What is the difference between a nursing degree from a 2 year compared to a 4 year?

September 16th, 2008 | by nursing |
nursing
OdessaCMT asked:


Are you still a RN after you complete the 2 year course or do you need to go through to a 4 year and get your BSN? Also, anybody know any good nursing programs 2 or 4 year in the bay area (S.F.), besides SFSU?

BEAU
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  1. One Response to “What is the difference between a nursing degree from a 2 year compared to a 4 year?”

  2. By saaga07 on Sep 16, 2008 | Reply

    A person can become a registered nurse (RN) after completing an 2-year Associate’s degree in Nursing (often called an ADN). This is the most common route to becoming an RN. Note that some 2-year programs can end up being 3 years long.

    A person can also become an RN after completing a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), which could result in more managerial responsibilities, but better earnings and benefits. Many people who earn their BSN do so in order to continue on to receive their Master’s (or even their Doctorate) in Nursing and then specialize as a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse leader (CNL), a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or a clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

    Ultimately though, whether a person gets an Associate’s degree (ADN) or a Bachelor’s degree (BSN) in Nursing, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) is what makes a person an actual RN. Passing this exam allows a person to become registered in any State.

    As far as schools go, besides SFSU, I know of the following:

    (1) City College of San Francisco (CCSF) — ADN program.
    (2) University of San Francisco (USF) — BSN program.

    The second source below lists many schools in California with Nursing programs. You may be able to find some schools nearby that aren’t necessarily listed under San Francisco or the Bay Area.

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