated BSN programs provide opportunities for you to complete your degree in a significantly shorter time frame.

What’s the Difference?

The BSN degree isn’t the only educational path that can lead to a career as an RN. Some RNs have their ADN, which may be earned through a nursing school that’s affiliated with a hospital.

The scope of the education required of associate degree- or diploma-prepared RNs vs. BSN-prepared RNs also differs. Associate degree and diploma programs generally aim to prepare RNs by focusing on hands-on work. These options typically don’t include an emphasis on the social sciences, research, and humanities — often a cornerstone of BSN programs.

Advantages of Earning Your BSN

There are various benefits of earning your BSN to become an RN. They include the following.

Improved Workplace Preparation

Ever-changing demands in health care, ranging from an aging population with complex needs to social factors that affect physical and mental health, require an increasingly broad range of knowledge and abilities that extend beyond clinical skills.

If you’re ready to pursue a career in nursing, you can benefit from the more in-depth curriculum of a BSN program. Among those important areas of emphasis are the following:

Critical thinking
Leadership
Case management
Socioeconomics and health

Better Patient Outcomes

The AACN advocates for increasing the percentage of RNs who hold bachelor’s-level degrees or higher, citing a host of research showing enhanced patient outcomes for those treated by BSN-educated RNs. For example, hospitals with a larger percentage of nurses holding a BSN or higher are more likely to report lower mortality and fewer complications.

Because of this, the AACN encourages hospitals and health care systems to elevate the educational level of their nursing workforce and supports efforts to increase the percentage of RNs obtaining or completing BSN degrees.

More Employment Options

Holding a BSN as an RN can make you more competitive on the job market. The AACN reports that 72% of employers strongly prefer that RN candidates have a bachelor’s degree. Some employers, including the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, require RNs to hold a bachelor’s degree.

Greater Earning Potential

While a BSN isn’t always a requirement for more pay, RNs with BSN degrees have enhanced knowledge and skills that may help them command higher wages than those with an ADN. Additionally, a BSN can help prepare you for graduate-level nursing study, which can lead to advanced nursing roles and higher salaries.

RNs made a median annual salary of $93,600 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In comparison, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), roles which often require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), had a median annual salary of $132,050.

Degree	2025 Median Annual Salary
Associate Degree in Nursing	$80,000
Bachelor of Science in Nursing	$99,000
Master of Science in Nursing	$109,000
Doctor of Nursing Practice	$116,000

Salaries based on 2025 Payscale data

Expanded Leadership Opportunities

RN leadership roles don’t always require a BSN. However, holding a bachelor’s degree can put you in a better position to pursue leadership opportunities, whether in clinical positions or in non-bedside nursing careers.

Furthering nursing education with a BSN builds a strong foundation for your long-term career growth. A BSN deepens clinical knowledge, strengthens leadership and communication skills, and enhances a nurse’s ability to apply evidence-based practice. This expanded perspective not only improves patient care but also prepares nurses for the more complex decision-making required in higher-level nursing roles.

Earning a BSN is often the first major step toward becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse leader. Many MSN and DNP programs are designed for BSN-prepared nurses who want to advance into specialized or autonomous practice.

Pursue Your Nursing Career With a BSN

If earning a BSN is the next step in your nursing journey, The University of Tulsa offers an accelerated pathway to help you get there. For individuals who are not yet nurses but feel called to enter the profession, the online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program provides a fast and focused route into nursing practice. This option allows you to transition into a nursing career more quickly while building the strong academic and clinical foundation needed for long-term success.

The University of Tulsa offers a supportive, high-quality ABSN program that prepares you for the evolving demands of health care on an accelerated timeline. Explore how the program can help you achieve your goals and shape the future of your nursing career.

Recommended Readings

Everything You Need to Know About the Oklahoma Board of Nursing

NCLEX Tips for ABSN Graduates

Why Dr. Tamara Hryshchuk Chose Nursing, and How She Inspires Her Students

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice”

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet”

American Nurses Association, “Nurses in the Workforce”

Journal of Nursing Regulation, “The 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey”

Payscale, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Degree

Payscale, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree

Payscale, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree