Nursing Diploma vs. Degree: Charting Your Path to a Nursing Career
For centuries, nurses were largely unskilled laborers who provided comfort to the sick, performing simple duties assigned by a formally trained physician. It was not until the late 19th century that nursing began to be viewed as a calling worthy of formal training and education. Today’s nurses are skilled, highly trained professionals recognized for their knowledge and skill and their professional dedication.
Aspiring nurses have multiple educational pathways to choose from, each with its own advantages and implications for career trajectory and earning potential. These pathways primarily include diploma programs, Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial for individuals seeking to enter the nursing profession or advance their careers.
Educational Pathways to Becoming a Registered Nurse
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) typically involves completing a nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The main educational routes include:
- RN Diploma Programs: These hospital-based programs focus primarily on clinical training rather than classroom coursework. While graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), they do not earn a degree upon completion. Further, NCLEX-RN pass rates are generally lower than those from ADN or BSN programs.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): ADN programs are usually earned through attendance at a two-year community college or university. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is focused on nursing fundamentals. Occasionally called an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or an Associate of Arts in Nursing (AAN), these degrees are usually earned through attendance at a two-year community college or university. ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is earned by attending a four-year college or university with a dedicated nursing program. Like the ADN program, the BSN program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN. Upon passing the exam and gaining licensure, BSN graduates will be eligible to work as nurses in any of a variety of roles.
RN Diploma Programs: A Historical Perspective
RN diploma programs are becoming less common. These programs are typically hospital-based and focus heavily on clinical training. Although diploma programs qualify graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam, they do not confer an academic degree. Research shows better patient outcomes when nurses have degrees, particularly a BSN. The National Academy of Medicine also recommends that nurses have a BSN, prompting many employers to make this a job requirement.
Admission requirements to RN diploma programs often include:
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Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A Practical Starting Point
The primary difference between an RN diploma program and an ADN program is the additional general education coursework required to earn a degree. Along with clinical training at a healthcare facility, ADN students complete classroom courses, including psychology, obstetric nursing, and pharmacology, after which they qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam.
ADN programs are generally shorter and more affordable than BSN programs, although this can vary based on school choice and enrollment status. For graduates who desire career advancement and higher earning potential, ADN credits may be applied toward a future BSN or master of science in nursing (MSN) degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A Comprehensive Education
While you can obtain an RN license after earning an ADN, a BSN brings more career advancement opportunities after graduation. Like ADN students, BSN students complete classroom courses and clinical hours at healthcare facilities, but they also take advanced courses in leadership, research, and public health courses. Graduates qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam and can apply their BSN credits toward an MSN if desired.
Admission requirements to BSN programs often include:
Advantages of Earning an ADN or a BSN
Earning an ADN or BSN is an accomplishment, but affordability, coursework, and program length can make a difference when choosing between the two programs. For example, ADN programs allow you to finish faster, while BSN programs provide a greater knowledge base.
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Advantages of Earning an ADN
- Lower cost and less potential for student debt
- Shorter than a four-year degree
- Programs are available at many community/junior colleges
- Credits can transfer toward a BSN bridge program
- Can start earning an RN salary sooner
Advantages of Earning a BSN
- Provides more in-depth training and comprehensive nursing knowledge than an ADN
- Employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses
- Allows you to advance beyond entry-level positions
- Higher NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
- Higher salary potential
Advancing Your Nursing Career
For individuals who want to know how long it takes to become an RN, it depends on which degree program they choose. In addition to earning a degree, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and then become licensed in their state before they can practice. After gaining several years of experience, some RNs seek to advance in their careers by becoming advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs need at least a master’s degree to practice and hold positions such as nurse practitioner, nurse manager, and clinical nurse specialist. APRNs have more responsibilities than RNs in areas such as leadership, administration, research, and education.
The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree is for RNs who already hold an RN diploma or ADN and want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (BAN) is offered by some institutions of higher learning, but it is much less common than the BSN. Although the nursing-related courses and learning are essentially the same in programs for both degrees, the electives for the BAN tend to be more concentrated in the humanities.
The advanced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate-level degree is for RNs interested in advancing their careers toward a specialized role as a nurse leader, nurse educator, nurse researcher, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. The Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) graduate-level degree program is similar to the MSN program, but it is more focused on subjects that are useful for nurses who intend to go into administration or nursing education.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the terminal nursing practice degree for nurses who wish to operate at the top of their game in advanced practice specialties. Earning this degree doesn’t require a dissertation, but it does require a final project in the student’s selected subspecialty field. It is designed for APRNs who want to advance their leadership or clinical skills. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program is a research-focused program that is appropriate for RNs seeking to conduct research, develop policy, or work as college professors. Similar to a PhD, the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Nursing degree is for nurses who wish to work as college-level professors or conduct high-level research. The EdD in Nursing curriculum focuses on leadership, curriculum development, and instructional design, among other topics. A dissertation is also required.
Salary Potential for RNs with ADN vs. BSN Degrees
Registered nurses earn average annual salaries ranging from $74,000 to $99,000, depending on their education level. BSN-prepared RNs make an average of $18,000 more annually than ADN holders. However, various factors can affect salary, including location, specialty, and experience.
Read also: Getting Into Nursing School
Levels of Nursing
In general, different levels of nursing fall into three categories: non-degree, degree and advanced degree. Non-degree nurses include certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who complete nursing-level education programs that don’t culminate in a degree. Levels of nurses include those with an undergraduate degree in the field, such as an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
CNAs typically work in home care and long-term care settings. Also referred to as nursing assistants and nursing aides, CNAs often serve as the primary point of contact between the patient’s family members and the healthcare organization. They assist with daily patient activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating and ambulating. At this level of nursing, CNAs provide companionship and compassionate care. Becoming a CNA typically requires a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of a state-approved CNA program.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
This level of nurse, known as a licensed practical nurse, is responsible for providing patient care by acting as the primary communicator between the healthcare team and the patient. They may be responsible for communicating with the patient’s family. Becoming an LPN does not require an associate degree or bachelor’s degree but rather the successful completion of a practical nursing certificate program.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Most people associate the word nurse with the role of a registered nurse (RN). RNs are a level of nurses with a broad range of responsibilities, including administering medication, contributing to a patient’s plan of care and collaborating with medical doctors. In some workplaces, RNs oversee CNAs and LPNs. To become an RN, earn either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In most states, nursing degree levels such as an ASN and BSN, along with passing the NCLEX-RN exam, qualify you to work as an RN. However, some states are pushing legislation that requires RNs to earn a BSN. A master’s degree in nursing paves the way for advanced career opportunities and expanded employment options.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you must be an RN ready to take on more of a leadership role in patient care. While RNs typically focus on implementing a plan of care, APRNs focus on directing a plan of care. Becoming an APRN often requires further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). NP is a nursing level that allows you to perform the typical duties of an RN, as well as diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication with physician supervision in some states, advise on public health issues and provide more advanced interventions. If you want to study to become an APRN, you must have an RN license and usually at least one year of experience working as an RN. After you earn your degree, you must pass a certification exam from an accredited national organization, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.
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