Associates Degree vs Bachelor Degree | Pre Nursing Series
You have finally made the momentous decision to attend nursing school. Congratulations and welcome to the beginning of a long and rewarding career! Now you must decide which degree you should pursue. There are so many similarities and differences it is hard to decide. That is why I am here to help you.
There are two main undergraduate degrees for Nursing School. The first is an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). This is typically a two-year degree offered by community colleges, state colleges, technical schools, and private colleges. Once graduated, you are prepared to enter the workforce as a graduate nurse (once you pass your NCLEX of course).
The second degree is a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree is typically a four-year degree offered by Universities and some private/technical colleges. Once graduated, you are prepared to enter the workforce as a graduate nurse with an advanced degree of specialty including nursing theory and research.
Some colleges offer dual enrollment programs allowing nursing students to obtain a BSN in as little as two years without having a prior Bachelor’s degree in another subject. This program is completed by simultaneously taking both ADN and BSN classes during the same semesters. There is a good potential you will have no social life until after you graduate. Trust me, I know! I was enrolled in dual enrollment for my undergraduate college program. It was hard, but totally worth!
So why would anyone want to obtain their BSN and what is the big difference between the degrees?
Associates Degree in Nursing
- Program is more competitive for admission (requires less pre-requisites). This degree requires less schooling which can be appetizing for prospective nursing students.
- Less time consuming and less expensive. Some of the colleges that offer the ADN have a less expensive per credit hour rate than Universities who offer four-year degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Program is less competitive compared to its counter part ADN. This degree requires additional pre-requisites which led to obtaining a degree in General Studies, Psychology, Humanities, and more endless options. Many times colleges will require you to obtain an Associates in Arts prior to approval into their program.
- More expensive and time consuming. With more school comes an expense and commitment to studying.
- More opportunities for advancement. Once you graduate with you degree, there are more opportunities to advance in either an advanced graduate degree or career placement.
There are many similarities to these degrees; however, the one major similarity is the core curriculum. No matter which degree you choose, the core curriculum is the same. You will complete your fundamentals, medical surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, behavioral health, and advanced medical surgical.
Now you may be wondering, “what benefits will I receive once I finish school?” There are not many differences in pay between the degrees; however, the positions available for Bachelor degrees are plentiful.
Associates Degree in Nursing
- New Graduate Nurse pay in Central Florida varies from $18 to $22/hour.
- May be harder to find specialty positions out of college. It is not impossible to find positions in ICU, ER, Labor and Delivery, Neonatal or Pediatric specialties out of college with ADN; however, it is more difficult when interviewing against those with BSN degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- New Graduate Nurse pay in Central Florida varies between $19 to $23/hour. There is no major difference in salary.
- More access to specialized units such as ICU, ER, Labor and Delivery, and Operating Room. These positions are easier to find due to the Magnet Recognition Program implemented by the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information visit: Magnet Recognition Program.
Does It Matter Which Nursing School You Attend?
