Associates degree RN vs. BSN

[swtrn]

I graduated with a BS in Biology this past June and am working as a clinical research coordinator in the Boston area. I am actively looking into nursing as a new career and would like some advice as to what type of program would be best.

Is having a BSN more advantageous than a regular RN in the work place? What is the difference in terms of career paths? How about an accelerated entry level BSN/MSN. As I already have a B.S. degree, i am weighing the options : cost, time of getting a second degree as my BS is somewhat useless except for having fulfilled some of the nursing pre-reqs (though not all).

I have enjoyed reading these forums for advice on nursing and look forward to hearing from you all!

Thanks.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by manna

I'm of the opinion that if a thread bothers you, or you have answered that question a thousand times before - why not just don't read it?

The OP is seeking information.

The search option offers a plethora of information immediately available - the OP would not even need to wait for responses - and the information (in this case) is timely.

I am merely pointing out that availability.

[275Main]

soulshine-

i was going to try to send you a pm, but here is some info about schools in boston:

Bunker Hill Community College offers an ADN nurisng program, but as I mentioned in an earlier post, last I had heard (May 2003) they received hundreds of applications for 50 slots. There has been a lot of press in boston about the nursing shortage which I believe has lead to the increase in applicants. There is also Mass Bay Community college..I think that they affer an ADN program.

If you move back to Mass, you may want to consider UMASS Boston. It is still cheap and since you already have a degree all you would have to complete is the nursing courses, which may take you about 4 or 5 semesters, (I believe that this is the same time required in the ADN program). Advisors there will meet with you about your standing. In the end UMASS may be an easier route since the funding for public education in Mass is horrible and the community colleges are hit the hardest. After taking a couple of pre-reqs at Bunker Hill I don't know how anyone finishes a prgram there. I felt like they are really understaffed and there is a lack of student support services.