What’s the difference between a BSN vs. MSN? A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Accelerated BSN programs can prepare students for nursing careers more quickly. An MSN is a Master of Science in Nursing , which is longer but can help you work toward advanced practice roles.
Nurses are responsible for the life and safety of each of their patients. With this responsibility, it makes sense that registered nurses (RNs) are required to have extensive training and education. When considering making a career change to nursing, look at the differences between a BSN vs. MSN before deciding which level of nursing education is right for your intended career path.
Even if you decide that a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the right choice for you, most programs require earning a BSN first. You can earn a quality BSN in as few as 16 months with Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Our ABSN program is infused with Christian principles and focused on preparing nurses to excel in any nursing practice area. Students can go on to pursue a graduate-level nursing education if they wish.
Before planning your education and career pathway, take a closer look at the differences between a BSN vs. MSN degree, including the admission requirements and typical timeline. Then, explore the benefits of each degree and the expected career outcomes.
BSN and MSN Differences
A BSN refers to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an undergraduate degree that prepares students for a nursing career. There are different types of BSN programs, like Accelerated BSN programs and RN to BSN programs. The latter is designed for licensed nurses with an associate degree who want to earn a bachelor’s degree. There are also traditional BSN programs, which are four-year programs designed for high school graduates without prior college education.
What is an ABSN program, and could it be the right choice for your career change?
A Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate-level nursing degree typically designed for licensed, experienced nurses who wish to gain competencies in nursing and potentially prepare for career advancement. MSN programs often offer concentration options in different nursing specialties.
MSN vs. BSN Admission Requirements
One of the differences between a master’s in nursing vs. bachelor’s in nursing is the admission requirements. Each school and program establishes its own specific requirements, but the general expectations are:
- Traditional BSN: Requires a high school diploma, but no prior college education, and may require test scores
- ABSN program: Requires a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of college credits, along with completion of prerequisite courses
- RN to BSN program: Requires a valid nursing license and a completed Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or similar academic qualification
- MSN program: Usually requires a BSN degree, an active RN license, and some clinical experience
Length of Time for an MSN Compared to a BSN
Another difference to consider when comparing an MSN vs. BSN is the length of time each program requires. Each school and program establishes its own timeline, and time to completion can also vary based on individual factors, such as scheduling preferences.
In general, however, the timelines are:
- Traditional BSN: Four years
- ABSN program: Varies, but is often 16 months following completion of prerequisites
- RN to BSN program: Varies, but is usually one to two years
- MSN program: Varies depending on scheduling, but is typically two to four years
How long does it take to become a nurse? Explore the fastest path to a BSN.
Differences in Curriculum
The curricular differences between a BSN vs. MSN degree are significant. Since a traditional BSN and an ABSN program are both designed for non-nurses with no prior healthcare experience, the curriculum focuses on fundamental nursing knowledge and skills.
A BSN degree program teaches everything you will need for professional nursing practice, from how to provide wound care and insert a nasogastric tube to how to recognize the symptoms of hypokalemia. A BSN curriculum covers nursing topics across a broad range of specialties, including adult health, behavioral health, gerontology, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
In contrast, most MSN programs offer a concentration in a nursing specialty area, such as critical care or adult-gerontology. The curriculum focuses on advanced nursing knowledge and skills. It may also provide instruction in nursing leadership.
Benefits of a BSN
If you’re on the fence about whether to pursue a nursing career, look at some of the benefits of earning a BSN.
Career Outcomes
A BSN can serve as your pathway toward an exciting career in nursing. After completing your degree, you can take the NCLEX-RN to obtain an RN license. Equipped with your license, you may pursue nursing jobs across various practice areas, including:
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Dialysis
- Dermatology
- Critical care
- Emergency room
After you gain clinical experience in your nursing specialty, you might pursue professional certifications. Experienced nurses can also pursue certain specialties that new nurses cannot, such as home health nursing. They might also decide to work as travel nurses.
Job Growth Rate
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses continue to be in strong demand throughout the country. The job growth rate for all types of RNs is projected to be 5% from 2024 through 2034, faster than average for all occupations. This equates to about 166,100 added RN jobs.
Benefits of an MSN
There are some compelling benefits of pursuing an MSN after earning a BSN, obtaining an RN license, and gaining clinical experience. Nurses with an advanced education may pursue career advancement or lucrative advanced practice roles.
Career Advancement
With an MSN, an RN might pursue board certification and licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Some types of APRNs also need a doctorate degree, while others do not. The four main specialties for APRNs are:
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Nurse practitioner (NP, requires a doctorate)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA, requires a doctorate)
Job Growth Rate
The job growth rate for most types of APRNs is even more robust than the job growth rate for RNs. According to the BLS, the projected job growth rate is expected to be 35% from 2024 through 2034, much faster than average, indicating a need for about 134,000 new nurses during this time period.
Similarly, the BLS projects a 23% job growth rate for medical and health services managers, indicating a need for about 142,900 new professionals from 2024 through 2034.
Master’s in Nursing vs. Bachelor’s in Nursing: FAQs
You may have some lingering questions about the differences between a BSN vs. MSN, such as:
Do MSN Nurses Get Paid More than BSN Nurses?
It depends on whether a nurse with advanced education pursues career advancement. Keep in mind that some types of APRNs require a doctorate in addition to or instead of an MSN.
In general, however, having a higher level of nursing education and pursuing career advancement is associated with higher earning potential. The median annual salaries for these professionals, as of May 2024, are:
How Long Does It Take to Go From BSN to MSN?
The length of time required to earn an MSN depends on the program you select and your scheduling preferences. If you’re a full-time MSN student, it might take a couple of years to complete your degree. If you take classes on a part-time basis, you might need three to four years.
Follow a step-by-step guide to apply to nursing school.
Prepare for Your Future in Nursing at Concordia University, St. Paul
When you’re ready to take the first step toward your future in nursing, CSP Global is here to support you. Our ABSN program allows you to graduate with a BSN in as few as 16 months. It’s an essential step toward preparing to pursue graduate-level nursing education and career advancement.
At Concordia University, St. Paul, you’ll benefit from our values-based, comprehensive curriculum that combines clinical learning experiences with didactic learning. In addition, our dedicated learning sites feature equipment used on a daily basis in professional nursing practice, allowing you to practice your nursing skills in an immersive setting.
Contact an admissions advisor today to find out if you could be eligible to apply to our ABSN program in St. Paul, Minnesota, or Portland, Oregon.