Pre-reqs for ADN vs Pre-nursing for BSN

[svtolfea]

I'm wondering if I should continue to take pre-requisites for entry into an associates in Nursing program, OR enter an associates program in pre-nursing to transfer into a four year BSN program. FYI our local community college offers a pre-nursing AA designed to transfer into on of the states four year nursing programs.

I'm a 41 year old male. I've been a massage therapist for 20 years, and have only taken a couple college classes. Two classes 20 years ago, and one last semester.

My pre-requisites will take at least a year and a half for entry into an associates in Nursing. This path will hopefully have me working as a nurse in almost 4 years, and I will likely then pursue a BSN on the side, as that seems the way nursing profession is going? OR I can spend the next 2 years in a pre-nursing associates program, transfer to a four year school, and with luck be a BSN nurse in about four years.

I assumed the ADN track was the best for me, but I'm wondering if its the best when viewing the long term.

Thank you, Matt

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

Just my 2 cents,,, but if both routes would take you 4 years then go directly for the BSN... but if I were you I would take the pre-reqs and then apply to both programs so that all my eggs were not all in one basket.

best of luck.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Matt,

Check with the hospital where you want to work and see if they hire new grad ADN nurses. The nursing world is changing and many hospitals require BSN for new grads. Also..think about this..what do you want to do? If you plan to do bedside nursing until 65 then the ADN may be all you need. If you want to move into management many of those positions require a BSN. Also if you want grad school you will need a BSN. It isn't as simple as "one or the other"..it can make a large difference in the doors it opens.

[MsCupcakes]

By the time I was done with pre-requisites for the nursing program, I only needed two additional classes for an Associate's in General Studies. This is a third option, since some schools (usually community colleges) will give you extra points for completing an Associate's Degree when applying for an ADN program. Are the pre-reqs for the 2 and 4 year program similar? Does the 4 year program view having completed the pre-nursing program more favorably than another associates degree? Do any of the universities near you offer RN-BSN or a dual enrollment program? The BSN program I applied to only required that the pre-reqs be completed, as did the ADN program. Your best bet may be to try to compare the pre-reqs for all the programs you are interested, and figure out how best to become eligible for them all. Better to not put all your eggs in one basket.