If you’re thinking about changing careers to something that offers more job stability, meaningful work, and chances for career growth, then a career in nursing might be for you. With an ever-increasing demand for nurses in the U.S., there’s no shortage of job opportunities for you to work closely with patients in a health care setting. 

When I considered transitioning into the nursing field, I knew I would need to start with the proper education. But here’s the big question I found myself asking: Is it better to become a registered nurse (RN) through an associate degree program, or should I invest in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?

There’s a lot to consider when trying to decide between a Bachelor of Science in Nursing versus the quicker route to becoming an RN. 

Let’s compare the two paths to a nursing career so you can find which one fits your life best. 

What’s the Difference Between an RN and a BSN?

If you’re confused about the difference between an RN and a BSN, you’re not alone. It is confusing.

RN (Registered Nurse) is not an educational degree—it’s a job title and a professional license held by nurses. To become licensed as an RN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Before you can take the NCLEX-RN exam, however, you must have completed an accredited nursing program through a post-secondary institution. 

There are two main routes to RN licensure:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN and includes a comprehensive education with courses on health care leadership, research, and public health. 
  • Associate degree in nursing program (ADN): a two-year degree that similarly prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN.  

The thing to remember is that both BSN- and ADN-prepared nurses who pass the exam can become licensed RNs. Same destination, different route.

So, is one degree “better” than the other? 

While both BSN- and ADN-prepared nurses can become RNs, those with a BSN often qualify for more advanced roles and long-term career opportunities.

Educational Requirements

When it comes to deciding which degree program to pursue, the most significant difference between them is the amount of time you will have to invest in your education.

Associate degree in nursing (ADN):

Length: Typically 2 years

  • Type of Institution: Community colleges
  • Prior Education: High school diploma or GED; typically requires a 2.0 GPA or higher
  • Prerequisite Coursework: Chemistry, anatomy, biology, psychology, and English
  • Clinical Hours: 400-700 (varies by program)
  • Outcome: Eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become a licensed RN

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):

Length: Typically 4 years 

Type of Institution: Universities and some four-year colleges

  • Prior Education: High school diploma or GED; typically requires a 2.5 GPA or higher
  • Prerequisite Coursework: Anatomy & physiology, biology, general or organic chemistry, microbiology, statistics, psychology, English
  • Clinical Hours: 700-1,000 hours
  • Outcome: Eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and access more advanced job roles

Accelerated BSN programs:

Length: Typically 12-18 months 

  • Type of Institution: Universities and some four-year colleges
  • Prior Education: Bachelor’s degree in another subject; may have GPA requirements
  • Prerequisite Coursework: Same as BSN
  • Clinical Hours: 500-800 hours
  • Outcome: Eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and access more advanced job roles

Job Opportunities and Career Paths

When it comes to employment as an RN, it’s helpful to know where each degree can take you.

RNs with an ADN are qualified to work in:

  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Home health care
  • Hospice care
  • Clinics and doctors’ offices
  • Rehabilitation and mental health facilities

RNs with a BSN can work in all the same places as an ADN and have access to roles like:

  • Public health nurse
  • School nurse
  • Nurse educator
  • Case manager
  • Charge nurse or unit leader
  • Military nurse
  • Magnet hospitals, which often require BSNs

Earning your BSN degree is also the first step towards a long-term career in advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles that require graduate-level degrees, such as:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

  • Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
  • Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
  • Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  • Hospital or Nursing Home Administrator

Salary Expectations

When it comes to choosing between a BSN and ADN, potential income is another major factor to consider. 

Fortunately, the median salary for all RNs is $93,600 per year, nearly double the median wage for all positions, according to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, those with a BSN often earn about 10% more than those with an ADN, with even higher salaries for leadership or specialty roles.

Here’s a comparison of typical salary ranges:

  • ADN-prepared RNs: $65,000–$80,000/year, depending on location and setting.
  • BSN-prepared RNs: $80,000–$100,000+/year, particularly in hospitals, government roles, or advanced specialties.
  • BSN-prepared advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs): $100,000-$160,000/year, with experienced NPs in high-demand areas or specialties earning towards the higher end.

Having an ADN will get you working much faster, but having a BSN will get you a higher salary and a higher earning potential over time with advanced job opportunities. 

Which Path is Best for Career Changers?

If you’re still undecided about which degree to pursue for your new career in nursing, it comes down to which program would fit your life and lifestyle best.

Consider an ADN if you:

  • Want to start working as soon as possible.
  • Have limited time or financial resources to invest.
  • Prefer more local community colleges with easier admissions.
  • Plan to work while earning your BSN later (many hospitals offer tuition assistance).

Consider a BSN if you:

  • Want long-term career growth and leadership opportunities.
  • Have the time and resources to invest in a 4-year or accelerated program.
  • Prefer job flexibility across a variety of health care settings.
  • May want to pursue advanced practice roles (like nurse practitioner) down the road.

You can start with your ADN just to get licensed more quickly and get some work under your belt. Some nurses complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program later while working as an RN. This may be the perfect idea if you want to get to work now but leave the door open for future advancement. 

Start Your Career in Health Care

Both an ADN and a BSN will help you become an RN – one of the most in-demand careers out there. By considering your professional goals and lifestyle, you can select the path that best aligns with your vision of your future. 

Ready to explore your options in health care? Take our quiz to get you started on a new career path!