{"id":775,"date":"2021-12-13T11:27:02","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T16:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=775"},"modified":"2025-01-06T16:42:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T21:42:35","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-rn-and-bsn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/what-is-the-difference-between-rn-and-bsn\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Difference Between an RN and BSN?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Becoming a nurse is a noble pursuit. Nurses tackle some of the biggest problems faced by the American healthcare system. They care for aging patients, provide health education to their community, and fill an integral part in their patients\u2019 health care team.\u00a0 In recent years, a shortage of nurses<\/a> has become ever-pressing. In other words, it\u2019s never been a better time to become a nurse. However, if you\u2019re new to the nursing world, you may wonder, \u201cwhat\u2019s the difference between RN and BSN?\u201d In simple terms, a BSN is a degree path while an RN is a licensed position. There are multiple ways to become an RN, however, earning a BSN is an excellent way to increase your employability and overall professional success.<\/p>\n

What is an RN?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A registered nurse, or RN, becomes a licensed professional upon completing their required education at an accredited institution<\/a> and passing their exams, proctored by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing<\/a> (NCSBN). An RN licensure is earned upon successfully passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam<\/a>. The state is responsible for granting licensure. Registered nurses can earn their credentials by pursuing one of two educational paths.<\/p>\n

An associate degree in Nursing (ADN) offers students the ability to begin their career quickly, with many associate’s degree programs requiring a mere two years to complete. These programs provide students with the basic clinical skills and foundational knowledge they need to begin working in the field of nursing. The classes that nursing students in associates degree programs complete prepare them to take their NCLEX-RN licensing exam. However, while an ADN does allow graduates to earn their licensure and begin working as a nurse, many students choose to pursue a bachelor\u2019s degree in nursing (BSN) instead.<\/p>\n

What is a BSN?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A BSN, or bachelor of science in nursing<\/a>, is an educational degree that prepares students to take their licensing exam. However, in many ways, a BSN is a better option <\/a>than an ADN. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN<\/a>) reports that 88% of employers prefer to hire nurses who hold a BSN. Additionally, nurses who hold a BSN are likely to earn a higher annual salary <\/a>than those who do not. Lastly, the AACN is advocating for the BSN to be the minimum educational requirement for RNs. In some states, this advocacy has resulted in new policies being enacted. For example, New York state now requires that nurses who earned their license after 2017 must complete a BSN program by the year 2027. This legislation is likely to be replicated in other states, making it a wise decision to begin your nursing career having already earned a BSN. However, for those nurses who are already working with an RN licensure, there are ways to complete a BSN without stepping away from work.<\/p>\n

RN to BSN: A Great Option for Working RNs<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re currently working as a registered nurse, it\u2019s possible to expand your career mobility by earning a bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing. The RN to BSN program can be completed online, on your schedule.<\/p>\n

Time Commitment<\/em><\/p>\n

While RN to BSN degree paths can vary from school to school, many schools allow students to transfer credits from their ADN to their BSN program. At 越南直播, students are able to transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited institution to their RN to BSN program. Depending on how many credits students have previously completed, it\u2019s possible to complete the program in less than two years\u2019 time.<\/p>\n

Many nurses continue to work full-time while earning their BSN. Courses are offered in 7-week intervals and, if students wish to continue working, they can take as few as one or two courses every 7-week term. Alternatively, students can also choose to complete their studies as quickly as possible by taking up to four courses per semester.<\/p>\n

Curriculum<\/em><\/p>\n

Students enrolled in an RN to BSN degree program complete courses in both basic and upper-level nursing. This program prepares them to provide high-level care and, eventually, fill leadership positions. Some examples of courses students can expect to take include:<\/p>\n