BSN vs. MSN: Choosing Your Nursing Path

If you are considering a career in nursing, you have an important decision to make about your education: Will you pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN)?

The BSN vs. MSN consideration is critical for new nurses, and your choice will depend on multiple factors—your educational background, your experience in the nursing field, and so on.

Our guide is here to help you assess these factors and choose a degree program that makes the most sense for your unique path. Below, we will break down nursing BSN vs. MSN programs, explore the differences, address factors to consider when choosing a program, and more.

Educational Pathways in Nursing

Before we dive into the differences between BSN vs. MSN, we will explore what each program looks like.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A bachelor of science in nursing is:¹

• An undergraduate degree program
• One of the most common degree tracks for prospective nurses
• Necessary for NCLEX eligibility

This last point above is critical to becoming a nurse. You must achieve state licensure, pass the National Council Licensure Examination test (NCLEX), and receive your state’s registered nurse (RN) credential before you can begin practicing.²

Most BSN coursework falls into one of three categories:

1. General education requirements
2. Nursing prerequisites and clinical coursework
3. Clinical rotations and skill development

But who typically enrolls in a BSN program? A BSN degree might be a good fit for you if you have:

• Never attended college before
• Completed some college courses but have not earned a degree yet
• Completed an associate degree nursing program (or another discipline)
• Completed another bachelor degree program related to health and sciences

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A master of science in nursing, or MSN, is:³

• A graduate degree program
• An advanced degree track for nursing education

There are a few different kinds of MSN programs available, and the length and content of a program depend on multiple factors. However, generally speaking, MSN programs prepare students to:

• Perform advanced or specialized nursing skills (both clinical and administrative)
• Develop advanced knowledge of nursing best practices
• Sit for high-level certification exams

One common MSN degree is a master of science in nursing, nurse executive program (MSN-NE). MSN-NE programs are designed for existing nursing professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills, undertake professional development, or pivot to administrative roles in healthcare. MSN-NE programs typically take two years to complete.

While MSN-NE is just one example of an MSN program, it showcases what students can expect from a graduate nursing program.

Key Differences Between BSN and MSN Degrees

With the basics in mind, we can compare nursing BSN vs. MSN programs to help you decide which one may be right for you.

Scope of Practice

While both BSN and MSN graduates can become RNs, BSN-educated nurses typically:

• Start their careers in entry-level nursing roles
• Spend most of their early careers in bedside roles
• Begin exploring leadership roles with charge nursing assignments
• Continue to develop the skills they learned in nursing school
• Participate in additional on-the-job training and professional development courses

If you have been a patient in a hospital or private practice setting before, you have likely interacted with BSN graduates.

MSN-educated nurses, on the other hand, typically:

• Advance to supervisory roles in nursing
• Perform high-level or specialized clinical skills
• Pursue advanced licensure (like the APRN license, for instance)
• Help train new BSN program graduates or offer professional development for new nurses.

Educational Requirements

In terms of timing:

• BSN programs take between two through four years to complete
• MSN programs take between two through three years to complete

BSN programs cover the basics new nurses need to pass the NCLEX and succeed on the job. Degree programs usually cover:

• Basic college prerequisites (e.g., composition, math, and history courses)
• Nursing-specific coursework (e.g., biology, chemistry, pharmacology)
• Nursing skills (e.g., placing IVs, taking vitals, recording patient data)

MSN degree programs, however, vary:

• Some MSN programs are designed for non-BSN bachelor of science graduates looking to pivot to nursing. These programs help develop students’ clinical knowledge and skills.
• MSN-NE programs are designed to develop leadership and executive skills—so, they usually include less clinical curricula than other MSN programs.
• MSN programs focused on one specialty (like OB/GYN care, for instance) often zoom in on highly specific clinical and theory concepts in one discipline.

There are multiple types of masters in nursing programs available, each designed to fit different career paths. Some programs focus on leadership and administration, while others emphasize direct patient care in specialized fields such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or anesthesiology.

Career Opportunities

BSN graduates have multiple career options:

• Bedside nurses in hospital or clinic settings
• Triage and patient care nurses in private practice
• Management and supervisory roles (after accruing besides experience)
• Roles in specialties like:
  • Transfusion medicine
  • Organ and tissue transplants
  • Clinical research

While these roles are also available to MSN graduates, MSN nurses can also pursue careers in:

• Nursing leadership
• Clinical or pedagogical research
• Advanced clinical practice
• Nursing education and training

Nurses with either degree can develop a specialty—either via hands-on experience, specialized training, or both. If you have always dreamed of working in pediatrics, for instance, you can do so with a BSN or an MSN.

