The main difference between a BSN vs. MSN is that the former is an undergraduate degree, while the latter is a graduate degree. Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs are usually designed for non-nurses interested in getting licensed, while Master of Science in Nursing programs are for nurses pursuing advancement.
If you're thinking of making a career switch to nursing, you'll need to return to school. Nurses need extensive knowledge of patient care and sharp nursing skills to make appropriate nursing decisions. It's why nursing programs are rigorous and thorough. Before applying to a nursing program, you should learn about the differences between a BSN vs. MSN to understand your academic options.
When you're ready to start your nursing education, Averett University is here for you. Our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program gives students the opportunity to graduate in as few as 16 months with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, so you can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and start your career sooner.
Our program is designed for career changers who are interested in a faster pathway to nursing, requiring applicants to have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing credits. While accelerated, our ABSN program provides the thorough nursing education you’ll need to deliver excellent patient care.
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While you're considering your options, explore the differences between a master's in nursing vs. bachelor's in nursing. Then consider the different advantages of having a BSN vs. MSN.
BSN vs. MSN Degree: What Are the Differences?
The BSN degree and the MSN degree may both be nursing degrees, but they are vastly different. One provides foundational knowledge and skills for future nurses, while the other offers a deeper dive into a nursing specialty area and is intended for experienced clinicians. Take a closer look at the differences between a BSN vs. MSN degree:
Understanding the BSN Degree
The BSN is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. A BSN can be conferred from a few different types of undergraduate BSN programs: traditional programs for students without a college education or accelerated programs for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of college credits.
The BSN degree teaches foundational nursing knowledge and skills to prepare students to take the licensure exam and pursue professional practice in the nursing field.
The broad curriculum covers a wide range of topics, such as:
- Adult health
- Clinical management of disease
- Global health
- Health assessments
- Maternal and child health
- Mental health
Graduating from a BSN program qualifies you to take the NCLEX and become a licensed registered nurse (RN). It's important to note the different types of BSN programs because they are designed for different types of students.
- Traditional BSN program: This is a four-year, full-time, BSN-conferring degree program. It’s designed for recent high school graduates or older students who lack prior college education.
- RN to BSN program: This is another type of accelerated degree program. It’s designed for current nurses who already hold an RN license but only have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or similar qualification and want to improve their career potential with a BSN.
Accelerated BSN programs are another option for earning a BSN. They are designed for individuals with a completed non-nursing degree or a minimum number of college credits who would like to switch to the nursing field. Accelerated programs can be completed much faster than traditional programs.
Averett’s accelerated BSN program in Norfolk, Virginia, can be completed in as few as 16 months. The program combines online learning with hands-on, in-person nursing lab experiences and clinical rotations to give students a well-rounded education that fully prepares them to become practice-ready nurses.
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Examining the MSN Degree
The MSN degree is the Master of Science in Nursing. The main difference between the BSN vs. MSN degrees is that the former is an undergraduate degree and the latter is a graduate degree. It's designed for practicing nurses who hold a valid RN license and have some clinical experience at the bedside.
Unlike the BSN, which provides broad, foundational nursing knowledge, the MSN offers a deeper exploration of specialized nursing areas. You’ll choose a particular MSN degree based on your current nursing specialty or the specialty you’d like to transition into. Some examples of MSN focus areas include:
- Adult-gerontology
- Nursing education
- Nursing informatics
- Pediatric primary care
- Psychiatric mental health
- Public health nursing
The curriculum of the MSN degree depends largely on the concentration you choose. For example, if you enroll in a psychiatric mental health MSN program, you can expect the coursework to focus on mental health development, abnormal psychology, and similar topics.
Choosing Between a Master's in Nursing vs. Bachelor's in Nursing
Once you have a basic understanding of the differences between the master’s in nursing vs. bachelor’s in nursing, you can determine which one is right for you. Keep in mind that most MSN programs require nurses to hold a BSN, a valid nursing license, and clinical experience. Some exceptions exist, and there are multiple pathways an individual could take to achieve a nursing career.
For example, a Direct Entry MSN program allows those with no nursing background to enroll in an MSN program and become licensed RNs.
In general, the choice between a BSN vs. MSN depends on how far you want to take your nursing education and, if you want to earn an MSN, how fast you want to meet your goals. Do you want to earn a BSN and explore the field before deciding whether an MSN is right for you? Do you know exactly where you want to take your career and want to earn an MSN right away?
For guidance on answering these questions for yourself, consider the advantages each degree can bring.
Advantages of BSN Degrees
A BSN degree allows you to enter the nursing field and pursue any number of nursing specialties, from critical care to pediatric nursing and beyond. Compared to an ADN degree, a BSN offers more thorough preparation for handling complex patient care scenarios.
A recent study found that having more BSN-prepared nurses in a hospital corresponded to lower mortality rates among inpatients. In other words, BSN-educated nurses are better prepared to contribute to more favorable patient outcomes.
With a BSN, you might pursue work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Schools
- Specialty clinics, such as gastroenterology clinics
- Trauma centers
- Urgent care centers
As an RN with a BSN, you can expect a strong salary command. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs made a median annual salary of $93,600 as of May 2024.
Advantages of MSN Degrees
Many nurses are satisfied with their careers without ever pursuing graduate-level education. Yet, if your career goals require you to earn an MSN, you could apply to an MSN degree program.
With an MSN, you can continue to provide high-quality care as an RN or pursue career advancement. Some RNs equipped with an MSN decide to step into leadership roles as nurse managers, nurse administrators, nurse educators, or nurse researchers.
Another option is to obtain board certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), although the industry is moving toward requiring a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for these roles. An MSN can be a great step toward earning a DNP and obtaining board certification, along with an APRN license. There are four main types of APRN roles to consider:
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
As an APRN, you would have even higher earning potential than you did as an RN. According to the BLS, most APRNs made a median annual salary of $132,050 as of May 2024.
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Your Journey to a Nursing Career Begins at Averett
No matter your nursing career goals, Averett’s ABSN program can help you take the first step by earning a nursing degree fast. The accelerated BSN program is a top choice for nontraditional students who are interested in switching to a nursing career and earning their BSN in as few as 16 months.
The Averett University Norfolk ABSN learning center offers accessible learning with a hybrid approach. Students gain a well-rounded education while being fully supported by our faculty. From your dedicated admissions advisor to your Academic Success Coach, you'll have knowledgeable professionals in your corner.
Plus, with no waitlist and three start dates each year in Virginia, you can get started sooner.
Connect with an admissions advisor at Averett to learn more about our values-based nursing education.