The Associate Degree in Nursing vs. the Bachelor of Science in Nursing- How are they different and similar?

You become an RN in both cases. I don't understand the difference.

They are the same in that you are taught the same foundations of skills, regulations of practice, etc. that qualify you as a novice nurse who is eligible for taking the NCLEX exam to be licensed as an RN.

In terms of pay, as a regular staff nurse position in a hospital or nursing home, there is very little difference. My hospital only pays $1 more per hour for BSN RNs.

But BSN RNs are more likely to be able to hold higher positions beyond staff nursing, more likely to become nurse managers or hold administrative positions. It isn't impossible for ADN RNs to get those higher positions, but usually you'd have to have many years of seniority or work in a smaller facility.

In terms of education differences, the BSN has many more general education requirements, and extra nursing courses that include Public Health, Nursing Research, Nursing Leadership, and a few other courses where you learn much more about nursing history and nursing theories and care models. The research and leadership courses in particular are the reasons why you are more promotable with this degree.

As a BSN RN you are qualified to be certified as a Public Health Nurse. ADN RNs cannot be PHNs. As a PHN you can work for the health department or other government or private agencies working with target populations, for example, coordinating a WIC program for mothers and children and doing intake screening, or you might do home visits to refugee families, etc.

Without the BSN you cannot go on to graduate school to earn a masters or doctorate degree. Master's programs train you in a specialty which could lead to certifications as a Nurse Practitioner (in Family, Neonatal, Gerontology, Pediatrics, etc.), or a Nurse Educator (teaches in nursing schools or trains nurses for hospitals), or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist aka CRNA, etc.

the diff. is if you want to continue your education you will need the bache. pay is the same

Associate degree is two year and pays about $15k to $20k. Bach in nursing is usually an RN and pay $40k to $60k.