ADN vs BDN

I am in my first semester of college and just switched to nursing from athletic training. I am confident I made the right decision. The college I am at right now has a four year program but I am considering relocating to a different private school that only has an associates degree program (which makes it much more expensive). I don't know if this would be a wise choice because I am sure I would get paid less and it might be harder to get a job without a bachelor's degree. What do you think?

Another option would be to get my associates and take my boards so I could find a job somewhere. It would really be nice if the hospital would offer to help pay for some of my schooling.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Sorry, I just found out that this is a common thread so I will just go search for it.

The job opportunities for ADN RN's is wide open and has plenty of opportunities, so don't let that hold you back. Most places start BSNs and ADN RNs at nearly the same salary, so that won't be an issue for you with an ADN. Both ADN and BSN RNs take the same NCLEX and have the same entry-level job opportunities.

Later on down the line with experience if you want to advance to areas such as teaching, management, research, pharmacology, etc. a BSN is going to do you some good if you decide to get away from bedside nursing.

There are also many RN to BSN programs where ADN RN's can bridge to get a BSN. I'm in such a program now and am getting some tuition reimbursement from my employer.

I always advice if possible to get the BSN out of the way. If that isn't possible, as it wasn't for me, the ADN will get you far.

Good luck!

I am enrolled to start a ADN program in the fall of 2006. I have a full time working husband and two teenagers. I am thinking I will get my ADN, get into the workforce ASAP because of upcoming college tuition, etc. If I do a bridge program later to get my BSN, is that somehow more work for me later? I assume that it wouldn't be, its just delayed.