With so many career paths available in today’s healthcare professions, knowing the ins and outs of the varying degree levels and professional designations specific to the nursing professions can be daunting. If you’re asking questions like “am I eligible to sit for the registered nurse examination (NCLEX-RN) with an associate degree or is the minimum requirement a bachelor’s degree?” Which degree provides a higher salary or how many years does it take to complete a master’s in nursing (MSN) — this overview is for you. Consider this your cheat sheet with answers to all your FAQs on pathways in advanced nursing education.
The information below breaks down each degree level in the nursing professions to help you decide which American College of Education nursing degree program is right for you — empowering you to tailor your education to fit your career goals.
What Is an RN?
Registered nurses (RNs) are integral in today’s healthcare system, providing essential patient services and ensuring high-quality care through education, documentation, advocacy and the coordination of care delivery. RNs work in a wide range of healthcare settings like hospitals, schools, community organizations, physician offices and clinics, home health care and residential care facilities, and many others. RNs can also specialize in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency nursing, the operating room, intensive care as well as within areas outside of healthcare settings, like insurance companies or as legal nurse consultants. For any nursing position, students must successfully complete an accredited nursing education program and pass a licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a license to use the registered nurse (RN) credential.
Becoming an RN
RNs can hold various degrees that have different education requirements. Many usually complete one of the following programs:
- two to three-year associate degree in nursing (ADN or ASN programs)
- four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Associate and bachelor’s degree nursing students take courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, and various other courses, depending on specific college or university requirements. The number of clinical hours can vary by state and program. On average, students enrolled in associate programs can expect to complete between 550-700 hours observing licensed healthcare professionals on different rotations, while many BSN programs will begin with clinical hours in the first semester and may complete as many as 1,200 hours.
Some schools offer accelerated associate degree programs that can be completed in 18-20 months. After finishing a degree program, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) to be awarded a license to practice as a registered nurse (RN).
Keep in mind: RN is a professional designation, not a degree, so many RNs have the ability to tailor their education to their specific career goals.
What Is an ASN?
An associate of science in nursing (ASN) is generally a two-year degree program offered at many community colleges with an emphasis on sharpening entry-level nursing skills like clinical judgment, communication and conducting patient assessments. It is a common educational entry point for those wishing to enter nursing practice.
Because the education requirements to become an RN can vary, you may be wondering how an ASN compares with other pathways to become an RN. Here’s a breakdown:
- ASN vs. BSN:
- An ASN program can be completed in two to three years, while BSN programs typically take at least four years. Both degree programs put graduates on track to earn a RN designation and license. On average, students enrolled in ADN/ASN programs can anticipate overall costs of $6K to $20K, while BSN programs vary widely, anywhere from $7K to $200K. Though tuition costs can be intimidating, BSN-prepared nurses are typically eligible for more specialized roles in health care and many nontraditional programs offer tailored credentials for RNs seeking to advance their education.
- ASN vs. ADN:
- On average, both programs take two to three years to complete, and students will earn a similar number of credits in general education and nursing-specific courses as well as in completed clinical hours. However, ASN students can expect more of a focus on clinical practice and many programs require more clinical hours. Many community colleges, technical schools and universities offer both ASN and ADN degrees.
What Is a BSN?
Four-year BSN programs are more comprehensive, covering clinical skills as well as nursing theory, research, public health, management and leadership skills. In addition to a nursing focus, BSN students must complete all four-year degree general education requirements by taking courses in social sciences, humanities and other liberal arts studies.
BSN nurses are qualified for positions in administration and earn higher salaries on average.
How to Get a BSN
Both traditional and online programs exist for students and healthcare professionals seeking to earn a BSN. Admissions eligibility for BSN programs can vary but often include GPA and prerequisite high school coursework requirements.
For college graduates and medical professionals seeking to advance their education, many programs offer other admissions criteria based on academic performance and professional experience. Programs like this provide opportunities to apply earned credits and prior coursework toward a BSN, allowing for greater flexibility and substantial cost savings. Designed for busy working professionals, ACE’s RN to BSN program provides opportunities for nurses to build on their existing expertise. ACE accepts up to 90 transfer credits from associate degree nursing coursework, and programs can typically be completed in one to two years.
ACE’s program offers:
- Flexibility: Complete your program at your pace. Accelerated pathways are available
- Accessibility: Work anywhere you have an internet connection. Courses and learning resources are available anytime.
