Associate's degree nursing programs are two- to three-year programs offered by technical, community and junior colleges. BSN programs are four-year courses offered by colleges and universities.
Program curricula of both BSN and ADN programs require candidates to undergo classroom instruction and obtain hands-on experience in clinical settings such as hospitals and other healthcare institutions. Subjects covered by the curriculum include physiology, anatomy and microbiology as well as nutrition, chemistry and behavioral sciences, including psychology. The curriculum for both programs also covers liberal arts. ADN program curricula focus more on equipping students with technical skills and less on theory. BSN students focus on general education the first two years and on nursing education the last two years.
In addition to the scientific and clinical nursing education, a BSN curriculum equips candidates with essential skills such as communication, decision-making, leadership and people skills. The significance of these skills is fast increasing as nursing practice becomes more comprehensive. BSN programs, unlike ADN programs, prepare candidates to practice in diverse healthcare settings including outpatient care and emergency care as well as public health and mental healthcare. A BSN degree also offers candidates greater experience in clinical aspects relevant to non-hospital settings. Most often, ADN degree holders enroll subsequently in BSN programs to acquire the broader range of expertise offered by the program. RNs with ADN degrees can obtain an entry-level position and complete RN-to-BSN programs with the help of tuition reimbursement benefits.
A nurse with a BSN degree is more in demand in the current job market. Most employers prefer a BSN RN; an ADN is useful for individuals looking to enter the nursing profession fast and earn money. Given their broader range of skills, BSN nurses are preferred for comprehensive healthcare responsibilities including daily patient care, supervising nurses' assistants and unlicensed assistants as well as developing patient stay plans from admission through discharge, educating patients and collaborating with hospital departments, doctors, patients and their families. ADN nurses' responsibilities are limited to less complex patient care such as teaching patients to cope with their condition and educating them on post-discharge healthcare. ADN nurses may find advancement opportunities limited given their lack of broader skills compared to their BSN counterparts. Candidates looking to pursue research or other higher degrees as well as candidates interested in teaching, administrative roles or consulting most often require at least a bachelor's degree.