“ADN vs. BSN” provides an overview of an Associate’s degree in Nursing vis-à-vis a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The article puts forth important aspects about both these degrees, which help you decide your route to the nursing career.

1. ADN vs. BSN
If you are a nursing aspirant or even a practicing nurse, you must have heard the raging debate
over an Associate’s degree in Nursing vs. the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Any effort at finding
out which one scores over the other is sure to lead to massive confusion for a candidate.
The truth of the matter is that both of these nursing degree programs have their own set of
benefits and drawbacks. The key is to find which one of these two programs fits into your scheme
of things.
But before you can decide which one suits you more, you need to understand the distinguishing
factors between the two programs as well as their pros and cons.
Associate of Science in Nursing
The Associate degree in Nursing program was first introduced to overcome the shortage of
nurses. The intent of the program was to provide technical education to candidates, which
remains the main focus of most ADN programs even today.
In fact, many Registered Nurses (RNs) whose first degree is an ADN will argue that their clinical
experience and technical proficiency is often more than what BSN graduates are exposed to.
The main difference between an ADN nursing program and a BSN degree, however, is the
amount of time and number of credits required to complete them. An Associate of Science in
Nursing program is usually offered by nursing schools, community colleges, and some four-year
colleges. It usually takes about two years to complete, but in some cases may take more than two
years and up to three years for completion.
The biggest advantage of an ADN over a BSN is that it leads to quicker graduation and transition
to the workforce. You can start practicing earlier with an Associate’s degree in Nursing.
Another benefit of an ADN nursing program is reduced cost of college, as these programs tend to
be less expensive than university-offered Bachelor’s degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Popularly referred to as a BSN degree, this is a Bachelor’s program in nursing granted by
universities and some four-year colleges. Like other Bachelor’s programs, a BSN requires four
years of coursework unless it is available on a faster schedule that allows graduation in much
shorter than normal completion time.
According to the American Nurses Association, this degree prepares graduates for the “full scope
of professional nursing responsibilities.”
(nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses/Education.aspx).What this translates into is
an intensive program that covers courses in not just nursing theory, but also humanities,
behavioral science, and other science topics like biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, etc.
A BSN program also lays emphasis on developing skills like leadership and communication,
which RNs looking to move into managerial or administrative roles later in their careers may find
useful.
Evidently, the scope of learning is a lot more with a BSN program as compared to an ADN
nursing program. A BSN degree may also be necessary to have access to advanced nursing
positions.

2. A Bachelor’s degree may be essential for career progression as well. Where an ADN graduate’s
career may plateau with providing bedside nursing care, those who have a BSN can branch out
into varied roles in the fields of nursing management and administration.
For example, the position of a nurse manager may be out of bounds for an RN with just an
Associate’s degree in Nursing. Additionally, a BSN is the perfect stepping stone to advanced
nursing degrees that promise further professional growth for RNs.
So, which one is the right path for you? The answer lies in your career objectives and what you’re
seeking from your role as a nurse!