BSN vs RN: What Is the Difference?

Nursing may seem a pretty linear career: you study pretty hard, you practice as much as you can and then you get a challenging, but rewarding job in a hospital. Is it, though?

There are so many different types of nurses that the term itself can become confusing for anyone interested in this career. From becoming an LPN (licensed practical nurse) or an RN (registered nurse) to advancing to the NP (nurse practitioner) role, you have many options to choose from.

If you’ve already decided to pursue a nursing career, you probably stumbled upon the RN vs BSN debate many times in your research. A registered nurse (RN) and a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) are two different key concepts in the nursing educational and professional fields.

How are these different, and what degree should you choose? Our article will help you understand the two concepts and better assess their differences.

Let’s dive into the RN vs BSN comparison:

Meanings of RN and BSN

Meaning of RN and BSN in the Nursing Industry

Let's start by clearly defining what each of the two terms refers to in the context of nursing education and practice.

RN Definition

A registered nurse (RN) is a job title that refers to a healthcare professional with the certified competence to assist doctors and other types of personnel in caring for patients. In order to become an RN, you must have graduated from a specific nursing program: either a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program or a 3-to-4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additionally, all registered nurses must have attended and passed the NCLEX-RN or the National Council Licensure Examination for the RN level.

BSN Definition

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a nursing education degree. It usually lasts three-to-four years as a full time BSN Program, but can be completed in shorter time spans through a 1-year RN-to-BSN bridge or an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree prepares nurses for entry-level practice in many healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics.

The BSN program is a great education option for people who are thinking of starting a career in nursing as well as for people who are already practicing in the nursing field and want to increase and improve their career options.

Read more about the BSN RN requirements by state to understand the emerging trends in the industry in relation to the necessity of earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

If you need a program that best adapts to your current situation and needs, consider enrolling in the BSN Program at Nightingale College, that combines fully online learning with supervised on-ground field experience, to provide a hybrid and accessible learning option. We also provide a 1-year, fully online RN-to-BSN track that allows you to advance your education and career in the simplest way.

Get in touch with us to find out more about our BSN Program!

The Difference Between RN and BSN

How Are RN and BSN Different?

As opposed to the RN, BSN is a degree, not a job title - it’s the next-level nursing education program that can lead to becoming an RN.

As you may notice, you can be an RN with or without a BSN degree, so this is not a straightforward one-to-one comparison. This is why many RNs may wonder whether or not ADN is enough for their career or if they should enroll in (or continue with) an RN to BSN program.

Some future nurses choose to get an ADN because it is the fastest way to become a nurse and enter the workforce sooner.

However, choosing to get a BSN degree opens up more career possibilities, such as leadership and management positions and different nursing specializations, accompanied by significantly higher remuneration.

The differences between an RN and a BSN RN can be easily divided into 5 categories:

Education period, as required by accredited programs for getting certified as a registered nurse
Program curriculum, as well as the ADN vs. BSN patient outcomes for each
Program Costs, including tuition and other expenses, as well as the available financial support
Salary differences, including the nurse salary by state in comparable positions
Career options, as well as duties, responsibilities, and roles in the workplace

1. RN vs. BSN Education Period Differences

Many future nurses are confused as to whether you can become an RN without a BSN. The answer is yes, you can because the basic education requirement for an RN is earning an ADN degree.

Usually, the ADN program takes around two years to complete, so many RNs have graduated from this program. Many practicing registered nurses want to be able to enjoy these career benefits so they choose to go back to school to continue their education to earn a BSN degree through an RN-to-BSN bridge nursing program that can be completed in just 1 year.

BSN RNs, on the other hand, are nurses who have completed a three-to-four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The extra time spent in schools provides graduates higher academic credentials that bring more career opportunities in the near future.

If you have an ADN degree and want to get a BSN diploma, you can opt for an accelerated program such as the RN-to-BSN Program from Nightingale College. This fast track is 100% online, thus preparing you for your responsibilities as a BSN nurse while still allowing you to practice your work during your study period.

Find out more about Nightingale College’s RN-to-BSN career-friendly program!

2. RN vs. BSN Curriculum Differences

The BSN curriculum includes all the courses from the ADN curriculum, which includes core courses meant to equip future nurses with basic knowledge in clinical care and provide the necessary practical skills during field experience activities.

The main subjects for your courses usually include nursing, human physiology, psychology, human anatomy, biology, chemistry and nutrition.

Both RN educational programs include experiential learning activities, these being essential for all future registered nurses. They provide hands-on experience before entering the field. During these activities, future nurses learn specific practical skills such as starting an IV, administering medication and monitoring and updating medical charts and patients’ symptoms, all of which being part of their day to day activities.

Still, BSN programs include courses that are not in the ADN curriculum. These are usually focused on the knowledge required for leadership and management positions.

