Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 194,500 openings for RNs are estimated each year, on average, over the decade.
There are a couple of ways to become a nurse, and the one you choose will affect the duties you perform, the jobs you can get, and how much money you make. Let’s explore the differences between a BSN vs. an RN so you can better understand how nursing education works.
What Is an RN?
A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients and the public about various health conditions, and offers advice and emotional support to patients and their families. RNs work in diverse settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools
- Patient homes
RNs also have opportunities to specialize in areas like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.
To become an RN, you must complete an accredited nursing education program. This can be a diploma from a hospital-based program, an Associate Degree in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After completing your education, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to obtain your nursing license.
As an RN, your responsibilities include assessing patient health problems and needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, maintaining medical records, and administering nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients.
What Is a BSN?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares you to become an RN with advanced clinical and leadership skills. This degree goes beyond the basics of nursing practice, offering a deeper understanding of patient care, research, and healthcare systems.
As a BSN-prepared nurse, your responsibilities will include:
- Assessing patient health
- Developing and implementing care plans
- Administering medications
- Educating patients and their families
Your education equips you to handle complex clinical situations and take on leadership roles within healthcare teams. With a BSN vs. an RN with an ADN, you can pursue various career options, including roles like emergency room nurse, pediatric nurse, public health nurse, and nurse educator. Additionally, a BSN serves as a stepping stone for advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, which require further education.
Can You Skip RN and Go Straight to BSN?
Yes, you can go straight into a BSN program without first becoming an RN. In fact, this is a common path for many nursing students.
It’s important to understand that “RN” is a professional license, not a degree. To become an RN, you must complete an approved nursing education program and pass the NCLEX-RN. A 4-year BSN program will prepare you for this exam, but an Associate Degree in Nursing will, too.
An ADN is typically a two-year degree offered by community colleges. Like the BSN, it prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN. Some students choose the ADN route to enter the workforce sooner and may later pursue a BSN through an RN-to-BSN program.
You don’t need to earn an ADN first; you can enroll in a BSN program directly after high school or after completing some college coursework. Many students opt to go directly into a BSN vs. an RN-ADN program, which can offer broader education and may provide more opportunities for advancement in the nursing field.
What Can a BSN Do That an RN Cannot?
While all RNs, no matter their degree, are licensed to provide patient care, earning a BSN equips you with additional skills and knowledge that can expand your professional responsibilities and opportunities.
Nursing Duties
With a BSN, you can take on more complex clinical tasks. Your education includes training in leadership, research, and public health, which prepares you to handle situations that require critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making. This means you might be involved in developing care plans, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and implementing quality improvement initiatives in healthcare settings.
Nursing Roles
BSN-prepared nurses are often eligible for roles that involve supervision and administration. You might serve as a charge nurse, overseeing a team of nurses and support staff, or take on responsibilities in nurse management, where you coordinate staffing, budgets, and policy development. Your background in research and education also positions you to contribute to staff training and patient education programs.
Nursing Specialization
In addition, a BSN opens doors to specialized nursing fields. You may qualify for positions in public health, case management, or as a nurse educator, roles that often require a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems and community health that a BSN provides. Additionally, some healthcare facilities prefer or require a BSN for certain positions, especially those involving leadership or specialized care.
Do BSNs Get Paid More Than RNs?
Those with a BSN generally earn more than those with an ADN. While both degrees qualify you to become an RN after passing the NCLEX-RN exam, the BSN often leads to higher-paying roles due to the additional education and training.
On average, ADN-prepared nurses earn about $74,000 per year, while BSN-prepared nurses earn approximately $80,000 annually. This difference of around $6,000 can vary based on factors like location, experience, and healthcare setting. Starting BSN vs. RN salaries are often similar. However, BSN nurses may experience faster salary growth over time.
The additional education in a BSN program covers leadership, research, and public health, which can qualify you for specialized roles such as nurse manager or nurse educator. These positions often come with higher salaries compared to general RN roles.
Is It “RN, BSN” or “BSN, RN”?
When writing your nursing credentials after your name, follow a standardized order to clearly communicate your qualifications. According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the recommended sequence is:
- Highest Earned Degree: Includes BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Licensure: Your professional license to practice nursing, such as RN or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
You can also include state designations, national certifications, and awards.
This order is preferred because academic degrees are permanent and cannot be revoked, whereas licenses and certifications may expire or be subject to renewal requirements. It’s also important to use commas to separate each credential and to avoid using periods within the abbreviations. For instance, write “BSN, RN” instead of “B.S.N. R.N.”
Your Nursing Degree Starts With Understanding BSN vs. RN
Your desire for leadership roles, specialized positions, or advanced practice will determine whether an RN with a BSN vs. an RN with an ADN is your best path to your future in healthcare.
The University of Olivet offers a BSN program with state-of-the-art simulation labs and real-world clinical placements in both urban and rural settings. If you already hold an RN license, our RN-to-BSN program offers flexibility with online courses that can be completed in as little as 16 months. Fill out your online application today.