RN vs. BSN: What’s the Difference?
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If you’re just entering the medical field or you’ve just started to learn about nursing education, you’ve probably noticed that medicine is full of acronyms and initialisms. RN, BSN, ADN, LPN — each of these is a different nursing credential or degree. Curious about the difference between RN vs. BSN nursing qualifications? You’ve come to the right place.
While both of these acronyms pertain to nursing, they actually mean very different things. If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), it’s essential to understand the difference between a BSN degree vs. RN licensure.
First, let’s break down two of the most common acronyms in nursing:
- BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing): A four-year undergraduate degree that prepares registered nurses for practice. It’s the highest level of preparatory education to enter the field.
- RN: A legal license that allows you to practice nursing in your state.
What Is a BSN vs. RN?
A BSN is a college degree, while an RN is a legal license to practice nursing. If you want to become a registered nurse, going to a four-year university to get your BSN is one way to be qualified to take the national licensure exam, the NCLEX-RN. A passing score means you’re eligible for RN licensure.
Not All RNs are BSN RNs
There’s another important contrast between RN vs. BSN credentials — not all RNs have a BSN degree. There’s an alternative degree, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), that is a shorter — and often less expensive — path to licensure.
ADN-prepared nurses still go through rigorous coursework and clinical practice to prepare for patient care, but they take fewer professional development classes. If entering the nursing workforce quickly is your priority, getting an ADN degree might be right for you. Learn more about comparing BSN and ADN degrees.
While an ADN degree teaches the basics of nursing care, the additional coursework in a BSN degree expands on this knowledge base. For example, nurses with a BSN usually take these courses as well as the classes that ADN-prepared nurses take:
- Global and population health
- Nursing professionalism
- Healthcare policy and economics
- Writing composition
- Leadership and professional growth
Even though their educations are slightly different, ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses take the same NCLEX for RN licensure, and they work alongside each other in post-acute and acute care settings. Their scope of practice is the same, and they can both get advanced specialty certifications.
Today, many employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses because they have been shown to improve patient outcomes. As nursing professionalism evolves, some leaders in the field believe the BSN should be the required entry degree for new RNs. Today, more than 70% of registered nurses in the workforce have a BSN.
How to Go From RN to BSN: 3 Steps
If you already have RN licensure from an ADN degree, you can earn a BSN in as little as a year through a nursing bridge program. Many nurses who take this path do so while continuing to work full-time, and you could increase your earning potential by doing so.
Step 1: Research ADN-to-BSN Programs
A BSN bridge program presents a few different options:
- Online/hybrid: It’s possible to complete a bridge program remotely, with many programs offering didactic coursework online. Depending on the program, there may be a practicum or service learning component that you’ll complete in-person.
- Full-time/part-time/self-paced: Many students work while completing their BSN degrees, and programs typically offer flexibility so you can structure studies around your life. If you plan to work during school, you might want to consider part-time or per diem nursing jobs.
How much does an RN to BSN program cost? This will depend on several factors, including location, institution, and how long your degree takes. Some employers will help with tuition. Learn more about grants and scholarships for nursing school.
Here are a few sample ADN-to-BSN programs and their posted tuition before fees:
- Aspen University: $11,850
- Ohio University: $334 per credit hour for in-state tuition and $344 per credit hour for out-of-state tuition (program is 31 credit hours)
- Montana State University Northern: $7,495.08 per year for in-state tuition and $22,397.08 per year for out-of-state tuition
Step 2: Complete Applications and Apply
Typically, schools require the following information from applicants:
- Hold a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all previous college coursework
- Complete general education requirements
- Complete prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
Schools also typically require an application fee. See programs in your area for more specific application instructions.
Step 3: Complete Your BSN and Graduate
Once you’re admitted to school, you’ll enroll in courses such as:
- Nursing dimensions and informatics
- Application of evidence-based practice
- Health promotion across the lifespan
- Leadership and management
- Community health
- Care of the older adult
- Professional practice issues for RNs
BSN to RN FAQ
What are basic BSN degree requirements?
If you are applying to a BSN program, you’ll need to complete some basic requirements first. In many four-year schools, you’ll enter as a freshman without a major and enroll in prerequisite courses for the first year or two. Once you’ve completed your prerequisites, you can apply for the nursing program within your school. These are some of the most common requirements to enter nursing school:
- Prerequisite courses for nurses such as anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry
- A cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Standardized test scores such as the HESI, TEAS, or NLN PAX
How long does it take to get a BSN?
Standard BSN programs take at least four years to complete. However, if you’ve already completed your prerequisite courses at a community college or university, some accelerated programs may be faster — some take as little as one year. You might also be able to finish your bachelor’s degree earlier by taking courses over the summer.
If you’re an ADN-prepared nurse thinking about going back to school for your BSN, bridge programs can be even shorter. RN-to-BSN programs are often online and can take just a few semesters.
What are the benefits of RN vs. BSN qualifications?
The BSN is a great long-term career choice because it opens you up to more leadership roles, career opportunities, and the ability to make more money as a nurse. If you want to grow your nursing career into academics, research, or becoming a nurse practitioner, a BSN is the best choice.
On the other hand, you can always go the faster track with an ADN, become an RN, and go back to school for your BSN. No matter what track you choose, the nursing field is full of opportunities for professional growth and continued learning.
What is a BSN salary compared to an ADN salary?
What’s a BSN worth? Well, while both degrees prepare you for the same career, you may have a lower salary as an ADN-prepared nurse. Typically, ADN nurses earn around $80,000 per year, while nurses with a BSN generally make around $102,000 per year.
Looking to increase your earnings? If you’re open to a nationwide job search, you’ll find some of the highest registered nurse salaries in these states:
Put Your Degree to Work
Which nursing path are you choosing? Whether you pursue an ADN to become an RN vs. a BSN degree, we can help you find fresh opportunities. If you’re on the hunt for your next nursing job, sign up for personalized nursing job notifications to find the latest opportunities.