If you’re planning to become a registered nurse (RN), one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Both pathways can lead to RN licensure, but they are not identical when it comes to education, career opportunities, and what healthcare employers look for.
So, does a BSN actually get you hired faster than an ADN?
The short answer: In many cases, yes—but it depends on the employer, location, specialty, and your overall qualifications.
An ADN is generally a shorter nursing education pathway, commonly completed in about two years. It provides the core nursing education needed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN.
A BSN is typically a four-year degree that includes the nursing curriculum found in ADN programs, along with additional education in areas such as leadership, research, public health, nursing management, and community health.
Importantly, graduates of both ADN and BSN programs can pursue RN licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN.
The major difference is that a BSN provides broader academic preparation and can qualify nurses for more positions.
Increasingly, yes.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 69.8% of employers surveyed expressed a strong preference for BSN-prepared nurses, while 25% reported that they required new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
That doesn’t mean ADN nurses cannot find jobs. It means that a BSN may give candidates an advantage when they are competing for positions where employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree.
This can be particularly important for nurses applying to larger hospitals, competitive specialties, and organizations with BSN-focused hiring policies.
Some healthcare organizations specifically prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses.
Having a BSN means you can apply to positions that accept both ADN and BSN nurses while also remaining eligible for positions that require a bachelor’s degree.
That gives BSN graduates a wider pool of opportunities.
Nursing jobs can be competitive, particularly for new graduates who have limited professional experience.
When several applicants have similar clinical experience, certifications, and licensure, education can become an important differentiator.
A BSN can demonstrate additional preparation in areas such as leadership, evidence-based practice, research, and population health. AACN notes that BSN-prepared nurses are particularly prepared for critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion.
A BSN doesn’t only matter for your first nursing job.
It can also help if you eventually want to move into leadership, specialized practice, education, or graduate-level nursing programs.
The American Nurses Association notes that while an ADN can provide a faster route to becoming an RN, a BSN can open additional career paths and opportunities for professional growth.
Absolutely.
The biggest advantage of an ADN is speed.
Because ADN programs are generally shorter, you can potentially complete your nursing education, pass the NCLEX-RN, obtain your license, and begin applying for RN positions sooner.
For someone who wants to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, an ADN can be a practical option.
You also don’t necessarily have to choose between getting an ADN and eventually earning a BSN. Many nurses start with an ADN and later complete an RN-to-BSN program while working.
This can allow you to start earning professional experience while continuing your education.
For new graduates, getting the first nursing job can be one of the biggest challenges.
AACN’s 2023 employment research found that 84% of new BSN graduates had job offers at graduation, increasing to 96% within four to six months after graduation.
These figures specifically describe BSN graduates and should not be interpreted as proof that every BSN graduate is hired faster than every ADN graduate. Job outcomes vary based on location, employer, specialty, experience, and other factors.
Still, the numbers demonstrate the strong employment prospects available to BSN-prepared nurses.
There isn’t one answer for everyone.
| Factor | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Typical program length | About 2 years | About 4 years |
| Path to RN licensure | Yes | Yes |
| Lower initial education cost | Usually | Usually higher |
| Enter workforce sooner | Advantage | — |
| Employer preference | Varies | Often preferred |
| Access to BSN-required jobs | Limited | Greater access |
| Leadership opportunities | Possible | More opportunities |
| Graduate nursing education | May require BSN bridge | Direct pathway |
The right choice depends on your immediate priorities and long-term career plans.
If your priority is entering the workforce as quickly as possible, an ADN may make sense.
If your priority is maximizing your job options and long-term career opportunities, a BSN may be the stronger investment.
Your degree is only one part of your job search.
Whether you have an ADN or BSN, you can improve your chances by building a strong application and actively targeting employers.
Start by making sure your resume clearly highlights:
You should also tailor your resume to each position rather than submitting the exact same application everywhere.
For more strategies, read How to Stand Out in a Competitive Healthcare Job Market for practical ways to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
And if you’re a recent graduate searching for your first position, check out How to Land Your First Nursing Job After Graduation for additional job-search strategies.
For many nurses, a BSN can provide an advantage—but it isn’t an automatic shortcut to employment.
An ADN can get you into the nursing workforce sooner because the program is typically shorter. A BSN, however, can give you access to a broader range of positions and may make you more competitive with employers that prefer or require baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
The best choice depends on your goals.
If you want to start working sooner, consider an ADN and potentially pursue an RN-to-BSN later.
If you want to maximize your career options from the beginning, a BSN may be worth the additional time and investment.
Ultimately, your nursing degree gets you into the race—but your licensure, skills, experience, resume, interview performance, and job-search strategy can determine how quickly you reach the finish line.
Yes. Graduates of ADN programs can pursue RN licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN, provided they meet the applicable requirements of their state nursing board.
Many hospitals and healthcare organizations do prefer BSN-prepared nurses. AACN’s latest employment research found that 69.8% of surveyed employers expressed a strong preference for BSN graduates, while 25% required a bachelor’s degree for new hires.
Yes. RN-to-BSN programs allow ADN-prepared nurses to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.
It can be, particularly if you want access to a wider range of positions, leadership opportunities, and future graduate-level nursing education. However, an ADN may be a better option if entering the workforce quickly and keeping initial education costs lower are your priorities.
Neither degree guarantees a job. However, a BSN may provide an advantage because many employers prefer or require baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Your location, specialty, clinical experience, certifications, and application strategy also play major roles.