RN vs BSN: What’s the Difference?

What is a BSN? 

And what are the main differences between an RN vs BSN?

When it comes to nursing, you’re probably familiar with the term RN, or registered nurse. But you may be asking: what does BSN stand for? And what is the difference between RN and BSN? In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be an RN vs BSN and help you determine which path is right for you. We’ll also help you answer questions such as “why get a BSN?” and “how long does it take to get a BSN?”

What is the difference between RN and BSN?

When it comes to an RN vs BSN, both are professional nursing titles. But while an RN is a licensure granted by your state to practice nursing (and often used interchangeably as a job title), a BSN (or Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is an educational degree.

An RN must earn an associate or a bachelor's degree in nursing, then pass the NCLEX-RN Exam, administered by the National Council of States Board of Nursing. Once these requirements have been satisfied, candidates apply for licensure in the state where they intend to practice.

An RN provides educational and emotional support for patients and their families. Depending on their specialty, they administer medication, evaluate and monitor patients, or maintain medical records for other health care providers. RNs can work in a number of environments, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, home care, rehabilitation centers, or peer review organizations where they don’t treat patients at all. 

So, what is a BSN? A BSN is a four-year program to become a registered nurse. BSNs must also pass the NCLEX-RN upon graduation, and are qualified to the jobs an RN can do. Many RNs will enroll in BSN programs to further their education in the nursing field. 

A BSN is more likely to be hired for many jobs over nurses with an associate degree, particularly in hospitals. Nurses with a BSN vs RN can also choose to further their education with master's or doctoral degrees in order to become nurse educators or nurse practitioners.

RN vs BSN: Differences in pay

A big difference between RN and BSN is salary. According to PayScale, salaries for an RN without a BSN average about $68,000 annually in the US, while the average pay for a BSN is about $82,000. There are many variables to consider when it comes to pay, including your location, the type of work you’re doing, job title, and other specializations. But on the whole nurses with their BSN vs RN do earn more, and salary potential is something to strongly consider when asking “why get a BSN?”

RN vs BSN: How to convert to your BSN.

If you’re currently an RN and asking “why get a BSN”?, you need to research programs that fit your life. Programs can be offered full time, part time, online, or some combination of the three. Depending on the program, you should be able to complete your BSN within one to two years. The time it takes depends on how many general education requirements need to be fulfilled for the program. An RN entering a BSN program without these classes must take them in addition to the core nursing classes. 

Timing also depends on whether you attend the program on a part-time or full-time basis. In a full-time program (meaning 3 semesters back-to-back), you could complete the BSN in one calendar year. However, going part time could increase the length of the program to two years or possibly more. 

Why get a BSN? Career options for BSN vs RN

More and more today, hospitals are looking to hire a BSN vs RN. Sometimes, it’s even a requirement. And while nurses with their BSN can still do jobs that those with their RN can do, they also have career paths RNs don’t have. It often takes further education to achieve these jobs, but you need your BSN to pursue them. Some of these roles include:

• Leadership roles
• Private nursing
• Traveling nurse
• Nurse education
• Nursing informatics
• Non-care roles in insurance and pharmaceuticals

BSN vs RN: FAQs 

• Can I become a Nurse Practitioner with my BSN vs RN?

Yes, but not with a BSN alone. You would also need to earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in order to work as a nurse practitioner. But you can only do this by earning your BSN first.

• Why do many hospitals prefer a BSN vs RN?

Today, many hospitals are seeking MAGNET status from the American Nurses’ Association (ANA) to gain a competitive edge and retain top medical talent. The ANA likes to see more BSN vs RN hires because a BSN education generally provides better patient outcomes in hospital and medical settings. 

• What are the usual requirements to get into a BSN program?

Every program has different standards, but typically you need to meet minimum GPA requirements in either high school or from an associate degree program. You may also have to submit a written essay, references, and possibly a CV or resume if you have been working as an RN. Any relevant volunteering experience could also be helpful when applying to BSN programs.

RN vs BSN: Which is right for you?

Now that we’ve answered the question of “what is a BSN”? and you’ve learned more about the difference between RN and BSN, it’s important to do additional research and think about if the BSN vs RN path is right for you. It all comes down to the kind of nursing you want to do, what your personal strengths are, and what you want your salary level to be. Once you’ve asked (and answered) the question of “why get a BSN?”, start looking at programs that would be a good fit for you. 

At Thomas More University, our accelerated RN to BSN program is designed to fit your life, whether you’re already working, raising a family or planning on full-time courses. It’s also accredited by the Kentucky Board of Nursing as well as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

And with 100% job placement since 2017, our accelerated RN to BSN program has a proven track record of helping graduates to achieve their career goals and dreams.