At the end of the day everyone takes the same nclex and has to know all the same stuff so I think the two are pretty comparable in terms of difficulty. Also, science lab programs can earn you more credits. Nurses with a BSN degree will be able to apply for a greater number of positions and have a much easier time getting a position. They’re also qualified for more positions in the nursing profession. 1 decade ago. Not many have had the luxury of picking and choosing among programs, using any kind of criteria. Answer Save. Specializes in Emergency Department. Easy? The point you made about more theory work being fulfilled along side the nursing portion of the program is what makes it more difficult, is exactly what I meant. I would definitely consider applying. So now I'm in a dilemma, should I go for my BSN or should I just go for my ADN. 5 months ago. It makes me proud to say BSN because I know how much wrk it took. Aspiring registered nurses (RNs) contemplating which nursing program to take often ask the question, “Is BSN coursework much more difficult than ADN coursework?” Both programs provide students with the skills and knowledge to not just pass the NCLEX-RN exam but also to seek gainful employment as RNs in a variety of medical settings. Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma. Yeah ummmmm, but a bsn program will have that same topic, as a course for an entire semester. Has 7 years experience. Favorite Answer. However, I don't think time in class can equate to how hard something is. In contrast, nurses with a BSN enjoy average earnings of just over $85,000 — … An ASN program in my area had a reputation of being one of the roughest in the state, but graduates fared well in the job market. Clemson's School of Nursing is among only 35 nursing programs nationwide to be recognized since 2004 as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. It’s important to remember that BSN nurses are not better than ADN nurses. :) (Go look it up and you'll be able to figure out why it's really, really a meaningless question!). Our members represent more than 60 professional nursing specialties. Yes. I think it depends on your program, but my BSN degree is going to be well earned. These things do not, in and of themselves, make a BSN program itself "harder" than an ADN program. Yes, especially if you don't know how to write. So much for that. Same goes the other way for good old tried and true university BSN programs compared to ADN programs that pop up out of the blue at diploma mill schools. Stressful at times and always busy, but the notion of difficulty was never there. I already got an undergraduate degree. It is a different animal, and now hospitals are seeing it as superior due to the research studies. Yes. Dos the BSN have some extra courses, mostly non nursing related, that make you do more papers? I took a job on a ICU step down unit. The RN to BSN program at a length of about two years is typically shorter than a regular BSN program, which usually lasts four years. Those nurses with BSNs in management will make more money just because they are in a management role. No. That they're not working for it? Schools are terrified and have … BUT, the gen eds at my university (literature, philosophy, religion, history etc) were FAR harder than a CC. Most hospitals, especially those that MAGNET status, require a BSN for their RNs. Is ADN harder than BSN? Grand Canyon University Via gcu.edu. No elitism here. Courses that are required in the BSN program and not the ADN program include English/Composition, Social Sciences, Art, History, Literature and Physical Education. You cannot speak to what is hard or easy to another person, as that is subjective. It was busy, pure and simple. BSN programs also require more presentations, projects, and research than what is required in ADN programs. And you still have two years of nursing to do. GCU has two popular nursing programs- the traditional BSN and its online RN to BSN program. While I really don't like night shift I do understand it's a vital shift in healthcare (and in most other industries). NO: I am not saying bsn graduates are smarter than adn/diploma. 2. For reasons such as these, the profession is changing. The core courses of a ADN are essentially the very same core courses of the BSN. Becoming an RN from either the BSN or the ADN program is an excellent career move because the graduate can expect many years of rewarding work helping others feel better. The BSN really is not that much more work in my opinion and the extra work is typically pretty easy. Also check to see how many students each school takes in the beginning and how many actually make it to graduation. Brand spanking new BSN programs are popping up all over the country that guarantee entry and job placement. The length of a course doesn't necessarily mean it's harder. Short time to complete; Tuition fee is less than BSN; Cons of ADN I also understand that academically, both groups of students will have their own strengths and weaknesses. I think another problem is that the topic is coming off as if "BSN is hard, so ADN is easy", when neither is the truth. After you earn your ADN, you can take an ADN to BSN program. Does that really make it more difficult? Ultimately the example you stated about the nursing ethics does not prove the point you are making. Related resource: 15 Most Affordable Best Online RN to BSN Nursing Degree Programs. Is BSN coursework harder or is it just different? Im pretty sure they are both hard & our professional writing classes with research etc. You know? I think that is called how many students they retain. Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU. Is it harder? Simply stated, if a BSN is to be required than it needs to be worth it. They’ve just received a more rounded education and are generally better trained. In some schools yes and in some schools no. Since 1997, allnurses is trusted by nurses around the globe. Most ADN grads in California have jobs waiting for them when they graduate. Sorry for my rant. classes. They’re also qualified for more positions in the nursing profession. Keep in mind that an ADN and a BSN take the same test to become RNs- it's just kind of the "extras" that a BSN is prepared for. I understand your point. The topic was set, but we had to research and find EBP articles that would prove or disprove our thesis. IMO the less time you have in lecture or in lab, the more time you need to spend studying on your own to learn the material rather than to be taught it, which would make it more difficult. But I will go on record stating that continually comparing ADN and BSN programs does nothing for the nursing profession. HOWEVER: The amount of papers, projects, presentations, and research bsn programs are REQUIRED to do, goes well beyond what is required out of an adn program. Statements made for either position would depend on the individual program at any given point in time. *shrug* It was time consuming, but not hard. Many tim I know BSN's make more than ADN's. While I did the ADN to BSN thing a lot of years ago, the thing I have picked up from reading the boards is that nodays the pre-reqs for an ADN program can take upwards of 2 years to complete. That may make it more difficult to study if you are stretched to thin in the BSN. Personally (i’m bias of course) ADN is the way to go and if you want to go back you can for a BSN later but at least you will have a job making decent money. Sure sometimes concepts were difficult to grasp, but after study and practice it was much clearer without the feelings of overwhelming difficulty. Relevance. I ONLY say this because I feel that if a person goes to school longer, and earns a higher degree, should be paid more regardless of the profession. 3. I did an ABSN. IS the nursing portion of the BSN very different than the ADN nursing portion. For the most part they are just missing the easy professional or critical thinking courses. A semester of only peds/maternity class, or med surge 1/pharm for example, without 3 or 4 other research classes/busywork classes would be awesome. In some ways there is no difference, but there are significant differences in other ways. The question came up about "which program is harder". Wages can vary by experience, degree, employer, and location. Probably not. Sometimes this is the case with licensed professions as well. That example only proves that BSN programs are longer in length than ADN programs, not the difficulty. This takes more time, money and dedication than obtaining an ADN, but it is ultimately more beneficial in the long run. Like not even close. I know that adn and bsn program admission criteria can be different depending upon city/state/area. That's it. I'm litterally floored that the ADN program has LESS class time and less lecture time than the LPN program. Another difference is the number of clinicals; BSN students typically put in more clinical hours than ADN students. While these courses may not be “harder”, they are the main difference between the two programs. Earning potential is another factor to consider when choosing between an ADN and a BSN. 1-612-816-8773. Online learning offers students who are trying to balance a family, career, and other commitments the opportunity to earn a degree without sacrificing their other interests and obligations. As more employers seek to hire BSN-trained nurses, graduates with an associate’s degree will have a harder time finding a job out of nursing school. I think there would be more respect for the field as a profession, and would end the msn better than bsn, bsn better than adn, and adn is better than lpn, etc debate. I didn't find that to be difficult. Students entering an ADN-to-MSN program can expect to complete it in three to five years if they study full-time. Here are the facts on how the two programs differ and what students can obtain and expect from each program. The ADN requires 60 credit points, based on the college you choose. I'm on campus twice a week, for 3 hours. BSN nurses may have an advantage for employment as school nurses, nurse educators in colleges and with insurance carriers as case