Our Programs

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between BSN and MSN

Before choosing a degree track, consider a few of these key factors that could impact your career trajectory:

Professional Goals

You should choose a program that best matches your long-term career goals.

A BSN degree might be the best match for you if you want to:

• Become a bedside nurse in a hospital or clinic
• Practice in a specialty (like pediatrics or oncology)
• Pursue slightly more advanced roles (like supervisory or management positions)
• Become a “jack of all trades” nurse

An MSN might be a better fit if you want to:

• Hold a leadership position as a nurse
• Make critical decisions about clinical best practices
• Provide advanced or specialized care
• Dive into a highly unique specialty

Time and Financial Investment

While specific timelines will depend on multiple factors, BSN programs typically take more time to complete than MSN programs.

However, you will need a bachelor degree to be eligible for most master programs (including MSN programs), so the MSN track will take longer overall.

In addition, bachelor programs are typically more affordable than master programs. However, nurses should keep in mind that:

• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness options are very common in nursing.⁴
• You will need to complete a bachelor’s before getting a master’s.
• Nursing careers are generally high-paying; nursing education typically pays for itself.⁵

So, while both nursing tracks can be financially demanding and time-consuming, BSN and MSN programs remain the most viable pathways to a career in nursing.

Personal Circumstances

Keep in mind that one program may be a better fit than another depending on your personal circumstances:

• If you are switching careers and want to pivot to nursing while still working your current job, a part-time or partially online BSN or MSN program could be the right fit.
• If you want to limit your financial and time investments, completing general education and prerequisite courses before enrolling in a BSN program could support these goals.
• If you are an existing nurse with limited time or money to pursue an MSN, it may make more sense to pursue leadership roles available to BSN graduates instead of going back to school.

If you do not currently have a BSN, getting one is the best way to start your nursing career. If you do have a BSN, pursuing an MSN could be a good investment—if personal circumstances allow.

Advancing Your Nursing Education with Alliant International University

Looking for BSN or MSN nursing programs in Phoenix? Turn to Alliant International University. Take a look at our available nursing programs:

BSN Program

The bachelor of science in nursing program at Alliant International University offers two of the fastest degree paths for prospective nurses in Arizona:

• For students without any previous college credits, the BSN program will take eight trimesters to complete: two years and nine months.
• For students who have completed their general education requirements, the BSN program will take six trimesters to complete: two years.

Both of these programs are available in a hybrid model: general education and non-clinical courses are taught online, and hands-on skills are developed during in-person courses. Students also receive on-the-job training as they fulfill their clinical hours requirements.

MSN Programs

Alliant International University offers two MSN programs:

• Master of science in nursing, direct entry – The MSN, direct entry program is designed for students with existing bachelor of science degrees looking to pivot to nursing. Students will receive an MSN diploma and qualify to take the NCLEX.
• Master of science in nursing, nurse executive – A leadership-focused degree program taught entirely online, our MSN-NE degree program prepares nurses for advanced professions in nursing.

Both of these programs provide nurses with the skills they need to succeed on the job, offer networking and career development opportunities, and assist in preparation for advanced certifications.

Find Your Nursing Path at Alliant

In short, BSN programs are designed for would-be nurses without any prior field experience or nursing education. While some MSN programs are designed for students without nursing experience or training, they are mostly tailored toward existing nurses looking to advance to leadership positions or specialized clinical practice.

No matter your nursing goals, turn to Alliant International University: the home of high-quality, modern nursing education in Arizona. Throughout our programs, students will engage with expert faculty, hone key skills, and prepare to enter the workforce.

If you are ready to take the next step, apply now.

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Sources: 

1. Deering, Maura. “BSN vs. MSN Degree: Which Is Best?” NurseJournal. September 20, 2023. https://nursejournal.org/resources/bsn-vs-msn/. Accessed February 28, 2025. 
2. “About the NCLEX.” National Council of State Boards of Nursing. 2025. https://www.nclex.com/About.page. Accessed February 28, 2025. 
3. Deering, Maura. “BSN vs. MSN Degree: Which Is Best?” NurseJournal. September 20, 2023. https://nursejournal.org/resources/bsn-vs-msn/. Accessed February 28, 2025. 
4. “How Nurses Can Get Student Loan Forgiveness.” Laurel Road. December 24, 2024. https://www.laurelroad.com/nurses/how-nurses-can-get-student-loan-forgi…. Accessed February 28, 2025.