BSN vs ADN program, which is tougher?

yelle418 · Aug 30, 2009

I am starting a BSN program in a couple weeks, so I can't really say how difficult it is, but from what I've heard and read on here - ADN programs seem to be more difficult because it is a shorter amount of time to learn the same amount of information, and usually their clinicals start the 1st semester. In my BSN program the clinicals start 2nd semester. So i can imagine that it would be pretty hard to get thrown right into nursing school and clinicals immediately. However my program is 6 semesters - so Im nervous that its gonna be really difficult for longer than most programs - but who knows, maybe it'll be easier since its a little spread out . .. but thats not what i hear from fellow students. .

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 30, 2009

Common sense should tell you that it depends on the particular schools in question. Some BSN programs are more difficult than others. Some ADN programs are more difficult than others. There is no universal answer to your question.

Bobbkat · Aug 30, 2009

Instead of saying one is harder than the other, I think it depends, program to program. I am finishing my BSN. Our program is 4 semesters, and we start clinicals in the first semester. My brother is going through pre-reqs for an ADN program, which is also 4 semesters with clinicals starting in the first semester. We take approximately the same classes, and seem to learn the same things, so for us, it seems to be equal. Both programs require students to pass everything with at least an 80%. I don't know how difficult his instructors will be, so I can't compare the actual class difficulty, but I imagine they will be similar since we have to learn the same skills. The only real difference seems to be that I will be taking more classes for the liberal arts portion of my education, whereas he will not take those courses. I will be going into advance practice nursing, and he is not planning on that, which is why we chose our respective programs.

tferdaise · Aug 30, 2009

The difference between the ADN and BSN school is the BSN will hold you to a higher level of communication skills. At the BSN level, you will have to write papers using the APA format, more research is in the BSN program then in the ADN program.

Well, which RN program is more difficult?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2009

I went ADN then ADN to BSN. From that experience, and what I've observed, I really don't think one is harder than the other. The BSN is more time consuming because of the extra course, but the level of difficulty is relatively equal. Obviously as was pointed out it really depends on the schools themselves. I'm just speaking generally. Take whichever fits into your lifestlye and financial situation and don't worry about which is more difficult, because they both prepare you for the same NCLEX exam and both are difficult programs.

Good luck.