What is the difference between Associate's and "diploma" programs if already have BA?

U.S.A. Connecticut

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I am awaiting results on my applications to BHSN and NCC and am running into some confusing info about Associate's vs. "diploma" programs.

Because of cost and timing, I opted to pursue the nursing program at NCC or BHSN rather than a "second-degree" BSN program. Ultimately, I'd like to pursue an advanced nursing degree (prob. do a RN to MSN program), but my immediate goal is to get my RN and start working.

  • Since I already have my BA, does it make a difference (with respect to future education), if I get the "diploma" from BHSN or the associates from NCC? My gut says "no," but I need to make sure.
  • Is one degree (Assoc. or diploma) or program (BHSN vs. NCC) more attractive to employers* and advanced nursing-education programs?

    *I'd esp. like to hear from nurse-recruiters on this subject.

I've heard good things about both BHSN and NCC. I am leaning toward BHSN, however, because it has an accelerated program and because of what I've read about its clinical program. But I really want to make the choice that supports both my short-term employment goals and long-term education/advancement objectives.

Thanks!

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Your future schools will want you to have had certain courses. Pick the one that satisfies the most.

As to employability, an RN is an RN.

Good luck!

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I'm in the exact same boat! good luck!

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Very good post!! Thank you for putting it out there. I am wondering the same exact thing myself. I recently got accepted to bridgeport hospital(still awaiting on NCC) but I have all the exact same questions you do, so I hope that someone with more knowledge on this subject will be able to answer it for us!

Thanks again.

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i presume the "accelerated diploma" is two years, and so is the ASN?......if you already have a BA, what is it in? if liberal arts...i would do the ASN....if you actually have a BS.....then perhaps the diploma....there should be more clinical time in the diploma.....however they also can be more ...hmm....task oriented, so to speak.....good luck

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i am in the same boat. i have a BA, i am just going to talk to people and find out, but i am def. going to bridgeport

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Yale MSN program does not have pre-nursing requirements. All you need is GRE score and Bachelor degree in any other field. The program is called GEPN.

Once you are accepted, NYU's BSN program will allow to complete the nursing requirement at their school. I will recommend getting the BSN instead of getting a diploma or an ASN degree.

Now is the not the time to get diploma or ASN degree when so many career changer are coming out with BSN and MSN degrees.

Good Luck!!! I was in the same boat last fall. I tool a chance applied to both Yale and NYU and I got into both. Good Luck!!!!

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If you already have a BA, the type of path you go for your RN really wont matter. Like above posters said each MSN, CRNA schools, etc are different in that some will require a BSN, a BS and RN, or any Bachelors Degree and an RN in order to get in.

Im going on a similar path and just graduated from Uconn with a BS and am going to go to BHSON, for the sake of time with the accelerated program and location. So basically just choose the place that you feel is best for you, good luck.

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hello,

i understand the dilemma. I am applying for a MBEIN program in Ucconn. I have a previous BS in another field. I am a Recruiter by profession and decided to change careers. Education and experience is what recruiters always look for. If you are applying in a hospital or for any job....and you are have an associates or a diploma and the other applicants have a Bachelors or a Masters any company or employer will always choose the Masters or Bachelors tied with experience. But if everyone applying has no experience the higher education will still win. If you already have a previous Bachelors the Accelerated programs to my opinion is a better route. It is accelerated so it only takes a year or so. It will be alot of dedication and hard work though. Goodluck. wish you the best

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To play devil's advocate, the higher degree might usually win out all else being equal between applicants. However, if one graduates from a program that leaves them feeling clinically underprepared, the lack of confidence could be an obstacle as well. Especially if the employment market is tight for new grads, feeling less than confident in one's abilities could be a real hindrance.

Of course, many students do just fine in programs that don't provide *as much* practical, realistic clinical experience as some other programs. They graduate and are up to speed in no time, in no way lagging behind other graduates. I just know that given my own personal strengths and weaknesses that if I had to do it again, I'd go for the program with a reputation for providing lots of practical clinical experience.

I graduated feeling like I didn't have much to offer an employer as a nurse. I had no clue how I'd handle more than 2 patients. No experience working with physicians. I knew HOW to assess but didn't have enough experience to have it mean a whole lot. Kinda like looking under the hood of a car and recognizing the components and being able to spot BIG problems (huh, shouldn't the engine be there?) but that's about it. Outside of CNA-level work, doing lengthy unrealistic assessments, addressing psychsoc issues, and oral med administration, there just wasn't much opportunity to practice other RN responsibilities.

And so while my BSN might have helped me get a job, I think the value of FEELING more confident in my ability to *function* as a nurse (not just *think* like one) would have served me better in both the long and short run.

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To play devil's advocate, the higher degree might usually win out all else being equal between applicants. However, if one graduates from a program that leaves them feeling clinically underprepared, the lack of confidence could be an obstacle as well. Especially if the employment market is tight for new grads, feeling less than confident in one's abilities could be a real hindrance.

Of course, many students do just fine in programs that don't provide *as much* practical, realistic clinical experience as some other programs. They graduate and are up to speed in no time, in no way lagging behind other graduates. I just know that given my own personal strengths and weaknesses that if I had to do it again, I'd go for the program with a reputation for providing lots of practical clinical experience.

I graduated feeling like I didn't have much to offer an employer as a nurse. I had no clue how I'd handle more than 2 patients. No experience working with physicians. I knew HOW to assess but didn't have enough experience to have it mean a whole lot. Kinda like looking under the hood of a car and recognizing the components and being able to spot BIG problems (huh, shouldn't the engine be there?) but that's about it. Outside of CNA-level work, doing lengthy unrealistic assessments, addressing psychsoc issues, and oral med administration, there just wasn't much opportunity to practice other RN responsibilities.

And so while my BSN might have helped me get a job, I think the value of FEELING more confident in my ability to *function* as a nurse (not just *think* like one) would have served me better in both the long and short run.

thanks " jjjoy"...so, are you saying that you would prefer the diploma programs as they are more hands-on?

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I'm saying I would chose the program, whatever kind that may be, that had a strong reputation for providing strong clinical training. Oftentimes, diploma programs do have that reputation. Oftentimes, BSN program have a reputation for de-emphasizing hands-on skills. But every program is different and so I don't want to make generalizations about diploma programs being "more hands-on" than other nursing programs. Each program must be evaluated individually.

And I again want to emphasize that would be MY preference due to my learning style and experience. Critical thinking is second nature to me but learning and applying clinical skills to real people in real-time, with a multitude of variabilities, time pressures, competing demands, and sometimes abrasive personalities is NOT something that comes natural to me.

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