Associate Degree vs. Bachelor Degree: Which Is Better for Nursing?
There is often one initial question that aspiring nurses ask themselves: Which is better — associate degree vs. bachelor degree? Both levels of education have their pros and cons, so what works for you simply depends on your career goals. Below, we help you make your decision by outlining the difference between these two paths.
What Is an Associate Degree in Nursing?
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is undergraduate education that prepares nursing students for the workforce by teaching them theoretical knowledge in the classroom and building their clinical skills in hands-on scenarios in various healthcare facilities. This level of schooling facilitates further education towards a bachelor’s degree or entry-level employment. ADN programs are often available at community colleges.
What Is a Bachelor Degree in Nursing?
Nursing students pursuing their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) receive both theoretical and hands-on training, just like with an associate degree. Nurses with a BSN can work in a variety of positions, but obtaining this degree also provides the foundation to pursue a master’s degree. A BSN includes more training than an ADN, and is typically offered at four-year colleges and universities.
7 Things to Consider When Comparing Associate Degree vs. Bachelor Degree
Knowing what you want from your nursing degree, or any college-level education, can help clarify your decision between an associate’s degree vs. bachelor’s degree. It’s also important to be mindful of constraints that may impact you while you’re in school. Here are some factors to consider:
- Timing
- Career opportunities
- Salary potential
- Room for advancement
- Depth of knowledge
- Scope of practice
- Program cost
1. Timing
How many years is an associate degree? For full-time students, completing an ADN program usually takes two years, although accelerated ADN programs can take one-and-a-half years.
In contrast, nurses who choose a traditional BSN program are typically in school for four years. An accelerated BSN program takes up to two years and is a good option for those who have previously completed a portion of their college credits.
2. Career Opportunities
Both degree options provide nurses with a range of clinical and non-clinical settings in which they can use their degrees. Nurses with their ADN have plenty of workplace variety. Some examples of facilities that hire these nurses include:
But in terms of the job options available to nurses with an associate degree vs. bachelor degree, nurses with their BSN tend to have more opportunities than those with their ADN. In fact, nearly 75% of employers prefer nurses with their BSN. These nurses can work in the environments listed above, as well as inpatient hospitals, leadership positions, and anywhere else that hires nurses.
3. Salary Potential
The extra schooling pays off when you get your bachelor’s degree — professionals with their bachelor’s generally have higher salaries than with an associate’s degree. The average salary for registered nurses is $94,480, while the median associate degree in nursing salary is between $64,404 and $68,519 per year.
4. Room for Advancement
Though both ADN and BSN degrees are sufficient to obtain an RN license, an ADN works well when you’re content with your career as it is. On the other hand, you’ll need your BSN if you want to move up the career ladder by obtaining an advanced practice degree or pursuing a leadership position.
5. Depth of Knowledge
There’s overlap between ADN and BSN coursework, with some key differences. Some associate degree courses include:
- Microbiology
- Developmental psychology
- Mental health
- Pharmacology
- Nursing fundamentals
BSN classes include all of the courses above and additional education to make them more well-rounded. Some examples that are often unique to BSN programs are:
- Nursing leadership
- Nursing research
- Nursing ethics
6. Scope of Practice
There’s some overlap between the responsibilities of ADN and BSN nurses, but nurses in the latter group have a wider scope of practice and are better prepared to handle a wider variety of responsibilities. ADN nurses focus more on daily procedures and documentation.
BSN nurses are responsible for those tasks too, as well as maintaining a bigger picture of the patient’s situation. They’re more educated on disease processes and potential outcomes. They’re also given more autonomy in their decision-making.
7. Program Cost
Considering the factors described above, it’s easy to see how an associate degree is less costly than a bachelor’s degree. A benefit of getting an associate degree is that most programs cost between $6,000 and $20,000 altogether. For some private schools, you may be paying up to $40,000 for an ADN program. Depending on whether the school is public or private, students who pursue their BSN can expect to pay anywhere between $20,000 to over $100,000.
Remember, you also have the option of getting your bachelor’s later on in your career through a nursing bridge program. You can get your associate at a more cost-effective community college, which saves money for your bachelor’s down the line.
Which Works Best for You, Associate Degree vs. Bachelor Degree?
Hopefully, your decision has become more clear. Your nursing career is a big deal, so choose wisely. Once you’ve successfully completed nursing school, see how IntelyCare can help you find the latest nursing roles that align with your needs.