ADN Degree Programs - ADN to BSN and ADN to MSN

You have to know the difference between ADN, BSN, and MSN. ADN is Associated Degree in Nursing while BSN is Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. MSN is Master’s Degree in Nursing and this is the highest level of education that you can attain as a nurse.

If you’re able to comply with the ADN requirements, you can take up the ADN degree and once you’ve completed the 2 years coursework, you can now take up the NCLEX-RN examination. This is also applicable to the BSN degree but the only difference is that with BSN, you can be promoted to management positions. If you think that you can’t finish the 4-year course but you still want to become a nurse, you should opt for the ADN degree program.

There is a downside with the ADN degree –you can’t enjoy career advancement. This only means that you will earn less as compared to RNs who graduated in BSN programs. The good thing about finishing the ADN degree is that you can already work as a registered nurse once you pass the NCLEX-RN exam and if you want to get promoted, you can move up buy taking the BSN degree. Since you already know the basic skills, it will only take you about a year to finish the BSN degree. At this point, you will learn more theories and you will be conducting researches. You can also enhance your knowledge in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and other important aspects.

ADN to BSN Programs

If you took up pre-requisite courses when you’re in college like chemistry, English, psychology, microbiology, physiology, and anatomy, taking up the BSN degree will only take you about two years to finish since your subjects can already be credited. This is called upper division and should not be confused with the ADN program. This usually happens when students who took the pre-requisite courses transfer to another school.

BSN to MSN Programs

If you’re not satisfied with the pay scale for BSN graduates, you can still advance your career by taking up MSN. To qualify for the MSN degree, you should first finish your BSN degree. This is your key to obtaining positions higher than the nursing manager but this will involve further researches and studies. Once you finish the MSN degree, you can already write prescriptions like doctors.

ADN degree programs are widely available today in order to meet the demand for nurses. Choose the right program now that will suit your needs.