Average Salary for ADN vs BSN

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I know this will vary greatly by region, but what is the average pay for an entry-level nurse (right out of school) with an Associates in Nursing versus a Bachelors in Nursing? Has anyone found that it has been difficult to find a job if you have an ADN? I'm trying to figure out the best educational path, while juggling a full-time job and small child.

Thanks!

I respect the ADN degree, however how many other professions can you start at entry level with less than a Bachelor's degree?? If we want respect for our profession and want others to respect out profession we should have the education to back it.

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I respect the ADN degree, however how many other professions can you start at entry level with less than a Bachelor's degree?? If we want respect for our profession and want others to respect out profession we should have the education to back it.

We all have to make our own choices regarding education. The ADN vs. BSN is basically BS. The preference for BSN right now has nothing to do with a so called better nursing foundation. I can understand more coursework in management etc., but when it comes down to it, both degrees take the same N-CLEX exam. They have taken the same exam for decades. They typically start at the same rate of pay. The preference for BSN boils down to money, and status for the hospital. Employing a BSN looks better for magnet status, and that translates into more $$$ for the hospital. This economy currently allows many hospitals to have their pick of applicants. So why not choose a BSN candidate over an ADN? It does look better.

In order to move forward I will further my education. I knew this when making the decision to become a nurse. However, when I hear someone boast about why the education of a BSN is better, I really just want to pat that person on the head (like a child) and send them on there way. Our society covets titles and so called education as if you're nothing without it. Then our stats show that in top areas such as math and science, the US doesn't rank in the "Top 10" when compared to other countries.

Don't be fooled, know the game before you play.

And there are plenty of careers that allow someone to start with an associates degree. Here are a few:

Dental Hygienist

Office Manager

Paralegal

Substance Abuse Counselor

Accountant

Computer Programmer

Nuclear Medicine Tech

Aerospace Engineering Tech

Occupation Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapy Assistant

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Surgical Tech

Respiratory Therapist

Radiologic Tech

The list could go on. Let go of titles and so called roles with status, they don't make us who we are; they just allow us to play the "game".

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

The preference for BSN right now has nothing to do with a so called better nursing foundation. I can understand more coursework in management etc., but when it comes down to it, both degrees take the same N-CLEX exam. They have taken the same exam for decades. They typically start at the same rate of pay. The preference for BSN boils down to money, and status for the hospital. Employing a BSN looks better for magnet status, and that translates into more $$$ for the hospital. This economy currently allows many hospitals to have their pick of applicants. So why not choose a BSN candidate over an ADN? It does look better.

In order to move forward I will further my education. I knew this when making the decision to become a nurse. However, when I hear someone boast about why the education of a BSN is better, I really just want to pat that person on the head (like a child) and send them on there way. Our society covets titles and so called education as if you’re nothing without it. Then our stats show that in top areas such as math and science, the US doesn’t rank in the “Top 10” when compared to other countries.

And there are plenty of careers that allow someone to start with an associates degree. Here are a few:

Dental Hygienist

Office Manager

Paralegal

Substance Abuse Counselor

Accountant

Computer Programmer

Nuclear Medicine Tech

Aerospace Engineering Tech

Occupation Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapy Assistant

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Surgical Tech

Respiratory Therapist

Radiologic Tech

If someone finds the AD as the route that works that works best for them; they should definitely go for it. But you might want to at least get through a semester of nursing school before declaring yourself an expert, and dismissively patting someone on the head like a child if they disagree with you.

The push for BSN as the entry level degree for nurses started long before anyone developed Magnet recognition. When you get your Illinois license, two years from now, it will read Professional Registered Nurse. That's because 25-30 years ago there was a push to create two tiers of nurses. All current nurses would have been grandfathered in under that title, which would then be granted only to BSN, while all new non-BSN nurses would then be categorized as "RN."

The law never passed, probably due to lobbying from the Diploma schools and community colleges that exceeded BSN programs at the time, but the debate has probably gone on since before you were born.

And regarding your list of job titles. All those are either non-professional jobs, with the exception of accountant & computer program, which generally require a BA/ BS for most jobs.

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if someone finds the ad as the route that works that works best for them; they should definitely go for it. but you might want to at least get through a semester of nursing school before declaring yourself an expert, and dismissively patting someone on the head like a child if they disagree with you.

the push for bsn as the entry level degree for nurses started long before anyone developed magnet recognition. when you get your illinois license, two years from now, it will read professional registered nurse. that's because 25-30 years ago there was a push to create two tiers of nurses. all current nurses would have been grandfathered in under that title, which would then be granted only to bsn, while all new non-bsn nurses would then be categorized as "rn."

the law never passed, probably due to lobbying from the diploma schools and community colleges that exceeded bsn programs at the time, but the debate has probably gone on since before you were born.

and regarding your list of job titles. all those are either non-professional jobs, with the exception of accountant & computer program, which generally require a ba/ bs for most jobs.

