The difference between an RN vs. BSN is that an RN is a registered nurse, whereas a BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. You can become an RN after earning a BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. A BSN lays a foundation for future career advancement.
The main difference between an RN and a BSN is that the former is a nursing professional, whereas the latter is a nursing degree. To future nursing students, the nursing world may seem filled with unfamiliar terminology. Understanding the basic terminology, such as the differences between an RN vs. BSN, can be helpful before exploring nursing school options.
At Averett University, our Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program enables students to build a firm foundation for evidence-based nursing practice. Students can leverage a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months, preparing them to confidently take the licensure exam and launch their careers.
Before enrolling in Averett’s accelerated nursing program, explore common nursing terminology. Learn the answers to common questions, such as “What is an RN?” and “What is a BSN?” Once you understand the advantages a BSN offers, you can begin planning your nursing career.
What Is an RN?
An RN is a registered nurse. All RNs have earned a nursing degree, passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and obtained the necessary state licensure to practice. There are many RN specialties, and their day-to-day responsibilities can vary depending on the specialty and work environment.
Some specialties include:
- Critical care nursing
- Emergency room nursing
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Neonatal nursing
- Oncology nursing
- Pediatric nursing
Generally, however, RNs will perform the following common tasks regardless of their specialty:
- Patient advocacy
- Patient and family caregiver education
- Patient assessments and nursing care plan development
- Recordkeeping
- Treatment administration
How long does it take to become an RN? Read more to learn how much education is required to become a nurse.
Along with comparing a BSN vs. RN in nursing, it may be helpful to gain a basic understanding of the different types of nurses to see where RNs fall in the hierarchy. In order from least autonomy and credentials to most autonomy and credentials, the levels of nurses include:
- Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
- Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
- Licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)
- Registered nurse (RN)
As you move down the list, the education and training requirements intensify. This is because the practice authority and scope of responsibilities expand correspondingly. APRNs have the most training and education and the most professional autonomy.
What Is a BSN?
A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It’s a type of degree program that prepares future nurses to assess and treat patients in accordance with evidence-based practice standards. Earning a BSN will qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN so that you can become an RN.
There is more than one way to earn a BSN. If you’re a high school graduate with little to no college education, you can apply to a traditional four-year BSN program. On the other hand, if you have either a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or college credits, you may qualify to apply to an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Averett’s ABSN program enables you to earn your nursing degree in as few as 16 months. Even if you don’t have a non-nursing degree, you may meet admissions requirements for our accelerated nursing program if you have at least 60 non-nursing credits from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.8.
Although an ABSN program facilitates faster graduation than a traditional BSN program, the quality of education is the same. You’ll still be taught everything you need to know to be an effective nurse and graduate fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN.
RN vs. BSN: What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between an RN and a BSN is that an RN is a nurse, and a BSN is a nursing degree. A BSN can enable you to become an RN, but not all RNs have a BSN. Along with baccalaureate-prepared RNs, there are also RNs who earned an associate degree, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Which Is Higher: BSN or RN: Should You Earn a BSN or ADN
Bachelor’s-prepared nurses and associate-prepared nurses have the same degree of autonomy and the same scope of responsibilities. There are differences, however, in the scope of their education.
Baccalaureate-prepared nurses receive a more comprehensive education, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and clinical judgment. As a result, they are better prepared to contribute to better patient outcomes, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
What’s the difference between a nurse practitioner vs. RN?
RN vs. BSN Salary and Career Opportunities
Before deciding if a BSN is right for your career path in nursing, consider the salary expectations and career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
BSN-prepared nurses may have more career opportunities even before seeking any additional credentials. According to the AACN, the job offer rate for new BSN graduates was 84%.
A BSN prepares you for career advancement, as well. Magnet hospitals in the U.S. have made the BSN the minimum education requirement for all nurse managers and other nurse leaders. Other organizations have made similar moves, such as the Veterans Administration (VA), which requires all nurses to hold a BSN before being promoted beyond entry-level positions.
Unlike an associate degree, a BSN provides a foundation for pursuing further nursing education. For example, you could earn a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Equipped with graduate-level education, you might become a nurse administrator, nurse educator, or nurse researcher if you wish to move away from providing direct patient care.
If you’d like to continue working directly with patients, you can become an advanced practice registered nurse, such as a:
- Certified nurse midwife
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist
- Nurse practitioner
Salary Expectations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for RNs as of May 2024 was $93,600. The BLS does not distinguish between ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses’ salaries; however, employers may offer higher starting salaries to attract BSN-educated nurses.
Additionally, given that a BSN prepares RNs for higher education and leadership positions, BSN-educated nurses have the potential to earn more through advancement.
How an ABSN Track Can Help You Earn Your BSN Faster
If you already have a non-nursing degree or at least 60 college credits, you might not need to return to school for an additional four years to earn a BSN. Instead, consider enrolling in Averett’s ABSN in Norfolk, Virginia, which allows you to graduate with a BSN in as few as 16 months, after completing prerequisites.
Despite the faster timeline, the nursing curriculum provides the same comprehensive nursing education as a traditional BSN program, including extensive hands-on clinical learning opportunities. Averett also offers supportive nursing faculty and close-knit nursing cohorts. With three start dates per year, you could get started soon.
Request info today and connect with an admissions advisor to learn more and get started.