Nursing has become the most promising career, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, because of its frontline role in treating patients and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure quick medical recovery.
That’s why the demand for skilled nurses has not only increased in the United Kingdom but across the globe, and it’s the right time to choose a degree in ADN and BSN, whichever suits you.
You need to understand the difference between an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to pick the right path. Both programs enable you to sit in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a computer-based exam conducted to grant licenses to nurses in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
ADN is an acronym for associate degree in nursing, a two-year program equipping students with basic knowledge and skills required to treat patients. Students can also complete this degree in just 18 months by enrolling in an accelerated program run by different community colleges or medical schools.
It enables students to become registered nurses and work with hospitals and medical organisations by passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) in the United States of America.
Though the same exam is not conducted in the UK, if you are looking for international opportunities, then it will work for you, and you can also find universities with affordable tuition fees for international students to start your journey by paying a fair fee.
Basic courses like chemistry, anatomy, biology, psychology, and English, focusing on developing nursing skills in professionals, are being taught in this program. It is the best option for professionals who want to step into the healthcare industry quickly.
BSN is an acronym for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a full-fledged 4-year degree enabling students to serve not only as paramedics but as thought leaders in the healthcare industry. Several universities and even nursing schools are offering this program across the world.
Its coursework encompasses research writings, leadership, community health, informatics, and the public health domain. So that students can contribute to the world of knowledge associated with the healthcare industry. The best thing about this comprehensive academic program is that you can pursue a master’s or even a PhD right after it.
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If you wish to get enrolled in an ADN or BSN program, there are certain educational requirements that you need to fulfill to win admission. Keep in mind that the following are general requirements, and they can vary from school to school.
Always make sure to consult the student counselor or the website of the university to find their specific requirements before applying to ensure you match every requirement. And in case something is missing in your checklist, like an English language proficiency test, then make sure to fulfill that requirement before the deadline.
However, every country may have different requirements for native and international students, so keeping the differences in mind will help you succeed in securing admission.
Every student, whether they have passed ADN or BSN in nursing, is required to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in the U.S, Canada, and Australia to become a licensed nurse legally allowed to serve in hospitals or other medical facilities.
You can’t start practicing until you have passed this specific exam, no matter if you have a 4-year bachelor’s degree, a 2-year associate degree, or a diploma. However, BSN students have a higher chance of passing this exam because of in-depth academic training, which prepares them better for the practical and theoretical components of the test.
If you are looking to practice in the UK, you need to complete the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) program.
Apart from the program length, there are significant differences between ADN and BSN, impacting career and educational research opportunities of students. We have listed some prominent differences for you to read and decide which one is right for you, ADN Vs. BSN.
Curriculum: BSN is a step ahead of ADN, because it includes additional modules in leadership, ethics, and community management, useful to fit in leading roles.
Career Opportunities: BSN graduates are eligible for managerial jobs and research opportunities as well, but ADN students are limited to entry-level jobs only.
Clinical Hours: Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in nursing programs get more practical experience by dealing with patients directly during studies.
Further Education: Pursuing a master’s or doctoral program would be the next step for BSN students, but ADN students need first to complete their bachelor’s studies, then go for higher studies.
Global Recognition: Nursing professionals with BSN degrees are welcomed by every medical organisation across the globe due to their international recognition.
Yes, don’t settle for a basic associate degree in nursing and get a lower salary or compromised career growth opportunities. Take a leap and get enrolled in a bridge program offered by different institutions to earn academic credits equal to a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
The good thing about these programs is that you can pursue them online or even in a hybrid setting, along with your daily nursing activities. So don’t stop yourself from growing further and start leading academically or professionally. The bridge programs are often labelled as RN-to-BSN and allow part-time study while continuing to work.
It is usually shorter than a full BSN degree and can be covered in around 1-2 years. Don’t forget to check the bridge options available in the UK as well to grow.
According to some studies, ADN graduates are usually offered the roles of staff nurse, healthcare assistant, home health nurse, etc, with a limited feasibility for promotion without pursuing further education. The average UK salary of such nursing professionals is between £ 28,000- £ 32,000 in British pounds and $ 78,000- $ 86,070 in U.S. dollars.
On the other hand, BSN graduates are usually offered the roles of staff nurse, ward manager, nurse educator, clinical supervisor, etc, with a clear chance for promotion based on experience. The average UK salary of BSN graduates is between £ 30,000- £ 45,000+ in British Pounds and $ 61,152- $ 80,32 in U.S. dollars.
In the global hemisphere, the demand for BSN graduates is much higher than that of students with ADN, and so are the growth chances in terms of finances and position as well.
Deciding between ADN and BSN nursing totally depends on your financial and career goals. If you are looking for short-term growth and a quick way to become a healthcare professional, then pursuing an associate degree in nursing is a perfect path for you.
On the other hand, if you are serious about nursing as a lifelong career and want to make your mark in the healthcare industry. Don’t think for a minute and enrol in a Bachelor of Science in nursing program to enjoy better career opportunities and earn more money by enjoying senior positions.
Starting with an ADN is still not a bad idea because, through a bridge program, you can make your way up the ladder and compete with students of BSN, as passionate nurses have done in the past.
Yes, in order to start working as a licensed nurse in the U.S., every student must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn the authorisation certificate.
Of course, you can start learning by dealing with the admitted patients while still studying in a BSN program to develop patient care skills.
It usually takes around 12-24 months, depending on the program, to complete the bridging requirements and become equivalent to BSN graduates academically.
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