[AlexBergstrom]

So after a fair amount of research on this board I'm comfortable with my decision to sign up for an ADN program. It's less expensive and the application process is much more forgiving. However, I realize there are some limitations that not having a BSN might create for me. Are there programs for existing RN's to earn a BSN or an MSN while continuing to work? If so, is it necessary to earn the BSN before getting an MSN or can you go for the MSN as long as you are an RN? Also I hadn't heard of an accelerated BSN program before this website so any information on that (locations/cost/time) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

[elkpark]

There are tons of "RN-to-BSN" programs out there for diploma and ADN grads, on-line programs as well as "bricks & mortar" schools. Most of the programs are designed with the assumption that students are employed full-time as nursing while attemding the programs (e.g., in the program I completed years ago, all the nursing courses were held on two evenings a week -- if your boss was willing to work with you at all, it was v. easy to arrange a full-time work schedule around that. Now, if you needed additional general ed courses to complete the general requirements for a BS degree, you had to go with whatever class schedule the other departments of the university offered; the school of nursing had no control over that ...)

There are also some "bridge" MSN programs that take ADN grads who don't have BSNs, but there are far fewer of those out there.

[nurcindy]

I am currently looking into an online RN to BSN degree, and indeed there are many of them out there.

Has anyone here completed this journey online? I would love to know which program you chose and why. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by nurcindy

I am currently looking into an online RN to BSN degree, and indeed there are many of them out there.

Has anyone here completed this journey online? I would love to know which program you chose and why. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

There's an ongoing discussion on our discussion board here: http://allnurses.com/forums/f125/rn-...ne-105380.html

Last August I graduated with my BSN from FL Hospital College of Health Sciences online RN to BSN program and am completely satisfied with my choice.

[AlexBergstrom]

Thank you all for your responses. I'm much more comfortable choosing the ADN route for now with this information.