The healthcare industry is in the midst of a nursing shortage crisis, in turn presenting significant demand for skilled, qualified and compassionate nurses. Now is an excellent time to consider investing in your education and pursuing a career as a nurse, but many find themselves wondering: What is the difference between a nursing diploma vs. degree?
The following guide explores these two educational pathways (so you may decide which option could be best for you).
The registered nurse diploma, commonly referred to as an RN diploma program, is a skills-based program that equips aspiring nurses with the practical and clinical skills required for RN licensure. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the RN diploma typically takes about two years to complete and, importantly, is not a degree program.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree program that prepares students for entry-level roles as registered nurses. As the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) explains, the BSN degree is becoming the preferred qualification for registered nurses, with many hospitals focusing their hiring efforts on BSN-prepared RNs.
This unique program allows students to develop the core competencies to execute basic clinical care — and graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. The program is focused on basic nursing skills and healthcare knowledge, but the specific curriculum may vary based on the institution.
This skills-based program comprises about 50 credits and takes about two years to complete, but graduates do not earn a degree. Program costs vary, but it is generally more affordable than a nursing degree.
The RN diploma qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue licensure to practice as a registered nurse. Typically, graduates are able to pursue entry-level RN positions with a diploma.
According to the ANA, the BSN program provides a strong foundation in direct patient care with an emphasis on evidence-based practice that utilizes the most recent, advanced nursing research. The curriculum is heavily rooted in math and science, and students are often required to complete specialized nursing coursework on topics such as public health, nursing ethics and nursing theory.
The BSN undergraduate degree program takes about four years to complete. However, certain RN to BSN programs serve as accelerated degrees designed for students who have a bachelor's degree and are striving toward a career in nursing. The cost will vary based on the college you attend, but this program requires a more substantial financial commitment than a diploma program.
Earning a BSN degree offers greater flexibility in your nursing career. BSN-prepared nurses tend to have a higher earning potential and may be better-qualified for specialized roles. Registered nurses with a BSN are generally in a better position for advancement opportunities throughout their nursing careers.
Before enrolling in a nursing program, you will want to understand the key differences between a nursing diploma vs. degree. These are a few factors to consider as you choose your educational pathway:
One of the most notable differences between a nursing diploma vs. degree is the program length. Diploma programs can often be completed within two years, while a BSN takes about four years. There are online nursing diploma and degree programs available, but even online programs require students to complete in-person clinical hours.
The nursing diploma program covers basic clinical care, so graduates may take on entry-level positions in which they provide bedside care to patients. The BSN offers a comprehensive, in-depth curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills applicable to more complex clinical tasks.
Both pathways prepare graduates for a career as a registered nurse. However, the BSN degree paves the way toward more career opportunities and potential for advancement.
The BSN-in-10 is a proposed requirement for registered nurses who enter the workforce with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). RN’s who pursue this requirement must then earn their BSN within 10 years of their initial licensure.
As a result, many hospitals and healthcare systems now require or strongly prefer nurses to complete a BSN within a set timeframe and some states have enacted “BSN-in-10” laws. This shift has made earning a BSN increasingly important for long-term career stability, advancement, and access to competitive nursing roles.
An increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities are looking to hire BSN-prepared nurses. Many consider the BSN degree to be the minimum preparation for professional practice, and some are only hiring BSN-prepared nurses for entry-level RN positions.
Graduates of the diploma program and BSN degree are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue licensure as a registered nurse.
Earning an RN diploma does have its advantages. This efficient pathway prepares students with the skills necessary for entry-level patient care, which is optimal for those who want to begin working as a nurse as soon as possible.
The diploma program offers a fast track into the nursing workforce, with the ability to begin your clinical practice as soon as possible and explore specialty areas that may interest you.
This is generally a more affordable program that allows you to become licensed to practice as a registered nurse for less. For those seeking a cost-effective pathway where they may begin earning income as soon as possible, the diploma program can be ideal.
Taking between one and two years to complete, the diploma program requires less time than the BSN degree. For some students, the shorter time commitment is more manageable and makes becoming a nurse more attainable.
The diploma entails a skills-based program anchored by hands-on learning opportunities in clinical care settings. It enables students to begin interacting with patients quickly and developing the competencies needed for entry-level patient care.
This pathway gives students a solid foundation to begin their career as a registered nurse — yet also positions them for success in the future. With a background in nursing and professional experience in clinical settings, diploma graduates may advance their nursing education when they are ready to seek leadership positions or specialty roles in nursing.
The BSN degree is quickly becoming the go-to educational pathway for aspiring nurses, largely because many hospitals and healthcare facilities consider it the minimum qualification for professional practice. Enrolling in a BSN program may demand a greater time and financial commitment, but most students find the following BSN benefits to be worth the effort:
According to the ANA, BSN-prepared nurses usually have more opportunities to explore specialty areas in the field of nursing; in addition, they will likely be in a better position for future career advancement. Most hospitals require entry-level RNs to hold a bachelor's degree, and many certification programs prefer that candidates have a BSN as well. BSN-prepared nurses may consider leadership roles and specialty opportunities, like working in a cardiac care unit or a neonatal intensive care unit.
Earning a BSN degree uniquely prepares you for graduate studies in the future. Nurses wanting to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nursing graduate degree programs typically require applicants to have a BSN degree.
BSN-prepared nurses are better equipped to provide hands-on patient care in a variety of clinical settings and, due to their strong educational background, are often given the opportunity to take on more complex cases or advanced clinical tasks. They can expand their scope of practice thanks to their critical thinking, case management and leadership skills — all of which are developed throughout the BSN program.
The educational pathway that is right for you will depend on your nursing career goals alongside timing. Nursing diploma programs can expedite your entry into the workforce, giving you the ability to begin earning income and improving your nursing skills in real-time. Bachelor's degree programs provide a framework for career advancement and success, potentially opening the door to specialized opportunities in nursing or graduate studies.
Specializing in healthcare degree and diploma programs, Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) offers refresher courses, diplomas and degrees for nurses who want to improve their skills and advance their careers. Our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Refresher, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) Refresher and RN Refresher are innovative online certificate programs that allow you to revitalize your nursing career. Meanwhile, the CNA Certification and Practical Nursing Certificate help you develop the core skills required to fast-track your entry into the nursing workforce.
Request more information about our nursing degree and diploma programs today.
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/nursing/certificates/certified-nursing-assistant/refresher
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/professional-development/lpn-refresher-course
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/professional-development/rn-refresher-course
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/nursing/certificates/certified-nursing-assistant
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/nursing/certificates/licensed-practical-nurse
https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/levels-of-nursing/
https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/nursing-career-pathways/
https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice
https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/