Study: Bachelor’s degree nurses better prepared than associate degree nurses

Editor's Note

In this study, nurses with bachelor’s degrees were found to be significantly better prepared than nurses with associate degrees in 5 of 16 test topics between 2007 and 2008, and in 12 of 16 topics between 2014 and 2015.

Researchers tested the quality and safety educational preparedness differences between bachelor’s and associate degree nurses graduated from 13 states and the District of Columbia who were licensed in 2007-2008 (324 nurses) and 2014-2015 (803 nurses).

The number of quality and safety educational gaps between bachelor’s and associate degree nurse graduates more than doubled over 8 years, the authors note. Improving accreditation and organizational policies requiring baccalaureate education for all nurses could close these gaps and safeguard the quality of patient care.