The Differences Between the Baccalaureate and Associate Degree in Nursing
Running Head: THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BACCALAUREATE AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING
The Differences Between The Baccalaureate and Associate Degree In Nursing
NUR 320: Informatics
Stillman College
March 4, 2009
The Differences Between the Baccalaureates and Associate Degree in Nursing A BSN represent a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, while an ADN is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. With either degree the person obtain his or her Registered Nurse (RN) license but there are some differences between the two. The main difference is the length of time and the amount of credits required to complete the program. “An ADN typically takes two years to complete while a BSN will take four years to complete; which includes the time spent taking the prerequisites to enter the program. There are also accelerated BSN programs (18-21 months) for students who have already obtained a previous baccalaureate degree” (Marrow, 2008, p.1). Both programs would include the following in their core curriculum: Adult health, Maternal and Newborn nursing, and pediatrics. Psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and gerontological nursing are sometimes included as well. BSN programs would typically offer more courses in nursing theory, including nursing research, and nursing informatics, which is a field of study that examines how nurses use technology. The BSN is said to offer a creative curriculum to prepare students for careers as professional nurses who understand society’s current and future health needs. “BSN programs prepare graduates more effectively to make critical patient care decisions and to question doctors when orders appear inappropriate. The education provided in a BSN program is more focused on critical thinking, exposing students to more people and cultures, and enhancing the skills required for nursing management. They also offer more opportunities to improve skills in patient
The Differences Between The Baccalaureate and Associate Degree In Nursing
NUR 320: Informatics
Stillman College
March 4, 2009
The Differences Between the Baccalaureates and Associate Degree in Nursing A BSN represent a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, while an ADN is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. With either degree the person obtain his or her Registered Nurse (RN) license but there are some differences between the two. The main difference is the length of time and the amount of credits required to complete the program. “An ADN typically takes two years to complete while a BSN will take four years to complete; which includes the time spent taking the prerequisites to enter the program. There are also accelerated BSN programs (18-21 months) for students who have already obtained a previous baccalaureate degree” (Marrow, 2008, p.1). Both programs would include the following in their core curriculum: Adult health, Maternal and Newborn nursing, and pediatrics. Psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and gerontological nursing are sometimes included as well. BSN programs would typically offer more courses in nursing theory, including nursing research, and nursing informatics, which is a field of study that examines how nurses use technology. The BSN is said to offer a creative curriculum to prepare students for careers as professional nurses who understand society’s current and future health needs. “BSN programs prepare graduates more effectively to make critical patient care decisions and to question doctors when orders appear inappropriate. The education provided in a BSN program is more focused on critical thinking, exposing students to more people and cultures, and enhancing the skills required for nursing management. They also offer more opportunities to improve skills in patient