Program availability
Your Preferences
Update your Zip code, preferred campus, and preferred program
ADN vs. BSN: What's the Difference Between These Nursing Degrees?
Discover the main difference between associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing, including pay/salary, competencies, patient outcomes and much more.
Comparing ADN vs BSN
There are foundational nursing roles that don’t require a degree, including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN, also called LVN). These roles can help you gain nursing experience quickly.
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you’ll need to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Which degree should you choose? Here’s what to know, starting with a side-by-side look at the pros and cons of each path.
Discover the primary differences between each degree path, including how long they take, curriculum, patient outcomes, NCLEX pass rates, average pay, and more.
- Quick comparison
- Terminology
- How long it takes
- Competencies
- Patient outcomes
- NCLEX pass rates
- Salary
- Curriculum
- Clinicals
- Career advancement
Our goal is to clearly differentiate ADN and BSN degrees for two types of nursing students: those new to nursing considering their first step into a new career, and current licensed, practicing RNs with an ADN/diploma considering transitioning from RN to BSN:
What Are the Pros and Cons of Choosing an ADN vs. a BSN?
Here’s a side-by-side look at what each degree path offers, so you can decide which fits your goals:
Choosing an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN) | |
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Choosing a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) | |
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
1. What Do ADN, BSN, RN and Other Nursing Acronyms Mean?
Current registered nurses may be familiar with the language of nursing and skip ahead, but those new to the field researching educational programs can quickly get lost in a sea of abbreviations and overlapping terminology. What do all these acronyms mean? What is RN vs. BSN or ADN vs. ASN?
Here’s a brief review of everything you need to know before diving deeper:
- ADN stands for Associate Degree in Nursing. You may also see associate nursing degrees referred to as ASN or AASN. These stand for Associate of Science in Nursing and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, respectively. The difference between ADN, ASN and AASN are primarily naming preference, but can reflect subtle differences in curriculums or state requirements.
- BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- RN stands for Registered Nurse. While ADN and BSN reference types of nursing degrees, RN represents the profession you can practice with a degree. You can qualify to become an RN with an RN diploma, ADN or BSN.
- CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant and LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse (alternatively called LVN – Licensed Vocational Nurse). These are entry-level jobs in nursing that do not require a degree but can be excellent experience before eventually working towards becoming an RN.
Programs titled “RN to BSN” or “RN to MSN” (that’s Master of Science in Nursing) are designed for RNs with an ADN/diploma who do not have a BSN.
2. How Long Does It Take to Become an RN?
One of the biggest differences between the ADN and BSN degree pathways is the length of time needed to earn each degree. Every school has their own estimates for program length depending on full or part time enrollment.
For students new to nursing, it generally takes 2 years to earn an associate degree in nursing, and roughly 3-4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Overall, how long it can take to become a registered nurse can range anywhere from 2-5 years depending on what education you've already received and what degree path you choose.
However, there are several possibilities to decrease the time needed to earn a bachelor’s degree depending on your prior education or experience in other healthcare professions.
Our undergraduate nursing programs break down as such:
- ADN/ASN program: 20-24 months
- BSN program: 36 months
- Faster BSN options: Our RN to BSN online program can be completed in as little as 1 year. We also offer a 20-month accelerated BSN program, designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The coursework is more rigorous, but you can potentially earn a BSN faster than an associate degree.
- Bridge options for current LPNs, paramedics, respiratory therapists and cardiovascular technicians: Earn an ADN/ASN in 16-18 months or a BSN in 28-32 months.
All estimated timelines vary by campus location. You may be eligible to transfer prior college credit into a degree program and finish even faster.
3. What’s the Difference in Scope of Practice Between ADN and BSN Nurses?
There is no true difference in clinical scope of practice between ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses. Regardless of the degree you earn, you take the same NCLEX exam which allows for the same scope of practice.
However, employers may have their own preferences for educational requirements associated with certain positions.
While ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses share the same scopes of practice, employers may prefer BSN graduates for leadership, administrative or management roles. Some BSN nurses may even qualify to advance into roles in public health, nursing research or education.
4. How Do Patient Outcomes Differ With BSN-Prepared Nurses?
Some studies suggest patient outcomes may be improved under the care of BSN-prepared nurses. According to studies cited by The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN):
- Baccalaureate-prepared RNs reported as “significantly” better prepared in 12 of 16 areas related to quality and safety (2019)
- A 10% increase in the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses in hospital units lowered the odds of patient mortality by 10.9% (2019)
An analysis published in 2024 concludes “the inclusion of a higher number of nurses with a bachelor’s degree would lead to a higher quality of care.” However, many of the studies referenced in the analysis reported mixed or non-significant results for several specific outcomes.
A 2023 survey from the AACN evaluated employer preferences regarding level of education in the hiring process. Based on results from 643 schools of nursing, the study revealed 25% of hospitals and other healthcare facilities require new hires to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and 69.8% of employers show a strong preference for BSN graduates.
However, these preferences have been steadily declining, according to previous AACN surveys. Employer preferences do not support the idea that BSN preparation so clearly improves patient outcomes:
| AACN Survey Year | Require New Hires to Hold BSN | Strong Preference for BSN Grads |
| 2018 | 45.6% | 88.4% |
| 2019 | 43.2% | 82.1% |
| 2020 | 41.1% | 82.4% |
| 2021 | 40.6% | 77.4% |
| 2022 | 27.7% | 71.7% |
| 2023 | 25.0% | 69.8% |
While much academic evidence tends to favor BSN preparation, results are not overwhelmingly conclusive.
5. How Do NCLEX Pass Rates Compare for ADN and BSN Graduates?
To become an RN, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The exam determines if it’s safe for you to begin practicing as an entry-level nurse.
Exam takers who earned a bachelor’s degree (BSN) are more likely to pass their first attempt at the NCLEX, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
The NCLEX is a comprehensive exam covering a wide variety of topics testing what you’ve learned in your degree program. There are several different types of questions, challenging you to apply critical thinking skills to nursing practice.
Given the expanded course of study in a bachelor’s degree program, NCLEX pass rates for these students tends to be higher. Students who have earned an associate degree still usually pass the exam on the first try, but their success rate is slightly lower than BSN holders.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates on First Attempt, 2024-2026
| Year | Associate degree | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 90.6% | 91.9% |
| 2025 | 86.1% | 87.6% |
| 2026i | 87.2% | 89.7% |
| iQ1-Q3 data: Jan. - Sept. | ||
Registered Nurse 2025 Median Salary
by Percentile, BLS*
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Top 10% | $137,470 |
| Top 25% | $112,350 |
| Median | $97,550 |
| Bottom 25% | $80,330 |
| Bottom 10% | $68,940 |
6. How Does an ADN vs. a BSN Affect Your Earning Potential?
One key benefit of a BSN is that you may be able to potentially earn a higher salary by moving up the ladder with your current employer, qualifying for more types of jobs, or pursuing specialties of your choosing.
Given an expected nursing shortage and a positive job outlook for RNs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for ADN nurses is expected to remain high. However, BSN nurses tend to qualify best for specialty or senior roles, demanding greater experience and education.
Continuing your education and earning more experience will bolster your credentials and position your best to demand a higher salary. The up-front cost for schooling in a BSN program may be higher, but in the long run it can definitely be worth it.
One of the biggest benefits of earning a BSN vs. an ADN is your ability to increase your earning potential.
