ADN vs. BSN: Which Degree Is Right for You?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Jun 22, 2026
For many nurses, entering the profession is just the start of a yearslong journey. A substantial share of new nurses choose to advance their careers by pursuing continued education, building on their skills and credentials in the hope of expanding their opportunities. A 2024 report from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), for example, found that about 16% of registered nurses (RNs) began their careers as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).
LPNs seeking to further their education can choose from multiple pathways, including earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both degrees prepare students to become RNs, equipping them with the foundational knowledge and clinical experience to provide safe, effective patient care.
Comparing ADN vs. BSN programs and understanding the educational and career outcomes of each can help LPNs decide which degree path is best for them.
What Is an ADN Program?
Before comparing degree paths, it helps to understand what an ADN is and what students can expect to learn in the program.
An ADN is an entry-level nursing credential designed to prepare students for careers as RNs. ADN programs focus on developing the core skills needed for direct patient care. The curriculum typically covers foundational concepts such as anatomy and physiology, biology, and immunology and nursing fundamentals such as health assessment and pharmacology. ADN programs also often explore nursing disciplines such as pediatric nursing and medical-surgical nursing.
Clinical hours—in which students gain valuable field experience in real-world medical settings—are integrated into the program, allowing students to develop practical skills through supervised patient care.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and may pursue RN roles or continue their education.
ADN programs generally take about two years to complete, though timelines vary based on the institution and whether students are taking classes on a full- or part-time schedule.
What Is a BSN Program?
Similar to the ADN, a BSN prepares students to become RNs, though the curriculum of a BSN program offers a more comprehensive educational experience. While BSNs cover much of the same foundational material as ADNs, they provide a deeper exploration of nursing and medical concepts, along with more extensive clinical training.
BSNs also typically place a greater emphasis on nursing theory and evidence-based practice. In addition to standard medical coursework such as anatomy and physiology, BSN programs often explore concepts such as:
-
Healthcare ethics
-
Nursing research
-
Healthcare informatics
-
Leadership and management principles
Many BSN programs also incorporate simulated lab work into the curriculum, allowing students to hone critical technical and professional competencies in a controlled learning environment.
Completing a BSN typically takes about four years. However, bridge programs that give students credit for prior training and experience—such as an LPN to BSN program—can help them expedite their path to a BSN.
ADN vs. BSN: Which Degree Should an LPN Choose?
LPNs looking to take the next step in their careers and become RNs can do so by earning either an ADN or a BSN. However, a BSN provides notable advantages over an ADN.
A key advantage is that BSN-prepared nurses are in greater demand than ADN-prepared nurses. Various organizations, including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and American Nurses Association (ANA), advocate for RNs to hold a BSN, citing their enhanced skill set and positive impact on patient outcomes.
Research supports this position. A recent AACN report shows that hospitals that employ more BSN-prepared nurses see improved clinical results, including lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay, and reduced rates of readmission.
Additionally, earning a BSN can lead to various benefits for nurses themselves, including:
-
Expanded career opportunities: Many healthcare employers require RNs to have at least a BSN. Although ADN-prepared nurses have some of the same skills and expertise and may qualify for certain RN positions, particularly entry-level ones, having a BSN can help nurses qualify for leadership or specialized practice roles.
-
Higher compensation: BSN-prepared nurses generally earn more than ADN-prepared nurses. According to the latest data from Payscale, ADN-prepared nurses earned a median annual salary of about $80,000, while BSN-prepared nurses earned about $99,000.
-
Access to advanced education: Holding a BSN is often a prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). For nurses who have aspirations beyond becoming an RN, earning a BSN can lay the groundwork for future advancement.
While LPNs can earn an ADN first and return later for a BSN, this often entails a substantial investment of time and money. ADN programs take about two years to complete, and BSN programs can take up to four years. Even with credit for prior coursework and professional experience, progressing from LPN to ADN to BSN can be more time-consuming and costly than moving directly into a bachelor’s degree program.
Conversely, taking advantage of a bridge program such as an LPN to BSN allows students to bypass the ADN step, fast-tracking their academic and professional advancement.
Moving Forward in Your Nursing Journey
Choosing between an ADN and a BSN to continue your nursing education ultimately depends on your long-term goals, as well as your lifestyle and schedule. For LPNs who are ready to advance, a BSN can offer greater opportunities, higher earning potential, and a more efficient path to professional growth.
The LPN to BSN program at Wilson College Online allows you to use your existing LPN education and licensure to expedite your path to a BSN and earn your degree in as little as three years. The fully online program is designed with working nurses in mind, providing a flexible format with asynchronous coursework that allows you to further your education without putting your career on hold.
Learn how Wilson can help you take the next step in your nursing journey.
Recommended Readings
How to Balance Nursing School and Work
Clinical Nurse Leader: Salary and Job Description
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice
American Nurses Association, ADN vs BSN: Which Is Right for You?
American Nurses Association, Nursing Career Pathways
Indeed, “ADN vs. BSN: Which Nursing Degree Is Right for You?”
Payscale, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Degree