Typically, a BSN curriculum includes the following subjects:

Adult, Pediatric, and Geriatric Nursing
Anatomy
Basic Pharmacology
Chemistry
Emergency Care
Microbiology
Nursing Assessment
Nursing Research
Nursing Theory
Nutrition and Diet
Physiology
Psychology
Public health
Statistics

Although there are specific guidelines regarding what a nursing program curriculum should include for ADN as well as for BSN, you are likely to encounter differences in subjects from one educational institution to another. However, all certified institutions should provide you with the same core knowledge, no matter the way in which they structure their curriculum.

3. RN vs. BSN Program Costs Differences

Costs are equally important when it comes to the debates on ADN RN vs. BSN RN and choosing the most suitable degree program for your career. After all, your professional formation is an investment in your future in the long term, and you want to make sure all the money goes to the right educational program for you.

Fortunately, there are some accessible and affordable options for you to choose from in order to become a registered nurse.

Many educational institutions have developed accredited online programs, which offer the same level of qualification and competence as a traditional learning facility.

How much does an ADN program cost?

Normally, the costs that cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies depend on location, length, reputation, and type of learning facility (public or private, online or traditional). For a private school, an Associate Degree may cost between $30,000 and $100,000, while public college programs can cost you somewhere between $6,000 and $40,000.

One cheaper option if you want to earn an ADN-equivalent degree, if you are already a licensed practical nurse, is to opt for a bridge program, such as the LPN-to-ASN path at Nightingale College. The estimated cost for the entire program is $50,755, but you will complete your educational advancement in a hybrid program with online learning and on-ground field experience. You will also receive coaching for passing the NCLEX-RN, free of charge. Additionally, you can graduate in as few as 16 months.

Enroll in the LPN-to-ASN Program and advance your nursing career!

How much does a BSN program cost?

The costs for BSN programs depend on several factors and may go between $40,000 and $200,000 for all four years of study.

Comparatively, at Nightingale College, the BSN Program will cost you $85,700 in total (and less if you transfer college-level credits). The hybrid approach that combines online learning and on-ground supervised field experience can lower costs while also allowing you more time for work during your education. All enrolled students also receive free coaching for passing the NCLEX-RN, so you can be sure to receive your licensure as soon and efficiently as possible. Additionally, you can start working as an RN within as few as 3 years.

Start your career in the most flexible and affordable way with our BSN Program!

4. RN vs BSN Salary & Pay Differences

According to the latest figures published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for RNs was $94,480 per year and $45.42 per hour. These statistics refer to registered nurses overall, including both ADN- and BSN-educated RNs.

How much does an RN without a BSN earn?

According to the job aggregator Indeed.com, the average annual salary for an RN with an ADN is $91,444. The annual pay for ADN-level RN jobs continues to grow but at a slower rate than for BSN RNs (more employees are looking for BSN-qualified nurses).

How much does an RN with a BSN earn?

As BSNedu points out, registered nurses with a BSN degree are top 25% earners in their field. Thus, according to the data provided by BLS, we can estimate the average salary for BSN RNs to be $104,670 per year or $50.32 per hour, across the US.

Of course, there are many other variables that can influence a nurse’s salary, including experience, job title, and specialization. However, your location may play the highest part, even bigger than the ADN vs BSN certification differences.

That is why you should always consider nurse salaries by state, along with discrepancies based on accreditation and job title.

And, while we can estimate the difference between BSN and non-BSN registered nurse salaries to be around $13,226 per year, the pay difference between the best- and worst-paying states for BSN nurses sits at around $68,090 per year.

Read our BSN salary guide if you want to understand how the annual payment of a BSN-level nurse can vary based on their location, level of experience and role fulfilled in a healthcare environment.

5. ADN RN vs BSN RN Careers & Job Outlook

Career options are where the real differences between RNs with ADN and RNs with BSN degrees show.

When it comes to entry-level specialized jobs, ADN RNs and BSN RNs broadly have the same job options and basic responsibilities. Still, long-term career opportunities represent the main difference between the two, being more varied and flexible for BSN nurses.

Here are some of the most popular specialized entry-level nursing positions that are available to RNs, with or without being BSN-prepared:

Yet, even though entry-level job options are available for both RNs with ADN and BSN level RNs, the latter usually have more duties than the former.

BSN-level nurses can also work in other fields, such as public health or education. Here are some of the nursing specialties for which employers need BSN-level RNs (or prioritize hiring nurses who do):

Administrative and leadership positions are also usually reserved for BSN registered nurses, and the chances for ADN-prepared nurses to occupy such positions are very limited.

ADN RN vs. BSN RN Workplace Differences

Both RNs and BSN RNs usually get hired in entry-level positions in the same types of healthcare facilities. However, your degree level can influence your employment in different locations and healthcare settings.

Many hospitals prioritize hiring BSN-educated nurses, and those that don't may require upon employment that RNs earn a BSN degree during their time working there. Plus, BSN RNs are qualified for the same jobs as ADN-prepared nurses. That is why a next-level degree would offer you more career flexibility in the long run.