7. What’s the Difference in Curriculum Between an ADN and a BSN Program?
Both undergraduate degrees prepare nurses to provide patient care that meets accepted standards for entry-level nursing. Here’s the fundamental distinction:
- Associate degree programs emphasize clinical skills, with lab training and core nursing coursework
- Bachelor’s degree programs similarly build clinical skills, with additional training in research, management and leadership to provide a broad, holistic and reality-based understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional nurse
Herzing’s ADN program includes class topics such as the fundamentals of nursing, adult nursing systems, newborn care, self-care and nursing process and documentation. We now offer an online ASN (ADN) program for prospective registered nurses with eligibility in select U.S. states.
Our BSN program includes classes covering patient care across the lifespan, national and global health policy, nursing informatics, evidence-based nursing research and practice, mental health nursing and much more. The BSN curriculum is more comprehensive to help professional nurses learn how to deliver complete, holistic care. Our BSN program is also available online, with eligibility in select U.S. states.
An ADN program is designed to help you prepare for entry-level roles as an RN, while a BSN program establishes the same foundation and expands upon it to cover advanced topics in nursing.
8. Clinical experience
Clinicals are a crucial component of both ADN and BSN programs.
Nothing can replace real, hands-on practical experience in a clinical environment in preparation for your first entry-level job as a nurse. No matter which degree pathway you choose, your clinical experience is vital to help you pass the NCLEX and become a successful RN right from the start.
The only possible difference can come for degree programs designed for existing diploma/ADN nurses. In our online RN to BSN program, there are no traditional clinicals like a typical ADN program—only a 45-hour community health project. These kinds of RN to BSN programs are built to be completed quickly and are heavily focused on academic study.
9. What Career Advancement Options Does a BSN Open Up?
Earning a BSN positions you well for career advancement. You’ll have an opportunity to pursue nursing specialties in terms of type of care (oncology, psychiatry, etc.) or patient population across the lifespan (neonatal, pediatric, adult/gerontology).
While Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists are required to hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), BSN nurses may qualify for higher paying roles without having to earn an MSN.
However, if a BSN nurse does want to become an APRN or pursue an MSN in a specialty concentration, they will have a shorter path to earning one than a nurse with an ADN or diploma. Then once they've earned an MSN they can potentially qualify for a Post Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program to earn the terminal degree in nursing. Or they can begin advancing to DNP right away in a BSN to DNP program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Nursing Degree
Yes. RNs with an ADN can pursue a BSN through an RN to BSN program, which may take as little as 1 year and includes a 45-hour community health project in place of traditional clinicals.
No, you don't need a nursing degree to start gaining healthcare experience. Entry-level roles like Certified Nursing Assistant don't require a degree and can be a great way to get your foot in the door. You can earn a Diploma in Practical Nursing in as few as 12 months to start your nursing career as an LPN.
When you're ready to become a Registered Nurse, though, you'll need to earn an undergraduate nursing degree, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the exam you'll need to pass to show you're ready to begin practicing as an entry-level nurse and become licensed as a Registered Nurse. It's a comprehensive exam covering a wide variety of topics from your nursing degree program, with several question types designed to test your critical thinking skills.
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, BSN graduates are more likely to pass the NCLEX on their first attempt than ADN graduates.
A BSN can position you for nursing specialties by type of care, such as oncology or psychiatry, or by patient population across the lifespan, such as neonatal, pediatric or adult/gerontology care.
Yes. Once you've earned your BSN and gone on to an MSN, you can pursue a Post Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program to earn a nursing terminal degree. Some BSN graduates can also begin advancing toward a DNP right away through a BSN to DNP program.
Yes. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org).
Can ADN or Diploma Nurses Pursue an MSN Without Earning a BSN First?
The good news is that there are accelerated online RN to MSN program options available to help RNs bridge the gap to MSN faster without having to earn a BSN. RNs who want to move directly into a role as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator or nurse administrator may be eligible to enroll in an RN to MSN program in their chosen concentration and reach the next level in their career more quickly.
We exist to help nurses at any degree level walk a direct pathway to their highest career goals. Advancing your career IS possible with Herzing.
Discover Herzing's many degree pathways in nursing
* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2025. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.