The primary difference is paramedics act as first responders, providing emergency preliminary care and transportation to the hospital—where RNs assist in administering follow-up care to help patients heal and return to their lives.

Paramedics must be able to provide the basic care needed to get patients to the hospital in the best state possible to ensure they can successfully recover. RNs typically need more education and training to practice, as their scope of practice in administering healthcare is wider than a paramedic’s.

Regulation has been deliberated for many years. There is currently only one state which has taken concrete action to make BSNs effectively mandatory for nurses – New York. Their “BSN in 10” bill, passed in January 2017, requires registered nurses holding an associate degree to earn their BSN qualification within 10 years of their initial RN licensure.

Two primary competing factors cloud the issue:

1. Hospitals are incentivized to hire more BSN-prepared nurses. Organizations seeking Magnet Recognition must require all nurse managers to hold a BSN.
2. Nurses are in very high demand. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) calls it a shortage in nursing. Raising minimum education requirements may decrease the pool of eligible employable RNs.

Because of the high demand for nurses, sweeping legislation making bachelor’s degrees mandatory across the board seems unlikely. However, make sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in your state!

The advantages of a BSN can include:

• Increased autonomy in decision making while on the job
• Open doors to more specialties in the nursing field
• Become a more attractive candidate for hospitals seeking Magnet Recognition
• Build a foundation to grow into education or leadership pathways
• Positions you better for nursing jobs with higher pay
• Qualify to enroll in an MSN program
• Become more familiar and educated with evidence-based practice opportunities
• Increase knowledge and understanding of RN specialties and skills
• Transition from “technical” to “professional” RN
• Gain a deeper knowledge of nursing theory and leadership theory

A 2022 study from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) indicates employers have the level of education at top of mind in the hiring process. Based on responses from nursing schools, the survey revealed 69.8% of employers show a strong preference for BSN graduates.

The ultimate benefit is bettering yourself, becoming the best nurse you can be and following the career path of your choosing.

With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

• Loan options – Federal & private
• Scholarships & grants
• VA / military benefits
• Other sources of financial aid

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

Our nursing programs are designed to be challenging, but not impossible. Your career as a registered nurse will be demanding, and our goal is to help you succeed and become the best healthcare provider you can be. We won’t do you any favors by making things too easy.

Learn more about how hard nursing school really is from Herzing graduates who have been through it. You will have support from Herzing University faculty, staff and other students every step of the way. Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

It’s a question of:

1. What your goals are
2. How quickly you want to reach them

If your goal is to go from LPN to RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years.

If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.

Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for registered nurses is $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour)*. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree tend to fall on the upper side of that average due to their advanced education and their qualification to help hospitals earn Magnet Recognition.

The BLS projects a 6% increase in need for registered nurses from 2022-2032.* RNs are in demand, and earning a BSN can help your resume stand out and give you a better chance of getting the job you really want.