[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN-to-BSN programs offer faster, less expensive routes to MSN pathways and leadership roles in nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN-to-MSN programs can lead to APRN, educator, and administrative careers in nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best bridge degree option for students depends on their budget, time, and ultimate career goals.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re a nurse interested in taking your career to the next level, you may want to consider pursuing a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/” target=”_blank”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deciding between a BSN and MSN can be difficult — which one is right for you? The best decision hinges on your unique skills, goals, and circumstances. No matter which degree you select, you can enroll in a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]nursing bridge program[/hen-ui-link] to get to the next level more quickly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] looking for new training to advance your career, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link] programs can open up a world of possibilities. This guide will help you understand the different components of these programs and — as well as a look at the career and salary trends you might expect after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN Programs Compared[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/degree-requirements/”]Earning your BSN[/hen-ui-link] gives you a strong foundation in clinical skills, nursing practice, leadership, and critical thinking.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a graduate-level nursing degree, the MSN can significantly expand your professional options by opening doors to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]nurse leadership roles[/hen-ui-link] and specialized clinical positions such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]nurse-midwife[/hen-ui-link].The chart below details the key differences between the two degree programs.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]RN-to-BSN vs. RN-to-MSN: Compare and Contrast[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Comparison[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]RN-to-BSN[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Who Is it For?[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]RNs who have not earned a BSN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”RN-to-BSN”]RNs who have not earned a BSN[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program Length[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]1-2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”RN-to-BSN”]4 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]$98,000 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary?loggedIn” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link] September 2025[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”RN-to-BSN”]$108,000 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(MSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link] September 2025[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN-to-BSN Overview[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you already have your ADN and are working as an RN, you may wonder why you should [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/reasons-why-rns-should-pursue-their-bsn-degree/”]consider advancing your education[/hen-ui-link]. While the ADN can lead to a fulfilling career as an RN, most employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses and many require a BSN for higher-level positions. A BSN candidate also has a strong advantage when applying for any position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends that [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice” target=”_blank”]all RNs hold a BSN[/hen-ui-link]. Some states are considering legislation that requires RNs to have a BSN within a specified number of years after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN also prepares you to directly enter a graduate program. In 2022, more than 70% of nurses held a BSN degree or higher. An ADN-prepared nurse may also face more competition from BSN holders in the job market.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Time to Complete[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN-to-BSN programs typically take 1-4 years to complete, depending on the pace of the program, whether you plan to work while you study, and whether you attend as a full- or part-time student. The rate at which you complete the program depends on your unique circumstances and preferred study pace.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Prerequisites[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most RN-to-BSN programs require or prefer applicants to have a 3.0 GPA, at least two references, and a current, unencumbered RN license for admission. Many programs also require at least one year of nursing experience. If your ADN GPA does not accurately demonstrate your abilities as a nurse, exceptional experience or other factors, such as being multilingual or experience with medically underserved populations, may outweigh a borderline GPA.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Can You Do With a BSN?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN gives you a competitive advantage for many nursing positions. Most employers require a BSN for leadership positions. Nurses seeking to advance their education later in their careers find a BSN gives them more educational program options. (For example, not all institutions offer RN-to-MSN bridge programs.) Additionally, with a BSN, you may apply for a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]BSN-to-DNP bridge program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN programs provide a more comprehensive education than ADN programs, particularly in areas of leadership, research, and public health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many incentives for employers to hire BSN-educated nurses. For example, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice” target=”_blank”]studies show[/hen-ui-link] that BSN-prepared nurses are associated with better survival and mortality rates as well as shorter hospital stays.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN-to-MSN Overview[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN degree increases your career opportunities and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-paying-msn-degree-nursing-jobs/”]earning potential[/hen-ui-link]. MSN-prepared nurses may choose to become APRNs, nurse educators, researchers, or nurse administrators.