Table of contents:
Nursing Programs If You Already Have A Bachelor's Degree – There are basic nursing roles that do not require a degree, including nursing assistant (CNA) or practical nurse (LPN/LVN). This type of position helps you quickly gain work experience and start your career in the nursing field.
However, to become a registered nurse (RN), you must obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Nursing Programs If You Already Have A Bachelor's Degree
Learn the key differences between each degree path, including how long it takes, coursework, patient outcomes, NCLEX pass rates, average salary and more.
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Today’s registered nurses may be familiar with the jargon of nursing and get away with it—but those new to the field of educational program research can quickly become lost in a sea of acronyms and overlapping terminology. What do all these acronyms mean? What is RN vs. BSN or ADN vs. ASN?
Programs titled “RN to BSN” or “RN to MSN” (eg Master of Science in Nursing) are designed for RNs with an ADN/Diploma without a BSN.
The biggest difference between the ADN and BSN degree paths is the time it takes to earn each degree. Each school has its own approximate program length based on full or part-time enrollment.
For students new to nursing, it usually takes 2 years to earn an associate degree in nursing, and about 3-4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
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In total, the time it takes to become a registered nurse can be 2-5 years depending on the education you receive and which degree path you choose.
However, there are some possibilities to reduce the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree based on your previous education or experience in other health professions.
All prospective programs are based on campus location. You may be eligible to transfer your previous college credits to a degree program and complete it faster.
The transition from ADN to BSN represents the evolution from technical RN to professional RN. BSN nurses enjoy increased decision-making autonomy in the workplace, with increased knowledge and understanding of RN characteristics and skills.
Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
ADN nurses typically focus more on technical clinical tasks and day-to-day care, such as monitoring patients, performing basic procedures, or updating charts.
In addition to providing direct care to patients, BSN nurses are capable of performing leadership, administrative, and management roles, allowing for greater focus on big-picture initiatives within the health care organization. Some BSN nurses may be qualified to take on roles in public health, nursing research, or education.
Several studies show that patient outcomes can be improved with BSN-prepared care. According to several studies cited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN):
Therefore, many hospitals try to emphasize graduate candidates in the recruitment process. Hospitals seeking “magnet” status are recommended to have 80% of their nursing staff BSN prepared by 2020.
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing (bsn) Program
A 2017 AACN study shows that employers prioritize education level in the hiring process. Based on results from 586 nursing schools, the study found that 49% of hospitals and other health care facilities require new hires to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and 86.3% of employers shows a strong preference for BSN graduates.
To become an RN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The exam determines if it is safe for you to begin practicing as an entry-level nurse.
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, examinees who earn a bachelor’s degree (BSN) are more likely to pass the NCLEX on their first try.
The NCLEX is a comprehensive exam that covers a variety of topics that tests what you’ve learned in your degree program. There are many types of questions, which challenge you to apply critical thinking skills to nursing practice.
Top 10 Advantages Of A Bsn Degree
Because of the expansion of courses in graduate degree programs, the NCLEX pass rate for these students is likely to be higher. Students with an associate degree usually pass the exam on the first try, but their success rate is slightly lower than that of BSN holders.
Learn more about the NCLEX exam, eligibility details, how long it takes, and study material coverage.
One of the main benefits of a BSN is that you can earn a higher salary by transferring to your current company, qualifying for more types of work, or pursuing more unique specialties of your choice.
Due to the nursing shortage and optimistic job outlook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the coming years, demand for *ADN nurses is expected to remain high. However, BSN nurses are best qualified for specialized or senior roles that require more experience and education.
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Continuing education and gaining more experience will enhance your credentials and put you in a better position to demand a higher salary. The initial cost of participating in a BSN program may be higher, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run.
One of the biggest advantages of getting a BSN vs. ADN is the ability to increase your earning potential.
Both bachelor’s degrees prepare nurses to provide patient care that meets accepted standards for entry-level nursing. Here are the main differences:
The ADN program covers classroom topics such as nursing basics, adult nursing systems, newborn care, self-care and nursing procedures and documentation .
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Our BSN program covers patient care across the lifespan, national and global health policy, nursing informatics, evidence-based nursing research and practice, mental health care, and more. The BSN curriculum is more comprehensive in helping professional nurses learn how to provide complete, holistic care. Our BSN program is available online, in eligible US states.
The ADN program is designed to help you prepare for an entry-level role as an RN, while the BSN program establishes the same foundation and expands it to include advanced levels.
There is no substitute for actual practical experience in a clinical setting in preparation for your first job as a nurse. Regardless of the degree path you choose, your clinical experience is essential to help you pass the NCLEX and become a successful RN in the first place.
The only possible difference is that the current diploma/ADN degree program is designed for nurses. In our online RN to BSN program, there are no traditional clinics like typical ADN programs — a 45-hour community health project. This type of RN to BSN program is designed to be completed quickly and is highly focused on academic studies.
Pathway To Nursing
Earning a BSN positions you well for career advancement. You will have the opportunity to pursue a nursing specialty in terms of type of care (oncology, psychiatry, etc.) or patient population across the lifespan (neonatal, pediatrics, adult/gerontology).
Although advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, or nurse anesthetists are required to have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), BSN nurses may qualify for higher salaried role without obtaining an MSN.
However, if a BSN nurse wants to become an APRN or pursue an MSN in a specialized concentration, they will have a shorter path to earning that degree than nurses with an ADN or diploma. After they earn their MSN, they can qualify for a graduate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program to earn a final degree in nursing.
The good news is that accelerated online RN to MSN program options are available to help RNs make the transition to MSN faster without getting a BSN. RNs interested in roles as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse administrators may be eligible to enroll in an RN to MSN program in the concentration of their choice and quickly advance to the next level in their career.
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We are here to help nurses at any level achieve their highest career goals. It is possible to advance your career.
You can go from RN to BSN online in 1 year and potentially open many doors to future career possibilities, including potential new specialty paths of your choice.
Choose ADN or BSN? There is no right answer for everyone. Students who want a quick start can choose the ADN – and other students will certainly find the BSN worthwhile.
Our goal is to help you pursue your desired career path in nursing wherever you are.
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* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), US Department of Labor, 2022 Occupational Outlook Handbook. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. A variety of factors will influence career outcomes and earnings, including previous experience, age, market geography in which you want to work, and degree field. It also does not guarantee that its graduates will earn the average salary calculated by the BLS for a particular occupation, nor does it guarantee that employment, promotion, salary increases, or other career growth will occur upon graduation from its programs.
The university’s nursing programs are available online and at 11 campus locations, each offering comprehensive student resources and support while pursuing a nursing degree. Program availability is based on campus location and state eligibility. If you’re looking for an alternative to a BSN degree, an accelerated path will certainly be attractive. Graduating early means more time than spending less time in school
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