This paper compares the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), examining the practical and professional trade-offs between the two credential pathways. It covers differences in program length, cost, curriculum breadth, and career advancement potential. The paper also reviews evidence-based research linking BSN-prepared nurses to improved patient outcomes, discusses the growing institutional preference for baccalaureate education, and considers counterarguments about individual dedication versus degree type. The conclusion encourages prospective nurses to weigh both short-term affordability and long-term professional ambitions when choosing between these two routes into the profession.
Students wishing to enter the profession of nursing are often faced with two clear choices: the ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). An ADN generally takes two years and is most commonly offered by a community college or state school. As a result, it is substantially cheaper than a four-year BSN. Obtaining an ADN still allows a nurse to sit for the NCLEX-RN. "The coursework of an associate's degree in nursing covers the following general subjects: fundamentals of nursing, infection control, nutrition and dietetics, basic microbiology, basic medical nursing, pediatric nursing, and more" ("What you need to know," 2014).
It should be noted that an ADN does not have to be a terminal degree. There are ADN "bridge" programs that allow practicing nurses who currently hold an ADN to go on and obtain their bachelor's degree. Getting an ADN first may enable a nurse to determine whether nursing is truly the right fit before making a larger financial commitment.
For career-changers wary of taking on more debt on top of undergraduate loans they already carry, the lower cost of the associate degree can be significant. For individuals who wish to continue working while pursuing their degree, online programs exist that allow nurses to take classes part-time while still meeting their existing work and family obligations. "Online ADN degree programs are a new set of additions to the associate degree program, designed for students with previous time commitments to take the program on a part-time basis" ("What you need to know," 2014).
As the job market becomes more competitive, more and more nurses are choosing to complete a BSN. The starting salary for nurses with both degrees is often the same, but a BSN candidate may be selected over an ADN candidate in a competitive hiring environment. BSNs generally have greater promotional possibilities ("ADN vs. BSN," 2014). A BSN-prepared nurse can enter an advanced degree program — such as nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist — immediately, whereas an ADN holder would first need to complete a BSN.
"Chief nurse officers (CNO) in university hospitals prefer to hire nurses who have baccalaureate degrees. In a 2001 survey published in the Journal of Nursing Administration, 72% of these directors identified differences in practice between BSN-prepared nurses and those who have an associate degree or hospital diploma, citing stronger critical thinking and leadership skills" ("The impact of education," 2014).
BSN programs offer a broader liberal arts and theory-intensive course of study, which can better prepare nurses to psychologically cope with the demands of the profession. "A BSN program may feature some additional instruction in communication, leadership, critical thinking, and the social sciences. It prepares its students to take on a wider variety of roles, such as teaching, consulting, research, and administration" ("The future of the associate degree," 2014). This suggests that for a nurse wishing to reach her full potential, there may be an advantage to pursuing a bachelor's degree — particularly if there is any chance she wishes to explore roles beyond that of a traditional staff nurse.
Evidence-based research supports the case for more advanced education among nurses. A report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation called for increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% by 2020, in part because "a higher prevalence of baccalaureate- and master's-prepared RNs at the bedside positively impacts patient outcomes" ("The impact of education," 2014).
Another study found that "a 10-point increase in the percentage of nurses holding a BSN within a hospital was associated with an average reduction of 2.12 deaths for every 1,000 patients — and for a subset of patients with complications, an average reduction of 7.47 deaths per 1,000 patients" ("The impact of education," 2014). These findings present a compelling public-health rationale for elevating educational standards within the nursing workforce.
"Individual dedication and magnet hospital variables"
"Legislative trends and long-term career planning"
You’re 65% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.