Before applying to a nursing school, you should compare the ADN vs. BSN. The Associate Degree in Nursing teaches the basics of nursing, whereas the Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a comprehensive curriculum, with more hands-on and immersive learning experiences. It’s why employers often prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses.
Making a career switch to the nursing field offers many exciting opportunities, such as high salary expectations and room for career growth. Before starting, however, it’s important to understand the different pathways you could take to pursue a nursing career. Not all nurses have the same type of nursing degree; for example, some have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and some have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Understanding the differences between an ADN vs. BSN can help you choose the degree that’s right for you.
The University of St. Thomas-Houston (UST) offers an accelerated pathway toward a nursing career you’ll love. The University of St. Thomas’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for career switchers and transfer students who want the benefits of a BSN without returning to school for another four years. It’s the best of both worlds for future nurses, and can be completed in as few as 12 months after completing any necessary prerequisites.
While you’re planning your career transition, first take a closer look at the ADN and BSN and the key differences between them to determine which is right for you.
What is an ABSN program, and could it be the right path forward for you?
What Is an ADN and a BSN?
Both the ADN and the BSN are nursing degrees. Earning either will qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN, the national licensure exam that all aspiring nurses must pass. While you could choose either credential to become a nurse, there are significant differences between the ADN vs. BSN to be aware of.
Overview of the ADN
The ADN is an undergraduate degree, but not a baccalaureate degree. Similar degrees are the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN). These associate degrees for future nurses are typically offered at community colleges.
Overview of the BSN
The BSN is an undergraduate baccalaureate degree offered by nursing schools at colleges and universities, and it typically takes four years to earn. Note that the ABSN at UST is a specific type of BSN program with an accelerated timeline, allowing students to earn a BSN in as few as 12 months.
The ABSN program does not confer a different degree. There is no difference in quality between an accelerated BSN program vs. a traditional BSN program.
Key Differences Between an ADN and BSN
To choose between an ADN vs. BSN, examine the key differences.
Level of Degree
The ADN is an associate degree, while the BSN is a baccalaureate degree. In comparing an associate vs. bachelor’s in nursing, note that a bachelor’s degree is considered a higher level. BSN programs have a broader, more in-depth curriculum.
Breadth and Depth of Curriculum
In both associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs, you can expect to work through a combination of didactic coursework and hands-on learning experiences. The difference is that a BSN offers a more well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum with more opportunities for hands-on, immersive learning.
Both programs typically start with general education requirements and prerequisites, such as math, chemistry, biology, and psychology. In an ABSN program like UST’s, however, these courses are completed prior to enrollment, making it ideal for transfer students and career switchers. Students can then progress to nursing fundamentals, such as patient assessments and pharmacology.
The main difference between an ADN and BSN is that the ADN predominantly covers the nursing fundamentals, whereas the BSN takes a deeper dive and covers more topics. For example, a BSN curriculum might explore the principles of holistic nursing care, clinical leadership, clinical inquiry, community health, and other topics.
Time to Completion
Time to completion is another major difference between an ADN vs. BSN. A typical associate degree is designed to be completed in two years. A traditional BSN typically takes four years.
Not all BSN programs are traditional, however. A typical ABSN program can be completed in less than two years. UST shortens the time further, enabling students to graduate in as few as 12 months. That means you could benefit from the quality and breadth of a traditional BSN program, but in less time than an ADN requires.
Career Outcomes
Either a BSN or an ADN will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse (RN). Your opportunities with an ADN, however, may be limited. Employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN because they understand that BSN-prepared nurses demonstrate greater competence and provide better patient care. At some healthcare facilities, a BSN is the minimum education required to pursue career advancement.
Discover how to choose a nursing school that aligns with your needs.
Benefits of Choosing a BSN Over an ADN
There are compelling benefits to choosing a BSN compared to an ADN. Consider the following:
Comprehensive Curriculum
A BSN offers more in-depth education compared to the ADN. The well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum of the BSN program enables nursing students to develop a deeper understanding of key nursing concepts. Students also have more time to practice hands-on nursing skills during labs and work with patients during clinical rotations.
Solid NCLEX-RN Preparation
Nursing school is only one of the hurdles you’ll need to navigate before becoming a registered nurse. You’ll also need to obtain licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN, a challenging exam that requires thorough preparation.
Better Patient Outcomes
There are many reasons people choose to become nurses, but the desire to help others is often at the top of the list. As a BSN-prepared nurse, you’ll be better positioned to help your patients enjoy better health outcomes. This assertion is supported by numerous studies, showing that hospitals with higher percentages of baccalaureate-prepared nurses deliver better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates.
Foundation for Pursuing Graduate-Level Nursing Education
Another difference between the ADN vs. BSN involves graduate-level education. If you think you might like to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you should choose a BSN instead of an ADN. Graduate-level programs typically require a BSN for admission.
More Career Opportunities
A BSN can pave the way toward advancing your career. With graduate-level nursing education, you can step into non-clinical roles such as nurse manager, nurse administrator, or nurse researcher. Paired with board certification, a BSN and an advanced nursing degree will enable you to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse practitioner (NP).
Even without graduate-level education, you might one day find yourself taking on the responsibilities of a charge nurse or a nurse mentor. Once you understand the differences between an associate vs. bachelor’s in nursing, you begin to realize that with a BSN, the possibilities for your future are virtually limitless.
Explore the five reasons why a BSN is important for your nursing career.
Pursue a Quality BSN in Less Time at UST
UST’s ABSN program, offered at three locations in the Houston area, is your pathway toward a nursing career in less time. Choose from three annual start dates and graduate in as few as 12 months, ready to take the NCLEX-RN. During the admissions process, you’ll receive individualized support from your dedicated admissions advisor. Upon enrollment, you’ll benefit from working with your Academic Success Coach, who can help you navigate the challenges of nursing school.
Contact our admissions team today to learn more about the benefits of earning your BSN in less time at UST.