Cal schools & difference in BSN and ADN???

caliotter3 · Mar 17, 2009

If you have the opportunity, you should obtain the BSN. The BSN is a four year degree in nursing and is considered to be the entry level for professional nursing. The ASN is an associates degree in nursing; what was once considered the "technical" level that was to have replaced the licensed practical/vocational nurse. However, the plans put forth by educators and theorists have not come about in the fifty or sixty years since they first appeared. The two year ASN used to be the way to get to work as an RN quicker. This is not necessarily the case today, with two or more year long wait lists. Now it makes more sense to go for the BSN in the time you would be waiting to enter an ASN program. At any rate, unless you have the time and money to pursue the school of your choice despite wait lists, lotteries, rejections, most people apply to all programs that are within their geographical area and choose from the programs that offer them a seat. If only one school accepts you and accepts you first, it is usually a sure bet that you should attend that program. You can always attend an RN to BSN program later if you get your ASN. Just more cost and more time. Most employers do not distinguish between levels of education where starting pay is concerned. To them, a new grad RN is a new grad RN, and they don't care if one has a BSN or an ASN. HTH

caliotter3 · Mar 17, 2009

I forgot to add that with your previous degree, you can enter accelerated BSN programs that are primarily for people who already have a bachelor's degree. So, another avenue for school. But you have to be very careful with this type of program because it is very intense and there have been people who have posted that they had to withdraw from these programs because they could not keep up.

jjjoy, LPN · Mar 18, 2009

I'm not sure what you mean when you say you have your pre-reqs done. The pre-reqs for nursing programs vary a lot from program to program (unfortunately frustrating). Are you moving to a particular location in California or are you willing to move wherever in the state for school? Have you looked at any specific programs in California yet to see what requirements are and what their acceptance policy is (eg waitlist, lottery) when they have more applicants that spots available - which is the case in MANY nursing programs in California.

In regard to the difference between BSN and ADN, there are many discussions on here already. In fact there's a whole board dedicated to this topic. Check it out.

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/