ADN vs. BSN – The Big Debate

Obtaining your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) will open many doors in your nursing career. A BSN makes nurses more attractive to employers who prefer candidates with advanced education. Many nurses, after working the floors for years, experience burnout and seek a change of pace. With a BSN, transitioning into management is possible, a role that is highly respected and often accompanied by a significant salary increase. You’ll earn respect from colleagues and develop leadership skills.

An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) provides students with the fundamentals of nursing, including care plan development and basic nursing skills. A BSN, however, encourages more innovative thinking through credible research, leadership training, theory, and public health knowledge, enhancing critical thinking skills that improve patient safety and everyday nursing practices, thereby reducing the risk of critical errors.

It is advisable to pursue a BSN directly after high school. However, many adult learners prefer to work and earn money first. The key advice for them is to maintain momentum in their education. Starting a nursing role can lead to comfort and complacency, making it difficult to return to academic studies. Avoid being the nurse who perpetually plans to return to school—take action and enroll!

Job Security with a BSN

While there was a significant shortage of nurses in the past, the demand has decreased, making the BSN more crucial for employment. This degree is increasingly becoming a requirement for specialized roles such as teaching, specialty areas, and school nursing positions. If retirement is not imminent, be aware that many institutions will require a BSN in the future.

In anticipation of these changes, nurses with an ADN are often already enrolled or planning to complete their BSN. Remaining in an ADN-level position may be comfortable now, but the future demands more, with many hospitals aiming for Magnet status—a recognition that prioritizes hiring nurses with a BSN.

Magnet Recognition Program

This program recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in nursing practice. The Magnet designation, developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), is a leading indicator of successful nursing practices globally, signaling to consumers that a hospital provides top-tier nursing care.

The Benefits of the BSN

Most educational institutions require a BSN for enrollment in an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program, necessary for nurse practitioners. A BSN opens doors to management positions and roles in insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, and research. It also qualifies nurses to be clinical instructors at local colleges, offering opportunities for additional income.

Financial Considerations

While the initial pay increase for a BSN over an ADN may not be substantial, advancement opportunities, particularly in management, can lead to higher earnings. However, compensation for staff nurses with a BSN is generally comparable to those with an ADN, depending largely on the employer’s policies.

Societal Perception

Nurses with a four-year degree are often held to a higher standard than those with a two-year degree. Patients and the public tend to have more confidence in nurses who have undergone longer training, perceiving them as more knowledgeable.

ADN vs. BSN by the numbers

	ADN	BSN
Length	2 to 3 years (about 70 credit hours)	4 to 5 years (about 120 credit hours)
State Approved programs	1275	777
The total number of approved programs is based on our database; however, the actual number of approved programs may differ. This discrepancy allows you to see the variation.
Cost of education	Denver School of Nursing ($42,527) Columbia Basin College ($52,800) Bevill State Community College ($10,080*)	Denver School of Nursing($86,089) South University ($104,920) Auburn University($69,584) The University of Alabama($100,824)
The cost of education varies depending on the type of school, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, among other factors. The figures mentioned above are based on the tuition costs published on each university or college’s website in 2013.
Degree advancement options	RN to BSN, RN to MSN	BSN to MSN, BSN to PhD/DNP