ADN vs. BSN: How to Decide on a Nursing Degree?
At times there are different paths to the same destination. Having a decent idea as to what you want for your future can be a great starting point for choosing the degree that best fits your future goals.
So is a career in nursing where prospective nurses contemplate if they need an associate or bachelor's degree.
When it comes to analyzing the ADN vs. BSN degrees, a couple of factors need to be examined. Elements that differentiate the degrees are the length of the programs, the differences in curriculum, the jobs prospects, and potential earnings. Let's dive in to explain each of them.
What is an ADN?
The associate's degree in nursing is a sure path for graduates towards a career as a registered nurse. This degree provides its students with the necessary clinical hours and coursework to become an RN.
Such degrees are typically four-semester programs that lead to an associate degree in nursing with a BSN collaborative pathway opportunity. BSN collaborative pathway allows students to take BSN classes in their third and fourth semesters to advance their nursing education.
Importantly, interested candidates for the program must have an appointment with a nursing director 10-12 weeks before the start of the application to discuss eligibility. You need a prior education or experience in nursing to be admitted to an ADN program.
What is a BSN?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for registered nurses interested in advancing their education. The program helps RNs better understand the ethical, cultural, political, and social issues that affect patients.
The BSN program helps RNs expand their skills, knowledge, and critical thinking to provide better care to their patients. Besides, the BSN equips students with in-depth knowledge that prepares RNs to take leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
ADN vs. BSN Program Length
A critical difference between ADN and BSN is the program length. ADN is a four-semester program, typically lasting two years.
On the other hand, the bachelor of science in nursing takes four years to complete. The first two years are dedicated to general education, and the last two focused on specialized courses.
ADN vs. BSN Curriculums
The ADN program provides courses that teach nursing standard skills such as the use of catheters, basic lab skills, and nursing terminology for medical charts. Types of classes may include human anatomy, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, and nursing theory.
The BSN program curriculum is divided into two parts. In the first two years, students take more general education classes, while students take specialized courses in their field in the last two years. The BSN curriculum includes different program coursework such as; working around the world, technological impact on society, communication for the workplace, nursing principles, health assessment, education and promotion, disease process/role of nursing, pharmacology, and more.
Interested in pursuing a degree in California?
Fill out the form and get all the detailed information you need regarding your chosen program.
ADN vs. BSN Competencies
ADN vs. BSN nursing competencies refer to the expected performance level that integrates skills, ability, and judgment. The difference here is that ADN students are trained in clinical skills.
In contrast, BSN students train in more focused areas such as leadership, nursing research, and management, thus making BSN graduates more equipped for leadership roles.
ADN vs. BSN Jobs & Salaries
One key difference between ADN and BSN nursing degrees is the job and the salary possibilities, and both play a key role in most people's decisions when choosing between two degrees.
Since BSN offers a comprehensive education, it expands the job pool for RNs. By qualifying for more jobs with a BSN degree, the possibility to earn higher salaries exists. In 2018, registered nurses with a bachelor's degree earned a yearly salary of $75,330. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook is projected to grow by 9 percent in the next ten years, with over 194,500 new job openings every year.
On the other hand, the ADN degree can provide a yearly salary of $40.250, working jobs such as home care nurse, patient coordinator, clinical associate, and pediatric nurse.
Conversely, RNs with BSN degrees can earn higher annual incomes up to about $90.000, working as advanced practice nurses, charge nurses, staff nurses, and nurse managers.
Which Degree Should I Choose?
Choosing between one of these two degrees can solely depend on your career aspirations or curriculum goals. If you are short on time and want to practice your hands-on skills faster, an ADN degree may suit your needs.
In contrast, if you have higher career aspirations as a nurse, a BSN degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to progress your career.
Benefits of an ADN
The key benefits of completing an ADN degree include that it does not take too long to finish, merely two years, and it offers a focused curriculum. The ADN degree leads you towards a career as a registered nurse while providing you with needed nursing knowledge in anatomy and theory.
Benefits of a BSN degree
The benefits of a BSN degree completion include, as aforementioned, better career prospects and a higher salary opportunity. With higher wages and more flexibility in choosing, completing a BSN degree can significantly benefit your future nursing-related career.
Final Thoughts
All in all, when deciding between these two great degrees, you have to make sure to consider all the differences and similarities between them. The differences in the curriculum, length it takes to complete, and the prospect in as far as job opportunities and the earning potential, are all important and worth considering overall. These may help you make the best decision for your future career in nursing-related fields of your desire.