RNs with an ADN and BSN RNs can usually work in:

Hospitals
Physicians’ offices
Home healthcare services,
Nursing care facilities
Outpatient clinics and schools
Military settings
At-home care (as travel nurses)

Is the BSN Becoming the Expected Degree for RNs?

With over 70% of RNs having a BSN or higher degree and over 50% of new nurses starting either with a BSN or an MSN, as reported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, you may consider the degree to become an industry requirement in the near future.

In general, employers prefer BSN-level nurses across the board, and for good reason. BSN education is built to improve analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as training for extra procedures. This doesn’t mean that ADN nurses are less safe than BSN ones. The statistics only show that a higher educated team is more equipped to handle a systemic change and counteract any issues that might come.

Moreover, it was found out that a 10% increase in the proportion of BSN nurses on hospital units was associated with a 10.9% possible decrease in patient mortality – a correlation confirmed by a decade of nursing research.

This is another reason why more and more hospitals are moving toward establishing a BSN degree for entry-level RN job positions, as the skills and qualifications provided by higher education have been linked to better patient outcomes.

A few studies (for example the one by The National Center for Biotechnology Information) showed that hospitals with a higher percentage of nurses with a BSN or higher-level degree have lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates, especially when it comes to surgical patients.

However, in the context of the ongoing nursing shortage affecting the US, both at the national and state levels, meeting staff demands, especially in underprivileged areas, becomes an increasing industry-wide requirement.

One consequence is that, despite the better patient outcomes resulting from BSN education, shorter qualifying programs for becoming an RN remain popular and gain support from authorities, educational institutions, and employers.

In short, while BSN nurses may garner better patient outcomes while also receiving higher salaries and more benefits, ADN- or ASN-level registered nurses are an important piece in the puzzle that is the industry’s effort to meet growing staff demands.

Choose between ADN RN vs BSN RN options

So, Which One Is Better, RN or BSN?

Many future nurses want to know whether an RN is better than a BSN. Both ADN and BSN paths lead to the same destination: becoming a registered nurse, which makes them equally good for reaching your RN goal.

However, once you look over the career differences between RN and BSN and the signs that indicate that BSN is slowly becoming the standard education for nurses, you might realize that BSN is the best choice for your future career.

Enrolling in a BSN Program right from the start will not only help you climb the nursing career ladder faster, but it will save you from having to go back to school to earn a BSN degree later when you have to juggle both education and job responsibilities.

An ADN is only recommended if you aim to spend less on your initial schooling, enter the registered nurse job market as fast as possible, and accumulate experience. And, given the current industry requirements and emerging legal statutes around nursing degrees, you can later opt to earn your BSN via a 1-year RN-to-BSN track.

No matter your choice, completing your education online is simply more feasible, less expensive, and incredibly accessible. It also allows for greater flexibility in your education, so you can dedicate time to your private life or even work in parallel. If all of the above sounds like what you need, don’t hesitate to enroll in one of the certified programs at Nightingale College.

Nightingale College is enrolling. Get in touch with us to become a registered nurse!

RN vs. BSN FAQs

Is BSN the Same as RN?

The two terms are different in that registered nurses (RNs) represent a healthcare occupation, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) represents a type of certification program that qualifies you to work as an RN, along with other shorter ones, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN).

Should I Get a BSN Degree If I Am Just Starting Out?

Your decision to pursue a BSN degree when starting out will depend on your expendable funds, available time, as well as your short- and long-time expectations from your nursing career.

BSN programs are generally more expensive and time-intensive. Earning a BSN is a prerequisite for completing a 3-year full-time educational program. If you have other obligations, such as work or familial duties, the required time and dedication can be discouraging. Access to an accredited educational facility can also be a hurdle if you aspire to enroll.

However, the BSN Program at Nightingale College provides you with a hybrid educational option that combines online learning with on-ground field experience in order to ensure that you receive high-quality preparation with the maximum flexibility and accessibility, regardless of your current situation. And if you want to pursue a BSN degree later on in your nursing journey, you can do so via a fully online 1-year RN-to-BSN Track.

Enroll in our programs today and achieve your desired nursing career!

How Long Is an RN to BSN Program If I Have an ADN/ASN Degree?

If you already are a working RN and want to earn your BSN, the required RN-to-BSN programs will generally take 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the program curriculum and educational institution that you have chosen.

At Nightingale College, you can advance to a BSN nurse within just one 1 year while also completing your courses and educational requirements entirely online.

During the accelerated program, you will become familiarized with core concepts like disease prevention and health promotion, as well as with various areas you haven’t explored yet, like gerontology, critical care, psychiatry, disease management, and many other fields. You will have the chance to experience different nursing fields to find out what specialty fits your interests and abilities while also preparing to manage complex patient cases. You will additionally learn about critical thinking and decision-making, ethics and policy, research, technology, and community health.

Enroll in our RN-to-BSN Program and advance your nursing career!