managers, while ADN nurses have an edge up on employment in nursing care facilities, retirement communities, outpatient clinics and assisted living facilities. The bureau also reports that RNs earned an average annual wage of $73,550 as of May 2018. BSN programs are generally offered at colleges and universities. You're also dealing with subjective reports from a nonhomogenous sample. A BSN represents more than a title or prestige – when compared to an ADN degree. The great thing about the RN to BSN is that it can be completed 100 percent online, and the RN can continue working while earning the BSN. Other than that, I agree with Esme! You are right, both programs have to take the same nclex. So if that is your criteria for what makes one program harder than another, I don't buy it. For students who have an associate degree in nursing and possess an active and current nursing license, they can enroll in ASU’s online RN to BSN program which can be completed in 14 to 24 months. Not only that you make great generalizations about both ADN and BSN programs that will not fit a standard sample size, but may fit the singular experience that you have acquired. The RN--> BSN students within my program are required to take a research class, nursing management class, community nursing class and medical/surgical 2 (which is essentially crit-care) class. I was immediately hired with BSN nurses. I don't think either of them are any less hard... but I do think a BSN is only more difficult, in that it requires more work from you, but not nursing work. One recent study published in AORN found an average age between 38 and 39. Specializes in ICU. Even worse, to be paid the same amount as a new grad who came from an adn program, I think is not fair. I am tired of the "my program is harder/better than yours" and the ADN vs BSN discord that I pray daily that the nursing profession as a whole would just go ahead, bite the bullet, and make a single entry. However, RNs with a bachelor’s degree typically find more opportunities available to them than an ADN graduate. Albeit a tempting decision, there are a few issues with this option (more on that later). With this additional teaching, the BSN is far more than just an expanded ADN. here's the reasons. I am well aware both programs have clinicals, careplans/concept maps, exams, tests, quizzes, ati/hesi questions/prep that have to be completed/passed etc. Money is always a motivator. I was rather shocked by this because the LPN program has Lecture monday's from 9am - 3pm and lab on tuesdays from 8:30am - 12:30pm. CC gen eds were a joke, I don't even think half the kids in my class could read sufficiently. Mary Sunshine. However, RNs with an ADN degree may land entry-level positions that will provide them with$40,250on average, while RNs with … But the graduates sat for the same RN boards and came away with a BSN. ADN programs are usually offered at community colleges and technical schools. Check the BSN route and see if you have more of a heavier class load per semester than ADN. The caliber of young, wet behind the ears nurses I am meeting with BSN and Masters have no experience clinically. If you demonstrate excellence in an LPN program, you may be able to get into a … Specifically, my partner is considering the ABSN programs at Winston-Salem State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke, and the 'BSN as Second Degree' program at UNC Greensboro. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. You can drag things out to the point of painfulness. They’ve just received a more rounded education and are generally better trained. Lv 7. The nearest BSN program was known as being somewhat of a joke. I think it depends on where you work. Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health. ADN and BSN Nursing Pathways: What are the Differences? BSN more opportunities/broader spectrum for work. My program is hard point blank. It’s important to remember that BSN nurses are not better than ADN nurses. Both programs include supervised clinical rotations, but BSN students put in more hours and may choose specific nursing areas of specialization. Do your research for specific schools that you're interesting in attending and then decide what's best. Your employer may even pay you to study for your BSN. I am an ADN nurse and didn’t have a problem finding a job. The BSN student’s curriculum may include nursing courses like these: • Community, Family, Geriatric and Psych overviews. BSN programs also require more presentations, projects, and research than what is required in ADN programs. The overall tone of your post doesn't fit that point of view so I will give you the benefit of the doubt and wish your post sparks further discussion. Just saying. Both groups sit for the same state boards. In tracks that are designed specifically for RNs, the average age of BSN candidates is higher still. 1. Traditional BSN programs — like other bachelor’s degree programs — take four years to complete, whereas most Accelerated BSN programs take 12–24 months depending on prerequisites and program requirements.