What's the difference between a BSN and an MSN?
Table of Contents
By: Gayle Morris, Edited by: Rebecca Munday
Published: January 16, 2025
Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can impact your career trajectory and salary potential. Explore programs that align with your goals and compare the differences and similarities between BSN vs. MSN programs below.
Similarities between BSN and MSN programs
There are foundational and structural similarities between BSN vs. MSN programs. In both programs, you'll advance your nursing knowledge and skills and cover core concepts, including:
- Patient care
- Evidence-based practice
- Leadership
- Ethics
Make sure you select a degree program that is accredited to ensure that the program meets industry standards.
If you are an applicant who is a licensed registered nurse, admission requirements for MSN and BSN programs are similar. However, the admission requirements are more extensive if you apply for a BSN without a nursing license.
The time to complete the degrees and the costs differ, but both are investments in professional growth, career advancement, and salary potential.
Program differences between BSN and MSN programs
While there are considerable similarities, BSN and MSN programs vary in their clinical requirements, program outcomes, and scope of practice.
BSN programs
A BSN is a four-year degree that typically requires 120 credits to complete. Admission requirements for direct-entry applicants usually include a high school diploma and prerequisite college-prep courses, including math, English, science, social studies, and electives.
The curriculum focuses on foundational concepts, such as anatomy, physiology, health assessment, and patient care. Students must also complete supervised clinical hours. BSN programs provide a broad, general nursing education without the potential to specialize. They are usually less costly than an MSN and may take less than four years, depending on whether you enter the program with transferable credits.
The program prepares you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and entry-level registered nurse (RN) roles. While nurses must pass the NCLEX and be licensed by the state, there are no mandatory certifications to practice. However, optional certifications can make you more attractive to employers.
MSN programs
An MSN degree is designed for nurses who want to enter advanced practice, leadership, or specialized roles. MSN programs build on foundational knowledge developed in a BSN program and usually require between 36 and 60 credits, depending on the program and your undergraduate degree. It can take two to three years to earn this degree while attending full-time.
MSN programs often require applicants to have a BSN, a valid RN license, and 1-2 years of clinical experience. Students can specialize in areas such as clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators, or nurse practitioners. The clinical requirements are more intensive than those in BSN programs and are tailored to the specialty.
Graduates can qualify for advanced certification, like advanced practice registered nurse, which may be required in specific roles.
MSN programs are generally more expensive than BSN programs, but they can lead to higher-level positions and increased career opportunities.
Career differences between BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses
Understanding the career differences between BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses is crucial as you choose a path in nursing. Consider these differences when you are making your choice.
BSN-prepared nurses
BSN-prepared nurses are qualified for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings. Almost 60% of RNs work in hospitals. Their scope of practice focuses on direct patient care and basic care coordination.
Many BSN-prepared nurses practice in generalized roles, such as medical/surgical units or outpatient/private practice settings.
Some choose highly specialized positions such as cardiac telemetry, intensive care, or obstetrics and gynecology. Nurses in these positions often learn specialty roles on the job through continuing education training or additional training offered by their employer.
BSN-prepared nurses enjoy faster-than-average job growth due to the increasing demand for RNs in the healthcare industry. The median salary for a BSN-prepared nurse is lower than that of the graduate-level MSN-prepared nurse, which reflects the difference in scope of practice and responsibilities.
MSN-prepared nurses
MSN-prepared nurses hold advanced practice roles in healthcare, usually in specialized positions such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, or nurse educator. Their scope of practice includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and leading healthcare teams.
MSN-prepared nurses usually have a higher median salary than their BSN counterparts. In 2023 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual salary for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners as $129,480.
This reflects their advanced education, wider scope of practice, and greater responsibilities. MSN nurses typically work in outpatient care centers or private practices. They may also hold leadership roles within hospitals. Many of those advanced practice roles require certification. Job growth for MSN-prepared nurses is strong and primarily driven by an increasing need for specialized healthcare services.
BSN vs. MSN: which nursing degree is right for me?
Choosing the right nursing degree for you depends on any transferable college credits you've completed, your lifestyle, and your career goals. Below, compare BSN and MSN programs based on your current education level.
Comparison of BSN and MSN programs for ADN-prepared nurses
If you have an associate degree in nursing (ADN), you can choose from bridge programs that accelerate advanced degree completion. These include RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN degree programs. Consider the following as you choose between the programs:
BSN programs
- An RN-to-BSN program is more affordable and faster than an RN-to-MSN program.
- Employers usually prefer BSN-prepared nurses, which increases your job opportunities and may increase your salary potential.
- A BSN provides a solid foundation to pursue an MSN later.
- Additional education and training can improve your clinical skills and patient outcomes.
MSN programs
- MSN-prepared nurses qualify for more job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job security because of their advanced skills.
- An MSN degree opens doors to advanced practice, nursing leadership, and nursing education roles.
- MSN nurses can specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, or psychiatry.
- Advanced practice nurses have an expanded scope of practice, including diagnosing and treating patients and prescribing medications.