What Is the Difference Between RN vs BSN?
Nurses play an essential role in healthcare systems all around the world. While there are many terminologies in the nursing profession, two of the most common ones that you may have heard of are RN and BSN. But what are the differences? This article aims to give you a clear understanding of RN meaning and its comparison to BSN.
What Is an RN?
A Registered Nurse (RN) is a nurse who, after completing all educational requirements, has been licensed to practice nursing in different medical settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and more. Most RNs will help with health-related tasks, such as managing care, controlling safety and infection, and providing primary care and comfort.
The process towards becoming an RN may differ from state to state; however, generally, RNs first have to attend a nursing program and then pass the national licensing exam. Nursing schools offer these programs at both ADN and BSN levels, though BSN requires more coursework and can lead to more job options and better salaries.
Pathways to Becoming an RN
There are several ways you can follow to become an RN. They can be bridge programs if you already practice nursing, or you can enroll in traditional four years programs.
CNA to RN Bridge Programs
Through CNA to RN bridge programs, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) can enroll in the RN program without repeating unnecessary courses. Such programs can take between two to four years to complete; however, CNAs enrolling in the RN program can reduce the completion time by about six months since many CNA courses can be transferred to RN programs.
Moreover, sometimes nurses also have the opportunity to “test out” required prerequisite courses. Because some nurse assistants may have many years of experience, they have the essential knowledge needed and don’t have to take certain classes.
LPN to RN Programs
LPN to RN programs are educational paths designed for Licenced Practical Nurses (also known as Vocational Nurses) who are looking to continue their education. This program acknowledges your previous education and experience as an LPN and offers an in-depth curriculum at a faster pace.
Even though LPNs are an essential part of a healthcare team, their career options are limited unless they become RNs, and to do that, they must have an ADN or BSN degree. Once LPNs have an ADN or BSN, they’ll be qualified to take the national NCLEX-RN exam, and if they pass, they’ll be licensed registered nurses.
ADN Programs
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum amount of education required to be licensed as an RN, and it typically lasts two years. Once you graduate, you’ll be able to take the NCLEX - RN exam and become a licensed RN.
Considering that this program will qualify you to earn an RN license, it requires prerequisite knowledge in several areas such as microbiology, anatomy, chemistry, and psychology; whereas, nursing classes for this program typically include behavioral health, nursing care of adults, pharmacology, and many more.
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BSN Degree
A more extended but more effective pathway for becoming an RN is by getting a BSN degree. This degree usually takes four years to complete, and in contrast to RN programs which teach basic nursing skills, BSN programs elaborate on these skills in more detail.
Among other topics, this program prepares students on how to apply their knowledge with safety measures, develop their leadership skills, and use verbal and nonverbal communication to ensure health promotion for the patients.
What Is a BSN?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program for everyone who wishes to become an RN, or for those who already are an RN through an ADN, but want to graduate with BSN to further their education.
BSN Degree Overview
The following sections of this article will give you a more in-depth understanding of a BSN Degree.
Program Length
The length of your BSN program may vary depending on the pathway you choose to become an RN. If you’re coming straight out of high school, the traditional program you have to enroll in lasts four years. These four years of studying are divided into eight semesters, where half of the semesters offer general education courses and half offer nursing and clinical classes.
However, if you already are an LPN or RN, then you’ll be able to graduate from this program at a more accelerated pace. Depending on your prior education and nursing experience, this program may last from one to two years.
Courses
Being a four-year program, BSN includes more advanced courses that you usually don’t find in an ADN program. BSN curriculum courses may differ, but they typically include the following:
Professional nursing
Nutrition
Technology
Health assessment
Family nursing
Ethics
Statistics
Leadership
Medical and surgical care
English composition
Sociology
Nursing management
Public health
Chemistry
Biology
Psychological nursing
Moreover, BSN students have to complete 700 to 800 hours of clinical practice, which helps students apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.
Opportunities with a BSN
Graduating with a BSN will open a door of opportunities for you. Nurses who earn a BSN degree are qualified for numerous positions at hospitals or care facilities. These positions include, but aren’t limited to:
Nurse practitioner
Medical and Health Services Manager
Critical care nurse
Nurse anesthetist
Nurse specialist
Public health nurse
Pediatric nurse
Nurse manager
Nursing director
Quality coordinator
Case manager
Health educator
Case manager
Average salary for BSN Nurses
The employment of registered nurses is predicted to grow by 15% from 2016 to 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing professions. But, how much do they get paid?
The average salary for BSN nurses may vary depending on the industry profile and the state they’re currently working in; however, the average annual salary for BSN nurses is around $75,330. General Medical and Surgical Hospital are the industries with the highest concentration of RN employments, and their yearly salary is $81,680.
Salaries can also vary according to the state you practice in. For example, California, with a $120,560 annual salary, and Hawaii, with $104,830, are the top paying states for registered nurses.
What is the Main Difference Between RN vs BSN?
If we had to explain the main difference between RN and BSN in a sentence, we’d say that RN is a licensed job position, whereas BSN is an educational degree. BSN degrees typically require four years to complete, in contrast to two to three years it takes to become an RN. Moreover, BSN studies feature more in-depth nursing education, including research, theory, and training. Thus, BSN graduates can work not only in patient care but also in administrative positions. Registered nurses, on the other hand, are licensed to practice nursing in several medical settings, such as nursing homes and hospitals. Moreover, they’re able to help with health-related tasks like providing basic care and comfort.
Nursing is a noble profession, and whichever path you choose towards becoming a nurse will have its challenges, but it will be worth it in the end. RN and BSN have numerous similarities and differences between them, but one thing that can be said for both is that they prepare nurses to apply their profession for a good cause.
Enrolling in a BSN program is one way to start a nursing career, but even if you already are an RN, a BSN degree will help advance your career to a new level.