Medic should I do an Adn or absn

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So I am just recently separated from the miliary. I was a combat medic and want to transition towards nursing school. I'm currently taking my pre reqs. I already have a BA and MBA in healthcare management. I was wordering should I go the adn route than do an online BSN program or do an accelerated BSN program. Im located in Texas btw

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Really it comes down to your life circumstances and priorities.

ADN program tend to be far more inexpensive, and offer a little more flexibility in scheduling, and slightly slower pace to work through material. All of which can be beneficial if you need to maintain a job while completing your schooling, have heavy personal commitments (kids, older relatives needing care), or are not wanting to take on the financial commitment/debt of an ABSN program. Cons are that it can take longer to get through to BSN completion, and in some localities it may be more difficult to find initial employment opportunities. On the flip side you could be working as an RN and making RN pay while completing the BSN portion if you are in an area where ADN grads have plentiful job options.

ABSN programs have the advantage of being fast, most are 12-18months of straight through schooling. The caliber of student may also be different (depends on how competitive local ADN programs are), you are going to be in school with students who have life and professional experience, and are not on their first rodeo when it comes to school. The cons are that even through a public institution these programs can be very expensive. Tuition is generally equivalent to a full 4-year BSN but all due over the course of the ABSN program. This burden can be exacerbated by limited financial aid, as once you've completed one degree aid at that level from federal and state sources essentially vanishes. The intensity of the work load can also make it very difficult to hold even a part-time job or balance heavy outside commitments. This intensity can also be a positive in that you live nursing school for the duration of the program potentially creating tight bonds with classmates and instructors, and the pace is so rapid you don't have time to forget information before you need to use it again.

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Specializes in Healthcare risk management and liability.

Out of sheer curiosity, given your academic credentials, is there a reason why you are not looking in healthcare management in the civilian sector or the VA?

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How strong are your academic skills? ABSN programs have a reputation for sending many to seek transfer to less strenuous programs.

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I worked in the ER as a medic pretty much being a nursing assistant and I just really enjoyed the environment so I wanted to use my GI benefits in something I actually enjoyed doing. I acquired my degrees while in the military so really don't have that much experience in them

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My academic skills are pretty good I'm still worried about that though because I know the pace for absn programs are really fast which is why I'm considering a adn program, I know both can be stressful but it's probably more my speed I don't want to feel too overwhelmed.

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Why not a traditional BSN program? Take your prereqs at the local community college to save money, then apply to a BSN program. With the congestion lately, takes approximately same amount of time as an ASN program, provided you can even move forward with an ASN program at that time.

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Ok thanks for the advice, that's a really good idea I just have to see if they have any traditional ones in my area that aren't too expensive or are not too far away.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I worked in the ER as a medic pretty much being a nursing assistant and I just really enjoyed the environment so I wanted to use my GI benefits in something I actually enjoyed doing. I acquired my degrees while in the military so really don't have that much experience in them
ABSN programs are difficult but doable especially for you. What is going to be hard is being a nurse and not a medic. Try looking for a medic to BSN program. Just be sure they are nationally accredited by the nursing body.
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Specializes in Emergency Room, CEN, TCRN.

I'm not affiliated with this school and I don't know how veteran friendly they actually are, but I saw this in a Chapter 31 voc rehab (an excellent program the VA offers if you have a service connected rating, by the way) facebook group:

Veterans BSN | School of Nursing | The George Washington University

Looks like George Washington University has an ABSN program specifically for veterans with military medical experience.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Thank you for your service.

PP is offering great advice.... be sure to look at the veteran friendly nursing programs. There are several in Texas. They will offer additional support and guidance to help you make the right decisions.

Wishing you the best of luck on your educational journey.

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Specializes in ICU + 25 years as Nursing Faculty.

Since you are in Texas.... this might interest you:

A Veteran to BSN program at Texas Tech

TTUHSC :: School of Nursing

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