Associate or RN?

arciedee · Sep 9, 2005

Hi guys I'm in the middle of my pre-reqs and I have to apply for a program next semester. Do you know what is best to do, have an associate degree or get into the RN accelerated program. WHat is the difference between a RN and an associate? I hope someone can help me with this, I'm kind of confused.

Are you talking about accelerated BSN programs for people who already have a bachelors in something else? :confused: Regardless of whether you do an associates degree, bachelors degree, or diploma program you will sit for the same test at the end to become an RN. The program that's best for you is really a matter of which one will best meet your goals and scheduling/financial needs.

sunnyjohn · Sep 9, 2005

A graduate from an associate degree program is an RN (once they pass the NCLEX). The ADN/ASN degree is a 2-3 year degree offered mostly at community and junior colleges.

A graduate from an accelerated Bachelor's degree progam is an RN (once they pass the NCLEX). The BSN is a 4 year degree offered by colleges and universities.

If you already have a degree and can get into an accelerated BSN program, go for it. Education is never a bad thing.

If instead you find a good Associate degree program, don't be afraid to enroll. You can always get the BSN later (and on your employer's dime!)

Your choice will mainly be based on personal circumstances (money, location of program, waitlist, educational background, etc).

G'd luck

AGAPE :balloons:

Fun2, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2005

Ditto to those comments above!

It doesn't matter if you have a diploma, associates or bachelors in nursing. A student in any of the methods can become an RN if he/she passes the NCLEX.

Now, there is LVN(or LPN) or RN that is two different things.

It's all a matter of what you can afford, and how much time you want to take to do it.

Good luck.

smile123 · Sep 10, 2005

A graduate from an associate degree program is an RN (once they pass the NCLEX). The ADN/ASN degree is a 2-3 year degree offered mostly at community and junior colleges.
A graduate from an accelerated Bachelor's degree progam is an RN (once they pass the NCLEX). The BSN is a 4 year degree offered by colleges and universities.
If you already have a degree and can get into an accelerated BSN program, go for it. Education is never a bad thing.
If instead you find a good Associate degree program, don't be afraid to enroll. You can always get the BSN later (and on your employer's dime!)
Your choice will mainly be based on personal circumstances (money, location of program, waitlist, educational background, etc).
G'd luck
AGAPE :balloons:

One other comment on the accel'd BSN programs: If you already have a bachelor's degree (not in nursing), you can get a BSN/RN through the accel'd programs in 12 - 18 months depending on the program. It's very intense, but if you want to get through the nursing program quickly, it can be a smart way to go.

Smile123

veronica77 · Sep 10, 2005

tHANK YOU. tHAT WAS my confussion if with any programm I was going to get the same goal. I allready have a BS but to get into the accelerated I need two more prereqs added to the ones I need for the ssociate. And for the second I just need one class and I'm done. Thanks for your help.

One other comment on the accel'd BSN programs: If you already have a bachelor's degree (not in nursing), you can get a BSN/RN through the accel'd programs in 12 - 18 months depending on the program. It's very intense, but if you want to get through the nursing program quickly, it can be a smart way to go.
Smile123

smile123 · Sep 10, 2005

tHANK YOU. tHAT WAS my confussion if with any programm I was going to get the same goal. I allready have a BS but to get into the accelerated I need two more prereqs added to the ones I need for the ssociate. And for the second I just need one class and I'm done. Thanks for your help.

You're welcome! It turns out when you go for the associate pre-reqs, they often cover just about all the pre-reqs you need for the accel'd bachelors or direct entry to masters' programs. Where are you thinking of applying? Good luck!

Smile123

sunnyjohn · Sep 11, 2005

Thanks for clearing things up about the accelerated degree Smile123.

Can't believe I missed that piece.

hroose84 · Sep 16, 2005

One other comment on the accel'd BSN programs: If you already have a bachelor's degree (not in nursing), you can get a BSN/RN through the accel'd programs in 12 - 18 months depending on the program. It's very intense, but if you want to get through the nursing program quickly, it can be a smart way to go.
Smile123

does it matter what Bachelor degree you have or does it have to be one in an allied field?

Fun2, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2005

does it matter what Bachelor degree you have or does it have to be one in an allied field?

An allied field is not a degree. I am a medical assistant, but I can't go to an accelerated class to get my BSN. These are for those who have a bachelor degree in another field other than nursing. (Bachelor of arts & bachelor of science are examples) It simply cuts down on the amount of classes you have to take and gets you to the nursing courses faster because you have already finished so many classes already.

(If I am correct...if not, someone please correct me.) :)

hroose84 · Sep 16, 2005

An allied field is not a degree. I am a medical assistant, but I can't go to an accelerated class to get my BSN. These are for those who have a bachelor degree in another field other than nursing. (Bachelor of arts & bachelor of science are examples) It simply cuts down on the amount of classes you have to take and gets you to the nursing courses faster because you have already finished so many classes already.
(If I am correct...if not, someone please correct me.) :)

oops sorry, "allied field" was a wrong translation on my part (english is not my first language), i meant to say does it have to be a bachelor degree in something related to nursing, or can it be something totally different, like history for example :) but i already got my answer, thanks :)