Nursing is an integral part of the medical field. When entering the profession, you must have heard terms like RN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and even PhD. This noble profession offers several pathways to join the medical workforce. However, with so many different paths, which one should you pursue and why? The most basic distinction is between RN vs. BSN. Because, as you begin your journey in the pursuit of a nursing career, these are the two paths you’ll be presented with.

Each degree results in a fulfilling and highly rewarding career. But, their responsibilities, job availability, salary compensations, and advancement opportunities can vary. But the question remains, Which path is right? To answer the lingering question, your choice depends on your career goals, aspirations, and interests. To give you a general overview, most new nurses are registered nurses (RN) who have earned their BSN to become one. Understanding the difference between RN vs. BSN will help you choose your path fairly easily. But first, let’s understand them both briefly.

What is an RN?

RN stands for registered nurse and is not a degree but a license. Almost all nurses have this certification, as it is one of the most basic licenses required for practicing clinical expertise in healthcare settings. To practice nursing, professionals need to complete either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree focused on nursing. After that, these nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to finally become an RN—registered nurse.

RN jobs entail a host of responsibilities, including providing basic primary care to patients, performing physical exams and diagnostic tests, maintaining medical records, monitoring patient vitals, educating and counseling patients and families, and administering medications. RNs can have many types of jobs, such as labor and delivery nurse jobs, ER nurse jobs, or even school nursing jobs. 

What is BSN?

BSN meaning Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is typically a four-year degree program for entering the nursing workforce. This program offers a more in-depth perspective on theories, responsibilities, and specializations in nursing. Due to this, most employers prefer nurses with BSN degrees for more advanced roles. However, this is just one way for nurses to become registered nurses (RN).

The course includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice, which prepares the nurses for diverse and more advanced roles. Pursuing a BSN opens many doors to opportunities in leadership roles and advanced clinical practices. BSN graduates can also pursue advanced degrees like MSN, DNP, or PhD to pursue careers in leadership, management, research, and education roles. 

Key Differences Between RN vs. BSN

All BSN graduates become RNs after passing the NCLEX-RN exam and completing their state licensure requirements. However, not all RNs are BSN graduates, but it is often very preferred. When comparing RN vs. BSN, you must understand first that one is a license and the other is a level of education, respectively.

1. RN vs. BSN Education Requirements

Whether you become an RN with an associate degree or a BSN, passing the NCLEX-RN exam is a must to obtain your license. In contrast to the 4-year program of BSN, an associate degree of nursing (ADN) only takes 2 to 3 years to enter the field. However, BSN graduates have more opportunities, which equalize the additional investment in the long run. 

2. RN vs. BSN Salary Differences

Entering the medical workforce is fairly easy and quick with an associate degree. However, the difference lies in the opportunities and salaries. RNs with BSN degrees are often offered more as compared to RNs with ADN. Hence, this proves that BSN degrees boost the earning potential of new nurses, giving them an initial edge. 

Moreover, since the BSN degree is more favored by most employers for many entry-level RN jobs, the job prospect for BSN is more promising. This is why nurses with a BSN have more opportunities, helping them maximize their earnings. According to the Nurse Journal, the average salary of a registered nurse with an ADN is only $79,000 per year, and with a BSN degree, it can be $95,000 annually. 

3. RN vs. BSN Career Growth Opportunities

If you want to grow in your nursing career, you need to pursue further education to meet the qualification requirements of certain positions. Although becoming an RN with just an associate degree is quicker to enter the field. However, without a bachelor’s degree, you cannot go for advanced degrees. Hence, starting your career with a solid base, such as a BSN, gives you the opportunity for an easier and faster route to pursue a master’s (MSN) or doctoral (DNP or PhD) degree.

This also benefits you in the future with opportunities in leadership, management, and research. If you are considering a path toward clinical educator, you will need a bachelor’s degree to go forward in that direction as well.

4. RN vs. BSN Job Prospects

Traditionally, there were no discrepancies in career prospects of RNs, whether with an associate degree or BSN. However, nowadays, RNs with BSN degrees are more preferred in most healthcare facilities. This is due to the additional training of nurses during bachelor’s programs that prepare them with critical thinking, leadership skills, and case management. 

These nurses also get to practice more in outpatient and inpatient settings as part of their course, which further solidifies their standing. Hence, BSN students get a competitive edge for entry-level positions, which makes job search much easier. However, you can also connect with the best healthcare staffing agency to find the best RN jobs nearby. 

Is BSN the Future of Nursing?

In a recent study, it was suggested to increase the proportion of nurses with BSN from 50 to 80 percent. This was because RNs with bachelor’s degrees are more qualified for further advancements and are fairly more capable with an in-depth education background. According to the Journal of Nursing Regulation, by 2020, a staggering 65.2% of RNs held bachelor’s degrees. Which definitely showed the inclination toward BSN. 

Which Path is Right for You?

Despite all the differences, choosing between RN vs. BSN depends on your career goals, financial situation, and time commitment. Before you make your decision, consider the following:
Choose RN (ADN) if:

• Want a quick and easy way to enter the nursing workforce
• Have financial constraints and prefer shorter programs with less investment
• Planning to pursue a BSN later but want to have clinical experience before that

Choose BSN if:

• Want to maximize your earning potential with more job opportunities
• Looking for the highest-paying nursing jobs 
• Interested in advanced roles, such as leadership, management, or research
• Planning for advanced degrees (e.g., MSN, DNP, or PhD) for better opportunities

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between RN vs. BSN gives you a broader perspective of which one is preferable. Although a BSN offers a more lucrative future prospect, certain considerations make an RN (ADN) a viable option. If you are in search of RN jobs or even travel nurse jobs, make sure you weigh how your education can impact your career and earning potential. 

Whichever path you choose, the general demand for nursing is on the rise, which gives the profession a promising outlook with job security and competitive salaries. So, if you are ready to begin your nursing career, choose your path wisely and connect with a staffing agency to find your very first RN job.