Which RN licensure pathway has the largest current share, listed as 60% and increasing?

• A. Diploma
• B. BSN
• C. ADN
• D. MSN

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that BSN entry-level education is now the most common path for new registered nurses, making up about 60% of licensure and continuing to grow. This shift reflects a broad move in nursing toward higher education as the standard for entering practice, driven by evidence that BSN-prepared nurses are linked to better patient outcomes, and by employer expectations, including Magnet-recognized facilities and professional guidelines. With numerous BSN and RN-to-BSN programs, more nurses are upgrading from ADN or diploma backgrounds to a BSN, fueling the increasing share. In comparison, diploma pathways have declined and ADN remains substantial but smaller than BSN, while MSN represents a smaller, graduate-level segment focused on advanced practice, education, or leadership rather than typical entry into bedside nursing.