Compare
RN vs BSN: what is the difference?
RN is a license; BSN is a degree. BLS lists three education paths to the RN license: a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma. A nurse with a BSN still needs to pass the licensing exam to work as an RN.
Facts only, from 1 cited source, checked October 23, 2026. This page does not recommend either option.
Run it in Rivvi
Ask how RN and BSN differ for your situation
Rivvi answers from public sources like the ones on this page and shows where each fact comes from.
Ask RivviFree to start. No card. Opens Rivvi, the AI workspace for healthcare teams.
RN vs BSN side by side
| Registered nurse (a license) | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (a degree) | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A state license to practice as a registered nurse | A bachelor's degree in nursing | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses |
| How you get it | Graduate from an approved program and pass a qualifying exam | Complete a BSN program, typically 4 years | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses |
| Education paths to the license | BSN, associate's degree in nursing, or diploma | One of the three paths | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses |
| BLS typical entry-level education for RNs | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses |
| Median pay, 2025 (registered nurses) | $97,550 a year | BLS does not report pay by degree | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses |
Related pages
More comparisons
Questions
What is the difference between RN and BSN?
RN is a license; BSN is a degree. BLS lists three education paths to the RN license: a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma. A nurse with a BSN still needs to pass the licensing exam to work as an RN.
Is a BSN the same as an RN?
No. A BSN is a degree. RN is the license you get by graduating from an approved program, which can be a BSN, and passing the licensing exam.