ADN vs. BSN

If you are a nursing aspirant or even a practicing nurse, you must have heard the raging debate over an Associate's degree in Nursing vs. the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Any effort at finding out which one scores over the other is sure to lead to massive confusion for a candidate.

The truth of the matter is that both of these nursing degree programs have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. The key is to find which one of these two programs fits into your scheme of things.

But before you can decide which one suits you more, you need to understand the distinguishing factors between the two programs as well as their pros and cons.

Associate of Science in Nursing

The Associate's degree in Nursing program was first introduced to overcome the shortage of nurses. The intent of the program was to provide technical education to candidates, which remains the main focus of most ADN programs even today.

In fact, many Registered Nurses (RNs) whose first degree is an ADN will argue that their clinical experience and technical proficiency is often more than what BSN graduates are exposed to.

The main difference between an ADN nursing program and a BSN degree, however, is the amount of time and number of credits required to complete them. An Associate of Science in Nursing program is usually offered by nursing schools, community colleges, and some four-year colleges. It usually takes about two years to complete, but in some cases may take more than two years and up to three years for completion.

The biggest advantage of an ADN over a BSN is that it leads to quicker graduation and transition to the workforce. You can start practicing earlier with an Associate's degree in Nursing.

Another benefit of an ADN nursing program is reduced cost of college, as these programs tend to be less expensive than university-offered Bachelor's degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Popularly referred to as a BSN degree, this is a Bachelor's program in nursing granted by universities and some four-year colleges. Like other Bachelor's programs, a BSN requires four years of coursework unless it is available on a faster schedule that allows graduation in much shorter than normal completion time.

According to the American Nurses Association, this degree prepares graduates for the "full scope of professional nursing responsibilities." (nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses/Education.aspx).What this translates into is an intensive program that covers courses in not just nursing theory, but also humanities, behavioral science, and other science topics like biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, etc.

A BSN program also lays emphasis on developing skills like leadership and communication, which RNs looking to move into managerial or administrative roles later in their careers may find useful.

Evidently, the scope of learning is a lot more with a BSN program as compared to an ADN nursing program. A BSN degree may also be necessary to have access to advanced nursing positions.

A Bachelor's degree may be essential for career progression as well. Where an ADN graduate's career may plateau with providing bedside nursing care, those who have a BSN can branch out into varied roles in the fields of nursing management and administration.

For example, the position of a nurse manager may be out of bounds for an RN with just an Associate's degree in Nursing. Additionally, a BSN is the perfect stepping stone to advanced nursing degrees that promise further professional growth for RNs.

So, which one is the right path for you? The answer lies in your career objectives and what you're seeking from your role as a nurse!