Difference Between a BSN Degree and an Associates Degree

If you are considering becoming a registered nurse, you may wonder what the difference is between a bachelor's degree of nursing (BSN) and an associates degree in nursing (ADN). There are several differences, including the amount of classes taken, career path for graduates and future nursing salary.

Classes

ADN programs generally consist of 60 credits worth of classes, while BSN programs require a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students of both programs are required to complete general education programs as well as courses within their nursing major. Both programs feature nursing lecture courses, as well as nursing clinicals. However, BSN programs offer additional classes on healthcare administration, management, leadership and nursing theory that are not included in an ADN program.

Future Career Path

RNs who receive a BSN generally have more chances for career advancement than a nurse with an ADN. Although both programs prepare graduates to sit for the RN licensing exam, BSN nurses receive more management and administrative classes while they are in school. This sets them up to advance to management positions within the field of nursing.

Future Nursing Salary

Nursing pay differs by hospital and region. The average salary in the United States for all RNs is $62, 450. However, it is common in some areas for hospitals to pay RNs with bachelor's degrees a bit more than RNs who have their ADN. This can differ by a few dollars an hour, or by a certain percentage. In some areas there is no difference, but a hospital may be more likely to hire a nurse with a BSN rather than an ADN.