i never declared myself an expert. simply stating what i believe just as you have the right to do the same. this thread is mainly a comparison of the two degrees and i often feel on the board in general there are often double standards (i.e. one is better than the other). so, i maintain my stance. if there were an actual lobby to push the need for bsn through decades ago, it probably didn't go through because at the time there was no real need. also, it has taken decades to push the progress of how the nursing practice is viewed (i.e. a vital part of the healthcare team).

as far as the entry level positions i listed all them are not "professional", but many of them are able to work independently and offer a beneficial contribution. also, they make decent pay as one chooses to move forward or not. money and status sadly are key factors in choosing a field. this specific thread would not be here if that weren't the reality.

you seem to have more of a problem with how i made my statement than what was being said...

nursing is not my first career. i have a "higher degree" in another related field. yes, i am learning about nursing and i welcome the knowledge. however, i am not at naive about my new career. when it comes to titles and "status", it's like any other field as far as i'm concerned; especially in today's economy.

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Mr Chicago RN

I am sorry but the jobs you listed are not professions. For example paralegals are under the direction of a lawyer , dental hygenist under direction of the dentist etc. Computer programmers & accountants usually need a Bachelor's degree. Are you saying that ADN nurses should be under direction of a BSN??? Thats crazy!!! Thats another reason entry level should be a BSN because it could cut down the confusion.

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Mr Chicago RN

I am sorry but the jobs you listed are not professions. For example paralegals are under the direction of a lawyer , dental hygenist under direction of the dentist etc. Computer programmers & accountants usually need a Bachelor's degree. Are you saying that ADN nurses should be under direction of a BSN??? Thats crazy!!! Thats another reason entry level should be a BSN because it could cut down the confusion.

Chi rn,

I'm the person who posted those career titles. And actually from knowing some folks in these professions a lot of them are Bachelors degree "preferred." Just as nursing has become. The other careers are good entry-level positions in which a person can choose to move forward with.

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Chicago nurse2b,

I have close familt in those professions as well (computer programmers & accountants, most have Masters)and Nursing is becoming BSN Required.

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Chicago nurse2b,

I have close familt in those professions as well (computer programmers & accountants, most have Masters)and Nursing is becoming BSN Required.

I'm sure you do, chi rn...However, we were discussing entry level positions and thoughts of there not being many "professional" jobs that allow only an Associates. If you go back and consult your family members, I'm sure they will tell you to move forward you must reach their level of education but to start out, you can have an Associates degree and a Bachelors may be "preferred". Using an Associates may be more difficult now with our economy, but it is still fact, dear. I've seen it too many times (and not just with family) to believe otherwise. And by no means is it the end of the line. You would be a fool not to continue your education, specifially in nursing.

I simply don't believe other than making a hospital look good, that a BSN is better than an ADN. I need more than historical politics to change my mind.

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I'm sure you do, chi rn...However, we were discussing entry level positions and thoughts of there not being many "professional" jobs that allow only an Associates. If you go back and consult your family members, I'm sure they will tell you to move forward you must reach their level of education but to start out, you can have an Associates degree and a Bachelors may be "preferred". Using an Associates may be more difficult now with our economy, but it is still fact, dear. I've seen it too many times (and not just with family) to believe otherwise. And by no means is it the end of the line. You would be a fool not to continue your education, specifially in nursing.

I simply don't believe other than making a hospital look good, that a BSN is better than an ADN. I need more than historical politics to change my mind.

No that is NOT true..They MUST have a Bachelor's as entry level which is required. When you are in chargeof CNA'a & LPN's I feel a Bachelor's degree is needed. We are dealing with people's lives,if the highest degree in nursing was an associate's I could see your point as with all the jobs you stated which most in the hospital are considered ancillary.

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No that is NOT true..They MUST have a Bachelor's as entry level which is required. When you are in chargeof CNA'a & LPN's I feel a Bachelor's degree is needed. We are dealing with people's lives,if the highest degree in nursing was an associate's I could see your point as with all the jobs you stated which most in the hospital are considered ancillary.
Also you can say the same of other professions but bottom line is that most professions REQUIRE a Bachelor degree at entry level
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If we continue to argue about ADN VS BSN "my degree is better than yours" then we are not going to ever get anywhere in the world of nursing! what's important to me is taking care of my patients and having a wonderful team of nurses standing behind me regardless of their creditials ( LPN, RN ADN/BSN/MSN) ! I have worked with nurses with both degree levels and neither was better than the other. I have been a nurse for almost 5 years. when it comes to saving a life our patients could care less what our creditials are.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
Mr Chicago RN

I am sorry but the jobs you listed are not professions.

Gee, this is getting confusing with all the Chicago based names :uhoh3:

It wasn't my list.

My post stated that those jobs listed, with 2 possible exceptions, weren't professions. Even those 2 would need at least a 4 year degree.

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