Do Nurses Need a Bachelor’s Degree?

In short, no. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN degree, is not absolutely necessary for a great nursing career. However, you may be limited in your ability to advance your nursing career if you choose not to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

There are two different paths you can take to become an RN, or registered nurse: Nursing students can pursue either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). But what is the difference between a BSN and RN, and should nurses have a bachelor’s degree? Let’s explore your options to discover what degree you need to become a registered nurse.

What degree do you need to become a registered nurse?

The entry-level degree needed to become a registered nurse is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Associate degrees are typically 2-year programs that include a mix of prerequisite courses, core nursing courses, and hands-on clinical experience. 

At the end of the program, nursing students will have to pass their nursing licensure exam, known as the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). 

Every state has different requirements for registered nurses, but in most cases, finishing your ADN will grant you the basic education necessary to become an RN.

What is the difference between a BSN and RN?

A BSN is a type of degree (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) whereas an RN is a level of licensure (Registered Nurse). Both an ADN and BSN degree will lead nursing students to the RN licensure exam and job title of Registered Nurse. 

While both degree paths result in becoming an RN, the two degrees are not the same. Nursing students will need to decide between an ADN and BSN degree based on which best fits their career goals.

Differences between an ADN and BSN degree: 

• ADN: This 2-year program covers the basics of nursing. Students will take foundational nursing courses so they can perform routine job tasks. This path is appealing because it takes less time and less money to become a registered nurse. In addition, an ADN can be applied towards a BSN in an RN to BSN program if desired at a later date.
  
  
• BSN: This 4-year program offers a more comprehensive nursing education. Students will learn everything included in an ADN program with additional courses in leadership, public health, and more. This path is appealing because it gives the nursing student a competitive edge and sets him or her up for prolonged nursing career success.

Why should I earn my BSN degree?

A bachelor’s degree in nursing is earned at a 4-year accredited college or university. Getting a BSN degree may take longer than earning an ADN, but the benefits are worth the extra effort.   

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Reasons why you should earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing:

• More marketability: Having a more advanced degree sets you apart from other nurses, especially when looking for your first RN job. When given the choice, hospitals may be more likely to hire a BSN over an ADN due to their greater capacity to deliver patient care. 
• More money: RNs make more money than other nurses without college degrees, but having a bachelor’s degree in nursing commands an even higher salary. According to the American Nurses Association, nurses with a BSN can expect to earn an extra $17,000 more annually compared to ADN graduates.   
• More knowledge: BSN programs are twice as long as ADN programs, and therefore give students a deeper, broader nursing education. This experience can give students more confidence and greater capability when in the field. 
• More opportunities: While an ADN is currently the bar for RN licensure, some states are pushing for more education in order to practice. Having a bachelor’s degree in nursing prepares you for changes in the industry. 
• More education advancement: If your goal is to continue pursuing education throughout your career, finishing a BSN is the prerequisite for more advanced nursing degrees.
  

According to the most recent National Nursing Workforce Survey, it’s estimated that 72% of registered nurses in the United States now hold a BSN degree or higher, meaning the majority of hospital-based nurses have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. If you’re an LPN who is thinking of ways to become a registered nurse, completing an LPN to BSN program can change your life and set you up for future success.

Do nurses need more than a bachelor’s degree in nursing?

Nurses do not need more than a bachelor’s degree in nursing unless they aspire to higher leadership or specialty roles. A Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) is generally encouraged or required for RNs interested in management, teaching, or advanced-skill positions.

Nursing jobs that require an MSN include: 

• Nurse Practitioner 
• Nursing Educator 
• Nurse Anesthetist 
• Nurse Manager 
• Research Nurse 
• Clinical Nurse Specialist 
• And more
  

If any of these job titles are part of your career goals, you'll need a more advanced degree beyond a BSN degree. 

Work towards your bachelor’s degree in nursing with Achieve

Achieve Test Prep helps you take the first step towards your RN. We teach you how to test out of nursing prerequisites so you can start working on your LPN to BSN program or RN to BSN program faster.  Connect with our Education Advisor team to learn more.