Difference Between ADN and BSN

ADN Vs BSN

BSN is a very common degree which stands for Bachelors of Science in Nursing. ADN, on the other hand, is Associates Degree in Nursing. In actuality, the two degrees can earn you a Registered Nurse mark (RN) but they just differ in some aspects.

The ADN program will require about two years for the student to complete while the BSN program requires four complete years. Nevertheless, there are many accelerated Bachelor’s programs for Nursing that will only take 1.5 to 2 years to complete, that is, if the student has already finished another Bachelors degree prior to the start of the BSN.

By theory, BSN offers a richer scope of study that even involves research and other relevant fields like on how technology is applied to Nursing and vice versa (informatics). Both programs however, include Nursing on the fields of Psychiatry, Community Health, Maternal & Child Health, Newborn & Pediatrics, Adult Health, and even Gerontology for some schools.

With regard to annual income, BSN indubitably has the greater potential of earning several thousands more as compared to ADN graduates because many hospitals are looking for BSN certified graduates in their varied work positions rather than an ADN. This means that BSN graduates, not just have more money, but also have greater chances of going higher in the career ladder. A certain study in 2006 involving the California healthcare sector revealed that BSNs have the mean average of earning more than $75,000 while ADNs roughly reach $70,000 a year.

Both have their own set of strengths or advantages. For the ADN program, it is generally cheaper to take than the BSN. Because it only spans for two years for the learner to complete the course, ADN obviously is quicker to finish and consumes less time for the person who wants to earn at the soonest time possible.

For the BSN degree, you can further your credentials by taking specialty courses and advanced practice degrees that will supplement your Bachelors. There are many degrees available like becoming a nurse anesthetist and nurse manager among others.

Depending on the country or state, the percentage of BSN takers and ADN takers vary. For most American states nonetheless, there are many individuals who have obtained their RNs from being an ADN graduate. For most Asian countries however, many are taking the longer BSN route over the quicker ADN for them to obtain an RN.

1. ADN is a quicker course to take than a BSN
2. ADN is a cheaper alternative to BSN so that you can obtain an RN.
3. A BSN offers greater opportunities for advancement and greater pay as compared to the ADN degree.