What is the difference between a two-year (associates) and a four-year (bachelors) degree in nursing?
A person who wishes to become a Registered Nurse (RN) can attain that goal in a couple of different ways. They can go to a baccalaureate program (BSN), like the one at KU, or they can attend a two-year program and graduate with an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). Upon completion of either the BSN or ADN, the student can then sit for the Registered Nurse exam. After a successful completion of the exam, a person is considered a RN. The big difference between the two degrees, other than length, is that the BSN goes into more detail in the nursing courses – a student gets more variety and exposure to different arenas within the health care field. Although there are similarities between the prerequisite courses a student must complete for both degree programs, a BSN student has had more clinical lab experience. It is important to remember that ADN programs vary from institution to institution. Interested students should contact the college of their choice to get additional information. T