- Quality: Rigorous and comprehensive curriculums ensure prepared graduates and successful healthcare professionals.
- Affordability: ACE offers one of the best tuition rates compared with other online nursing programs.
What Are the Main Differences Among Nursing Degrees (ASN and BSN)?
After completing either an ADN/ASN or BSN program, graduates can earn an RN designation by completing their program of choice and successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam. But how do these two degree programs differ?
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing earned a median salary of $86,000 in 2023 while nurses with an associate degree earned on average $59,730.
- Nurses with associate degrees are fully qualified to provide patient care and can work in many different healthcare settings but may have fewer opportunities for specialized or leadership roles that require a BSN.
ASN vs. BSN: Takeaways
Overview
- BSN degrees have a longer completion time than associate degree programs.
- Though BSN programs have a higher price tag, flexible programs like ACE’s RN to BSN offer tailored credentials and affordable tuition to get nursing professionals on their desired path as quickly as possible.
- While both degrees can lead to rewarding RN careers, a BSN offers a financial advantage and greater career flexibility.
- On average, BSNs lead to more opportunities in specialized roles like surgical nursing, nurse anesthetist, pain management and more. These roles tend to earn more than those with an associate degree.
- BSN-prepared nurses are also eligible for higher salaries in advanced practice and administration.
Job Opportunities
Each and every healthcare professional is essential, no matter their certification level. Understanding the different positions available at each level can help nursing professionals expand their horizons and explore new opportunities:
- ASN and ADN-prepared RNs usually work in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, home health care, physician offices, schools, and health departments.
- A BSN-prepared nurse also may work in all of the aforementioned settings. However, the additional academic preparation may open more career opportunities required for roles in management, leadership and public health.
Future Prospects
A growing number of RNs are opting to earn a BSN. Research has shown that patients have better outcomes in hospitals with more BSN-prepared nurses, and national health organizations have pushed for BSN-ready nurses to become the gold standard for patient care.
Which Is Better: ASN or BSN?
Both ASN and ADN degrees allow for a solid foundation in many health care professions. After completion of an ADN/ASN program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to practice the profession of nursing. While both pathways ensure that students will graduate with comprehensive skills for patient care and nursing practice, BSN-prepared nurses expand opportunities for healthcare professionals in a wide range of settings.
Which Nursing Program Is Right for Me?
Every degree can provide enriching career options in nursing, but knowing where you want to go can clarify your education goals. Here are some things to consider:
- Life circumstances: Are you planning to relocate? Start a family? Consider the big life changes that are in your future and how your educational plans factor into them.
- Career goals: What do you want to get out of your nursing career? Are you ultimately interested in pursuing a career in nursing administration or perhaps in nursing education? Do you envision advanced roles like nurse practitioner as part of your plan? Take note of which roles interest you and what education requirements they have.
- Healthcare settings: What works best for you? Do you want to work in a hospital or doctor’s office? Do you want to work with children, seniors or surgeons? Are you interested in leadership or administration?
- Financial and timing constraints: Tuition is one of the biggest considerations for those seeking advanced degrees in healthcare. What is your financial situation and what resources do you have access to?
Considering your answers to these will help you make a shortlist as you explore program options. Maybe you want to develop leadership skills, or maybe you’re more interested in learning about case management. Understanding your goals and the opportunities available at each level can help you create a game plan for your future.
Nursing Careers Beyond a BSN
When it comes to planning for your future nursing career, it can be helpful to know not just what a BSN can do for you, but what would come after a BSN.
A BSN can open many doors for career advancement. It’s usually a prerequisite for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which can provide valuable growth opportunities. Nurses with an MSN have even higher earning potential, are qualified for specialized roles like nurse practitioners and have greater autonomy over their practice. MSN-prepared nurses can specialize in areas like pediatrics, gerontology and mental health fields. An MSN also qualifies nurses to teach at the university level and for nursing administration roles in healthcare organizations. Check out one MSN student’s perspective on how ACE’s program is propelling advanced nursing career opportunities.
If earning an MSN is one of your long-term goals, you will set yourself up for success by pursuing a BSN today!
American College of Education offers fully online nursing programs that can help you earn your BSN or MSN. Learn more about our CCNE-accredited RN to BSN, BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs.
