Most registered nurses (RNs) hold either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Both degrees demonstrate proficiency in nursing practice and patient care, but their curricula differ.
An ADN is the standard minimum requirement to work as a registered nurse. However, some hospitals and other healthcare organizations prefer hiring RNs with a BSN degree.
Prospective nurses considering an ADN versus a BSN should learn the program details and benefits of each degree.
ADN vs. BSN: The Similarities
Both an ADN and a BSN degree demonstrate the competence required to work as a registered nurse.
Registered nurses may hold either degree and work in comparable environments despite their different educational backgrounds. This is because the two degrees share certain important similarities.
Core Nursing Knowledge and Skills
Graduates from both ADN and BSN programs are equipped with core entry-level nursing skills, including clinical and technical proficiencies and communication, critical thinking, and other soft skills. These competencies are required in fast-paced medical environments such as hospitals and multidisciplinary practices where quick decision-making is necessary. They enable nurses to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
Key nursing competencies and knowledge areas taught in both ADN and BSN programs include the following:
- Evidence-based nursing practices
- Patient-centered care
- Teamwork
- Collaboration
- Compassion
- Procedural administration
- Patient documentation
- Safety protocols
- Quality improvement measures
Clinical Hour Requirements
Before applying for RN licensure, ADN and BSN students must complete a set number of supervised clinical hours. Clinical hours demonstrate an individual’s commitment to and experience in providing quality nursing care. The number of clinical hours required for registered nurse licensure varies by state.
NCLEX-RN Eligibility
To become a licensed registered nurse, individuals need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests aspiring nurses’ knowledge and skills, ensuring they are ready to work in entry-level positions. Nursing school graduates must hold at least an ADN from a program with nursing school accreditation to be eligible for the exam.
Nursing Career Opportunities
Registered nurses with either degree can work in the same environments, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They also are eligible to pursue many of the same positions, including staff nurse, travel nurse, home care nurse, and patient coordinator positions.
ADN vs. BSN: The Differences
When comparing the two degree programs, ADN versus BSN, it’s clear they differ in several areas, including their duration and curriculum. Although these differences don’t affect a nurse’s eligibility for RN licensure, they can make a difference in their eligibility for certain job opportunities.
Program Duration
BSN and ADN programs both consist of theoretical and practical nursing components divided into quarters.
ADN students can typically complete their program in about two years, at which time they are fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam, obtain licensure, and work in an entry-level RN position. Accelerated ADN programs can be completed in as little as 18 months by students with the required prerequisites.
Conversely, BSN programs typically take four years to complete. In these programs, students can acquire technical, communication, and research skills beyond what is taught in the ADN curriculum, preparing them for nursing leadership positions. Some accelerated BSN programs can be completed in as little as 21 months by students with the required prerequisites.
Alternatively, a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program allows working RNs with an ADN to complete their BSN degree more quickly. These programs can be completed in as little as 15 months.
Curriculum
Coursework in ADN programs teaches students the basics of nursing practice and required practical skills, while coursework in BSN programs also covers competencies in leadership and research.
A typical BSN curriculum includes leadership management, clinical study, pharmacology, and statistics.
Career Outcomes
Nurses with either an ADN degree or a BSN degree are prepared to work as registered nurses, but there are differences in terms of which roles they are qualified for.
BSN-prepared nurses are eligible to apply for any job requiring an ADN degree. However, ADN-prepared nurses are not eligible to apply for jobs requiring a BSN degree.
Registered nurses with a BSN are qualified to apply for specialized roles such as research nurse, nurse informaticist, travel nurse, and perioperative nurse roles. These jobs can pay more at the entry level than the jobs available to ADN holders.
Pursue an ADN or BSN Degree
Denver College of Nursing offers Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees for aspiring registered nurses. Students can earn an ADN in as little as 18 months or a BSN in as little as 21 months, if they have the required prerequisites.
Both the ADN program and the BSN program prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN and work as registered nurses after graduation. However, for those comparing ADN vs. BSN career outcomes, if an advanced nursing or leadership position is what you seek, a BSN might be a more suitable choice.
Working nurses who have already earned an ADN and passed the NCLEX-RN can earn a BSN in as little as 15 months through DCN’s online RN to BSN program. DCN also offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses looking to advance their careers.
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Discover why so many students pursue their ADN and BSN degrees with Denver College of Nursing.
Recommended Readings
What Is an Associate Degree in Nursing?
How Long Does It Take to Become a Registered Nurse?
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