Difference between ASN Vs. BSN?

auscultate · Jul 15, 2014

1) in some states the bachelor's degree is becoming the minimum requirement

2) in the larger hospitals a bachelor's degree is needed for administrative positions

3) if you have any desire to be a healthcare provider you're going to need your bachelors degree.

4) the student retention rate is typically higher at the university.

laKrugRN · Jul 15, 2014

Just go for your BSN. You'll be glad you did because a lot of places are now requiring a BSN. Just find your best option to get one. ou could go get your ADN, take boards and then enroll in an RN to BSN program. Good luck!

NeoNatMom · Jul 16, 2014

ADNs is a faster route for those eager to gain experience faster. Also, you can bridge into you BSN while already being in practice. There are even bridge programs straight to Masters. It's generally cheaper. (I am doing this to get into the field faster though my ultimate goal is a Masters). If I chose BSN, I would still be working on pre-requisites, but am about to start my program :))

BSNs typically 3 to 4 years full-time. some additional general and nursing courses are typical. Ex, my program is an ADN one, that only required ANP1, 2, and Micro, whereas BSNs almost always require Chem 1 and 2 on top of that. Statistics, American Gov't, Sociology, etc. Nursing leadership courses on top of the ADN nursing classes.

Hope this helps, Best wishes!

Peanut&Buttercup · Jul 16, 2014

I am starting an ADN program in the fall. I have a BS, but, like you, a GPA less than 3.0.

Here's the scoop (as I understand it):

ADN/ASN. This is an associates degree in nursing. You can go to your local community college to obtain one. However, most have about a year of prerequisites to complete before you can start the actual nursing classes. Once you finish the prerequisites, it'll likely be about 2 years to finish.

Pros: faster and cheaper.

Cons: most hospitals require a BSN, so job opportunities can be limited.

Therefore, many ADN students continue on to get their BSN through a RN-to-BSN program. Many community colleges have agreements with four year colleges so that the process is relatively seamless. However, a lot of RN-to-BSN programs exist, private/public, nonprofit/for profit, brick & mortar/online. You'll find something that works for you.

BSN. This is a bachelors degree in nursing. You'd get this from a four year college/university. Like the ADN, you'll have a bunch of prerequisites to complete before you are admitted to the nursing program.

Pros: better employment opportunities, higher pay

Cons: more expensive

Both the ADN and the BSN will allow you to become an RN. You might want to check into financial aid. It is usually limited if you already have a bachelors degree.

If you haven't taken all the prerequisites yet, perhaps you can finish those and boost your GPA back up to a 3.0? Even with a 3.0, however, admissions to accelerated BSNs are very competitive.

Good luck!

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 16, 2014

There are far too many variables at work here. You need to do some serious research about what is available in your area. I am talking about education and jobs. Be careful about where the information might come from, it may not always be the complete truth. There are a lot of half truths floating about the ADN vs. BSN theory.

Lets start with BSN. I believe that if you want advancement in a facility you will need to have a BSN. Maybe this isn't true in rural areas but for any major facility this will be the minimum for advancement. I believe that if you want to advance to management you will need to think about your MSN, but that would be a different post.

It is true that there are more institutions that are only looking for BSNs in their facilities, but they are usually trying to reach Magnet status. What isn't true is that as an ADN you will not be able to get a job. It may not be a job that you want, but new nurses rarely get their dream job right out of the gate.

ADN degrees are still RN degrees with the same rights and responsibilities. As an ADN I can do everything that a BSN can do, and I did get a job right after graduation. I was in fact scouted for a position that was only advertised for BSN candidates, or current facility employees.

You can get your ADN degree in 1 year less than a BSN nurse and be working in the field while getting your BSN. Sometimes getting into BSN (or even ADN) programs might be tough so I would suggest looking at both types of programs to maximize your chances of getting a spot.

Specifics do change by area and region, but in my area an entry level BSN nurse gets no more per hour when they start. They do however get more per hour once they get some experience. They may have to change jobs or facilities to get the extra money, but that has to do with facility politics and procedures.

So where does that leave us? Well like I said earlier there is much more that can be compared to make an adequate choice. Look into the specifics in your area and make an informed decision. Look into all the programs and determine the graduation and NCLEX pass rates. These are important numbers. Look at accreditation and the ability to transfer degrees.

For me it made sense to get my ADN (less than 3 years) and work while getting my BSN (currently). In the end I will have paid around 16,000 - 18,000 for my ADN/BSN which I will have paid off before graduation. I did get my dream job in a busy surgical center as my first job after graduation. It was due to my performance in school and clinicals but that is also another post for some other time.

Good luck with your journey. Being an RN is about making solid decisions, this shall be your first solid decision.

NeoNatMom · Jul 16, 2014

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot! Definitely check what HR is looking for where you plan on living/working. If no one wants ADNs, then the best option is for you to take the BSN route.

Hope this helped also

Best wishes!

infernou · Jul 16, 2014

So as not to repeat anything others have said, I'd say if I could do it over again, I'd have gone for a BSN right off the bat instead of my AAS. You will eventually need to get your Bachelor's anyways.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2014

Good day:

In our geographic area, BSN and ASN get paid either the same or very close; it is typically in the employers interest to hire a BSN because the pay is either the same or just every so slightly higher than an ASN.

Personally, I'm going the ASN route to save a large amount of money in the hopes to find an employer who will understand that I'm going the RN to BSN route so they will have their BSN in the end (which would be in

In my area, the most economical BSN school is $3,000 per year more expensive than the community college I'm attending, and the most expensive BSN school is $22,000 per year more expensive than the community college with the 3rd one (middle of the road) being $7,000 per year more expensive than the community college. I'm going for dual enrollment with the most economical BSN school with backup plans in case that doesn't' work out.

Thank you.

ThatBigGuy · Jul 17, 2014

In general, there are no differences at the bedside when comparing ADN to BSN. However, the main difference is the BSN offers more opportunities for career movement and advancement.

To be short, the ADN may limit your future, while a BSN opens up a lot more doors.

If you do go the ADN route because it's the only route now, I would stress that you begin working on your ADN-BSN or ADN-MSN bridge program ASAP.

lostbruin · Jul 19, 2014

I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond. Your comments are very helpful! I will definitely dig deeper into the topics that were mentioned. :)

FutureNurseK · Jul 20, 2014

It just depends on the type of nurse/job you want id say do asn if you don't mind working in nursing homes, home health, MOST not all hospitals (some req the bachelor degree) if you want to do professional nursing (my case)... shoot for the stars and don't look back (bsn)