ADN vs. BSN

According to the BLS, in all States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN. But there are many ways to get there!

You can obtain one (or more!) of several degrees in order to prepare for the NCLEX exam.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is typically gained through a year of training at a hospital, graduation from vocational-technical school, or through community college.

Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically acquired through graduation from a trade school, college or university and can prepare you for a very defined set of clinical practices. Coursework may include technical practice and nursing theory. Nurses with an ADN can return to school for a BSN or higher degree at a later time. Some schools even have ADN-to-BSN bridge programs specifically for qualified nurses looking to advance their education.

Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN) requires graduation from a traditional 4-year college or university, and generally provides the full preparation for the entire scope of RN responsibilities. The preparation from a BSN typically includes nursing theory and broad clinical practice, as well as study of human development, psychology, chemistry, biology, and nutritional sciences. BSN holders are qualified to pursue masters degrees and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) professions such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNW) , Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

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