Nursing Degrees: ADN to BSN vs. RN to BSN

As a nurse, you spend a lot of time providing patients with the best care and treatment possible. But sometimes, you need to focus on yourself and your career aspirations. That’s why more and more nurses are opting to earn bachelor’s degrees and continue their education. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can prepare registered nurses (RNs) for more advanced roles with higher earning potential.

ADN, RN, BSN—with so many nursing programs available, you may not know which one best aligns with your professional goals. Whether you’re hoping to earn your RN license or you're a current RN looking to pursue a BSN, there are many options to consider. The following guide discusses several popular programs for nurses and how you can pursue the degree that’s right for you.

What Is an ADN?

“ADN” stands for “Associate Degree in Nursing.” An ADN program is typically a two- to three-year program that teaches fundamental nursing skills and prepares students to take the NCLEX exam before becoming registered nurses. ADN programs are among the most common ways for students to become RNs.

These associate degree programs help students accomplish their clinical work, granting them the skills and experience they’ll need to pass the NCLEX exam and earn licensure. Most schools offer full-time and part-time ADN programs in person, online, or a hybrid of both.

What Is a Nursing Diploma?

A nursing diploma program is a non-degree program that prepares students to earn an RN license but doesn’t result in a degree upon completion. In this type of program, students take nursing courses, develop relevant skills, and complete the training they need to become RNs. At the end of their coursework, students receive a certificate instead of a degree. Nursing diploma programs are typically offered by community colleges and hospitals.

What Is a BSN?

A BSN—Bachelor of Science in Nursing—is different from an ADN in several ways. A BSN program’s offerings may vary based on a student’s full-time or part-time status and whether or not they hold an RN license.

BSN degrees are usually available to students who have not yet earned their nursing license. Pre-licensure programs are great for students looking to take the NCLEX exam and gain career-relevant clinical skills. These BSN programs typically take three to four years to complete, requiring a certain number of clinical hours, courses, and examinations.

What Is an RN-to-BSN Program?

RN-to-BSN programs are designed specifically for RNs, granting them the skills in patient care, treatment, leadership, and research they need to lead successful nursing careers. Online RN-to-BSN programs have become more and more popular since they typically allow for more flexibility in completing coursework while working.

In choosing the right RN-to-BSN program, students should consider an accredited option that respects their time and rewards their nursing experience. Some online nursing degree programs—like WGU’s RN-to-BSN program—let nurses progress through courses as quickly as they can master the material.

What Is an ADN-to-BSN Program?

An ADN-to-BSN program is designed for ADN holders that want to earn a bachelor’s in nursing. ADN-to-BSN programs help students round out their nursing education by teaching additional skills that improve their knowledge and enhance their marketability to potential employers.

WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is ideal for both registered nurses who hold an ADN and for RNs who have earned a nursing diploma. Previous experience as an RN coupled with past education could make earning a BSN at WGU much simpler—students can transfer in existing credits and use their knowledge to accelerate through the program.

Advantages of Earning an ADN or a BSN

Students who earn an ADN can gain essential nursing skills over a shorter length of time and for a lower cost. Additionally, ADN program credits can often be transferred into BSN programs to give students a head start in their studies. BSN programs, while typically longer and more rigorous than ADN programs, confer more career-aligned skills and set students up for a higher income potential. Nurses with BSN degrees are both better prepared to pass the NCLEX exam and better equipped for graduate-level education.

Salary Potential for RNs with an ADN or a BSN

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for registered nurses in May 2023 was $86,070. RNs who have earned a bachelor’s degree can usually expect to make more than those with only an ADN.

Why Earn a BSN?

There’s a variety of benefits to earning a BSN degree, including the following:

• Better preparation. Nurses who hold a BSN are often better prepared for specific scenarios in healthcare settings. They’re skilled in areas like nursing care, research, ethics, and informatics, which help them confront numerous challenges on the job.
• Magnet status readiness. More and more hospitals are working to obtain Magnet status, which requires a certain percentage of BSN nurses in order to qualify.
• Clinical skills. BSN nurses tend to have better clinical skills than non-BSN nurses. BSN nurses are shown to have lower mortality rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates, and better ability to diagnose and evaluate patients.
• Career opportunities. A BSN degree can prepare RNs for career opportunities in non-hospital settings, including teaching, case management, and healthcare policy. Some of these career paths may require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a BSN is almost always a prerequisite for earning an MSN.

Earn Your BSN at WGU

If you’re currently a registered nurse with an ADN or a nursing diploma, the RN-to-BSN program at WGU could be the perfect way to further your education, boost your résumé, and advance your career. Our online RN-to-BSN program is designed with input from industry experts and teaches skills that employers love to see.

If you're interested in earning a BSN, WGU is affordable and accredited—and could be a great fit for you. Learn more today.