There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.), and diploma. Diploma programs are usually run in hospitals and last two to three years, but there aren’t many of these programs offered today. B.S.N. programs are offered by colleges and universities and take four or five years. I just finished the A.D.N. program at Tri-County Technical College, which usually takes two to three years. Basically, a RN with an A.D.N. and one with a B.S.N. have the same responsibilities and skills.  They are also paid the same starting salary.