{"id":4479,"date":"2018-04-02T15:33:53","date_gmt":"2018-04-02T19:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=4479"},"modified":"2025-01-06T12:40:54","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T17:40:54","slug":"difference-between-rn-and-bsn-degrees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/difference-between-rn-and-bsn-degrees\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Difference Between an RN & BSN Degree?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you have an interest in healthcare and the medical field? You could have what it takes to become a nurse. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding job that is always in demand. But first thing\u2019s first: You need an education. Whether you have friends or family members who are in the nursing field, or have just been researching your nursing degree options<\/a>, you may have noticed that some RNs (Registered Nurses) have associate level degrees while others have pursued a bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing (BSN). The question remains, what\u2019s the difference between RN and BSN degrees? And which degree path aligns most with your career goals? Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n

Going for Your RN Certification<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want to become a full-practicing nurse, working with patients in need and designing care plans, your first step will be to pursue an RN education and certification. In Connecticut, you must meet certain educational requirements<\/a> and pass the NCLEX-RN exam before earning your title as a Registered Nurse.<\/p>\n

Most RNs in Connecticut will begin their path with an associate degree in Nursing (ADN), commonly referred to as an RN degree. This provides them with the classroom and on-the-job training needed to pass their NCLEX-RN exam and begin working in the nursing field. The associate degree in Nursing<\/a> at Goodwin College, for example, focuses on honing the clinical skills of our students with hands-on training and experience in real-life care settings. An associate degree is the standard among nurses today and is expected by most healthcare employers. Still, some prefer nurses who hold a BSN degree.<\/p>\n

Most ADN or RN degree programs take about two years to complete and combine clinical and classroom instruction. At Goodwin, however, you can complete the coursework for your RN degree in as few as 20-months part-time<\/em>. Like many of the programs at Goodwin, most RN classes are offered days and evenings. This can help students maintain part-time and full-time jobs, or care for loved ones. Clinical experiences are chosen by lottery and there are day, evening, and weekend options available.<\/p>\n

The associate degree in Nursing is a\u00a0selective admission\u00a0program – meaning students may apply into the program only after completion of all required prerequisite coursework. While completing your nursing school prerequisites<\/a>, you will also be able to take classes in our bachelor\u2019s level Health Science program. After being accepted into our Registered Nursing program, you will be then able to take the core nursing classes towards your associate degree.<\/p>\n

Once you earn your degree, you will take the\u00a0National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX)<\/a>\u00a0to become licensed as an RN. Once you have passed the NCLEX and are licensed as an RN, you may start your career as a nurse, or continue your education to earn your BSN degree!<\/p>\n

Many students choose to start work once they\u2019ve earned their Associate Degree and become certified as an RN. Goodwin graduates with an RN degree in hand go on to pursue nursing careers they love, in a variety of healthcare settings, such as:<\/p>\n