An ADN is an Associate Degree in Nursing and a BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Both are academic programs in nursing, but they confer different degrees. To determine which nursing degree is right for you, you should consider the differences between the programs themselves, such as their curriculum, as well as ADN vs. BSN nursing careers and potential opportunities, among other factors.

The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at GCU offers numerous nursing degree options for pre-licensure students, as well as undergraduate and graduate options for licensed nurses who are interested in returning to school to advance their nursing education.

An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is a nursing program that confers an associate degree, rather than a bachelor’s degree. It prepares graduates to pursue licensure and careers as registered nurses (RNs), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).^{(See disclaimer 1)} 

ADN Program Structure and Timeline

An ADN will typically include some general education and foundational science courses, such as classes in microbiology, chemistry and human anatomy. It also offers a core nursing curriculum, combining nursing theory in areas such as adult health with hands-on immersive learning opportunities, including labs and clinical rotations. Clinical rotations are placements in nearby healthcare facilities, during which students work alongside experienced nurses.

Although a nursing diploma program, which can also lead to RN licensure, may be shorter than an ADN, an ADN is among the fastest pathways toward earning a nursing degree. Depending on factors such as course load, scheduling preferences and transfer credits, students can typically complete an ADN program faster than a traditional BSN program.

Licensure and NCLEX Requirements

After graduating from an ADN, graduates are not automatically RNs. They must first take the NCLEX-RN® exam. Passing this exam, along with fulfilling other career requirements, such as a criminal background check, can enable graduates to obtain an RN license.^{(See disclaimer 1)} 

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, is an undergraduate baccalaureate degree. Compared to an ADN, earning a BSN might take roughly twice as long, depending on the specific type of BSN and other factors. After graduating from a BSN program, nurse candidates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and apply for an RN license.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

BSN Curriculum and Degree Requirements

The BSN curriculum is well-rounded. A traditional BSN program will typically include more general education and foundational science courses compared to an ADN. It offers more expansive nursing theory courses, as well. Depending on the specific program, a BSN might teach about nursing leadership and professional ethics, for example.

Additionally, a BSN may offer more lab hours and more clinical placement hours. The additional lab and clinical rotation hours provide nursing students with more opportunities to refine their clinical skills and become comfortable in the clinical environment.

The main differences between an ADN vs. BSN involve the length of the programs, the coursework and the career preparation and outcomes.

Length of Study

An ADN typically enables students to graduate more quickly than a BSN, although this is dependent on variables such as the specific program chosen, course load and scheduling preferences, as well as transfer credits.

Some BSN programs are accelerated, meaning that students could potentially graduate more quickly than they would in an ADN program. For example, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) can enable qualified students to graduate in as few as 16 months for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or transfer credits.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Coursework and Clinical Training

Both an ADN and a BSN include nursing theory coursework and hands-on clinical experience. The difference between ADN vs. BSN competencies is that a BSN provides more comprehensive education and more clinical experience.

Educational Outcomes and Preparation

Both an ADN and a BSN will enable you to take the licensure exam required to become an RN.1 However, a BSN can lead to more career opportunities that aren’t available to nurses with only a diploma or an ADN, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA).^{(See disclaimer 3)} Additionally, BSN-prepared nurses may have stronger career readiness, as evidenced by the improvement in patient outcomes, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).^{(See disclaimer 4 )}

When comparing the benefits of a BSN vs. ADN, consider the career opportunities that may be available to you.

Entry-Level Nursing Roles

In terms of ADN vs. BSN career opportunities, both degree options enable graduates to pursue licensure as registered nurses. This is an entry-level nursing career that typically emphasizes direct patient care. After gaining experience as an RN, a nurse might decide to transition to another nursing specialty or explore other career opportunities.

Although an ADN can enable graduates to pursue licensure as RNs,^{(See disclaimer 1)} many healthcare employers these days prefer or require their new hires to hold at least a BSN.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Leadership and Specialized Nursing Positions

Although an ADN can prepare graduates for entry-level roles, only a BSN will prepare graduates to pursue career opportunities beyond the entry level. A BSN lays a foundation for future professional growth, enabling graduates to pursue a broader range of opportunities, including those in specialized roles and potential leadership positions. Additionally, a BSN is typically a requirement for pursuing graduate-level nursing education.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

There are many factors that can influence nursing salaries, but in general, nurses with a BSN can expect more robust earning potential than those with an ADN. Since a BSN can also open the door to graduate nursing education and possible leadership or specialized roles, nurses with a BSN may increase their earning potential over time.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

One reason healthcare employers often prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses over ADN-prepared nurses is the difference in patient outcomes. Since nurses with a BSN have stronger career readiness and can focus on quality of care, they are better positioned to contribute to more favorable patient outcomes.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

This is evidenced by numerous studies. The AACN reports that hospitals with more BSN-prepared nurses offer cardiac arrest patients a 24% higher chance of survival.^{(See disclaimer 5)} Hospitals with a nursing staff with at least 80% BSN-prepared nurses offer 24.6% lower chance of inpatient mortality compared to hospitals with a nursing staff comprised of only 30% BSN-prepared nurses.^{(See disclaimer 5 )}

Another factor to consider when choosing between a BSN vs. ADN is the cost. Generally speaking, earning a BSN may cost more than an ADN.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Because it generally takes longer to complete, a traditional BSN may also have higher program expenses, including increased living costs during nursing school. However, a BSN can also offer a greater return on investment.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

This is because employers may prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses, giving graduates an edge in the job market.^{(See disclaimer 3)} These nurses may also enjoy greater earning potential and more career opportunities throughout their careers.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Licensed nurses who entered the profession with an ADN may choose to further their education later on. There is a pathway to go from an ADN to a BSN. An RN to BSN program enables working nurses to earn a BSN degree more quickly, since they already have completed foundational nursing education. 

How can you choose between an ADN vs. BSN? You’ll want to consider a variety of factors, such as:

• Budget: Weigh the potential for higher earnings with a BSN against the faster workforce entry with an ADN.^{(See disclaimer 3)}
• Career goals: Are you more interested in the expanded opportunities that a BSN degree may bring, or do you prefer entry-level nursing with an ADN?^{(See disclaimer 3)}
• Employer expectations: More healthcare facilities are requiring or preferring that new hires have a BSN.^{(See disclaimer 3, 4)}
• Timeline: You could potentially complete an ADN more quickly than a BSN.^{(See disclaimer 3)} However, if you have prior college education, you might qualify for an accelerated BSN program.

GCU offers a variety of nursing degrees for pre-licensure students and nurses at every stage of their career. Get started on your nursing pathway with our pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing or continue your nursing education with a graduate degree. Graduate degree options include the Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner degree and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.