What is an RN vs. BSN? The main difference between an RN and BSN is that an RN is a registered nurse, a type of nursing professional, whereas a BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. All RNs must have a nursing degree, such as a BSN.
The world of nursing has plenty of acronyms and specialized terminology. If you’re just beginning to research a potential career change to nursing, you might feel a little confused by all the new terms, such as RN vs. BSN. What’s the difference between RN and BSN? These are two of the most fundamental acronyms in the nursing education field.
What Is an RN?
An RN, or registered nurse, holds a nursing degree and a state-issued nursing license obtained by passing the NCLEX-RN® exam.
There are many types of RNs. An RN can choose a nursing specialty in pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, home health nursing or dozens of other possibilities. RNs frequently work in hospitals and outpatient clinics but might also work in other settings, such as schools, hospice agencies, and cosmetic surgery centers.
What Is a BSN?
A BSN refers to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Many RNs hold a BSN, which qualifies them to sit for the NCLEX. Some RNs may alternatively hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
A BSN traditionally takes four years of full-time study to complete; however, there are alternative options, such as the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). This ABSN track allows you to leverage your prior non-nursing education to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months after completion of prerequisites.
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Differences Between RN and BSN
The main difference between a BSN vs. RN is that an RN is a nursing professional, whereas a BSN is a degree. An RN may hold a BSN but could also hold an associate degree or, in some cases, a diploma. All RNs must have passed the NCLEX and obtained a state nursing license.
Is a BSN Worth It?
Since there are multiple pathways toward becoming an RN, you may be wondering, “Is it worth it to obtain a BSN?” Compared to associate degrees and diploma tracks, a BSN degree offers a much more in-depth nursing education. Graduates will have stronger nursing knowledge and nursing skills, which they can use to contribute to better patient outcomes. So, yes, a BSN is definitely worth it.
Which Is Better: RN-ASN vs. RN-BSN?
Compared to an ASN- or ADN-prepared RN, a BSN-prepared RN is better able to contribute to positive patient outcomes. In fact, multiple studies have shown that BSN-prepared RNs reduce patient mortality and otherwise improve outcomes. That’s why many employers prefer to hire BSN-prepared RNs instead of nurses with an ADN or an ASN.
Furthermore, a BSN is an eligibility requirement for pursuing graduate-level nursing education. Earning a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing will enable you to pursue career advancement opportunities.
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Pursue Your Future in Nursing With a BSN
The University of the Incarnate Word offers two BSN tracks. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, you could be eligible to apply to our ABSN track. This track allows you to graduate with a high-quality BSN in as few as 16 months. If you do not have prior college education, UIW is also pleased to offer a traditional BSN track.
At UIW, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, highly dedicated nursing instructors, a state-of-the-art nursing facility and our longstanding history of nursing and educational excellence. This is evidenced by our high NCLEX pass rates (95.76%% in 2024, above the average).
Ready to pursue a meaningful future in nursing? Contact our friendly admissions representatives today to find out if UIW is right for you and learn about the next steps.