ADN vs BSN

MunoRN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

I'm doing a project on the differences between ADN and BSN. I have been searching the web for a while and cannot find anything that helps.
I have two questions:
1. I know BSN's curriculum is written by AACN, who determines the ADN student's curriculum?
2. How many hours clinical hours are required for ADN vs BSN?
Thank you so much!!

The AACN doesn't actually write BSN curriculum, rather set the requirements for BSN curriculum which is then enforced by their accreditation arm, CCNE. Articulation agreements between ADN and BSN programs are now required in 14 states and have become very common in other states as well, a typical requirement of these articulation agreements is that ADN programs adopt BSN curriculum. In other words, ADN programs often get their curriculum from their BSN 'big sisters'.

The number of clinical hours required for each type varies from state to state, in my state it is the same requirement for both.

soxgirl2008 · Sep 24, 2013

If there really isn't a difference, then why are hospitals opting to hire more BSNs or transitioning their RNs to BSNs? Isn't it more cost effective for the hospital to hire/use more ADNs? BSNs have to get paid more because of their degree correct? Or am I thinking of something else?

Where I live BSN's make the same as ADN RN's at almost all the hospitals. BSN's don't have to get paid more because they carry the same license as an ADN and are licensed to do the same job. Yes, their degree requires more classes, but they took the same NCLEX so their job description is no different. Some hospitals do pay more to BSNs, but it's usually only a dollar if that from what I've heard. Why are hospitals hiring more BSNs? It looks better on paper to have Bachelors prepared RNs than Associate degree prepared RNs. Not saying one is better than the other, just that there is a move in all of healthcare towards more education.