Associates Degree Vs Bachelors Degree in Nursing

There are many divergences between the two options including pay, job placements, and much more. The main difference is the amount of schooling required for both programs. An Associates Degree (ADN) typically takes about 2 year to complete, while a Bachelors (BSN) takes about 4 years. Both programs study in adult health, maternal and newborn nursing, and pediatrics and sometimes psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and gerontological nursing. Having a BSN allows nurses to possess greater knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction as well as illness and disease management and are prepared to assist individuals, groups, and communities to prevent disease and achieve optimum levels of wellness. Because having a BSN requires more schooling and knowledge, more opportunities and placements are available, therefore sometimes leading to greater pay. The starting range for both are about the same, but studies show after a stable career having a BSN, they typically make about $5,000 more a year compared to a nurse with an ADN. Choosing the program that's best for you requires much time and thought. Some people choose the ADN program because the cost is less and it is less time consuming, meaning you can become a nurse much quicker. Others decide to go to school for a couple more years to get a higher level in nursing allowing more opportunities in positions, knowledge, and pay.