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, nurses older than 35 years of age are more likely to hold an advanced degree, including an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. In 2022, 17.9% of RNs reported their highest degree was an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs enjoy more professional autonomy. In states with [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]full practice authority[/hen-ui-link], APRNs can work without physician supervision. Even in the states with limited authority, APRNs have a far broader scope of practice and can exercise more independent judgment than an RN. Whether you want a higher salary, more independence, or a license that lets you assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatments, these are the most important BSN vs. MSN distinctions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Time to Complete[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you would expect, an RN-to-MSN program takes more time, usually between two and four years to complete, depending on the pace and the number of credits. To graduate from a clinical MSN program you must also complete clinical experience in your specialty area.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many programs meet the needs of working students, but earning an MSN takes a good deal of commitment and effort. At the end of an APRN program, you must pass the relevant board exam for your specialty. Make sure you can take time to study and prepare before the examination.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Prerequisites[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN-to-MSN programs often have rigorous admission requirements. Most require or strongly prefer a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit official transcripts from their undergraduate degree and may need to complete a specified number of undergraduate credits, including a statistics course. You must also have at least two references and a current and unencumbered RN license, as well as a current resume or CV.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most applicants must also submit a personal essay or statement explaining why they want to earn an MSN and what the MSN degree means to them. If you plan to complete an APRN program, you should have nursing experience in the population of your planned specialization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Can You Do With a MSN?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the major distinctions between a BSN vs. MSN degree is that the BSN is generalized, while an MSN is specialized. An MSN prepares candidates for advanced leadership, clinical skills, healthcare policy, and specialized areas of practice. You receive in-depth training in health informatics, advanced pharmacology, research methodologies, and pathophysiology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These skills improve your evidence-based practice and are essential for nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse administrators, preparing you for leadership roles in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the most common [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN specialties[/hen-ui-link] are:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/adult-nursing/”]Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/mental-health-nurse/”]Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/neonatal/”]Neonatal nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]Clinical nurse specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]Certified nurse midwife[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Benefits and Drawbacks of RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether an RN-to-BSN or an RN-to-MSN program is right for you depends on your career goals and resources, such as time and finances. BSN degrees prepare you for clinical specialties such as labor and delivery, emergency room, or cardiac care, and qualify you for leadership or management roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN degree prepares you for greater independence in clinical roles, such as a nurse practitioner, midwife, and certified nurse anesthetist. The degree also prepares you for nonclinical roles, such as nurse educators, administrators, and healthcare policy analysts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN-to-BSN program takes less time to complete and is academically less demanding. BSN programs encourage you to explore different specialties and career options, which is an advantage when you are new to nursing. MSN programs require that you choose a specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN programs usually have more rigorous admission requirements than BSN programs, and more prestigious MSN programs are especially competitive. If your ADN degree GPA doesn’t reflect your abilities, an RN-to-BSN program may help you earn a higher GPA, which helps when you apply for an MSN. An MSN program also generally costs more per credit hour than a BSN. MSN applications require an active and unencumbered nursing license and experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options for nurses[/hen-ui-link] for both types of bridge programs. Some employers help pay for a degree program in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a certain period.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The choice between a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/bsn-vs-msn/”]BSN vs. MSN bridge program[/hen-ui-link] depends on your goals and how much time and money you have to spend on earning a degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose Between an RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Only you can make the right choice between a BSN vs. MSN program. Several factors should influence your decision. For example, factors that my impact your decision include your career goals, transferable college credits, time and financial considerations, and your future educational goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you thrive in a fast-paced medical environment and love hands-on patient care, then you might want to consider a BSN degree. However, if you want more independence in your nursing practice or want to consider research or administration, then you should consider an RN-to-MSN program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re unsure whether a graduate degree will fulfill your career goals, consider that completing an RN-to-BSN program may be a shorter, less expensive option that allows you to gain the experience needed for a specialized MSN program later.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you’ve decided on the path you want to take, you’ll also need to consider how program requirements may fit your lifestyle, such as whether you need to attend full-time or may take classes and clinicals at your own pace and whether the program is all online, in person, or a hybrid program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.[/hen-ui-text]