BSN programs

kcalohagirl · Aug 5, 2007

You do NOT have to have an ADN to get a BSN.

The difference between the degrees tends to be that an ADN seems to be more grounded in practice, where the BSN has more classes that deal with leadership, ethics, etc.

If you want to get an excellent grounding in theory and practice and want to get out of your course of study being an excellent bedside nurse, the ADN is a great way to start. There are still pre-requisites to take, but if you want to be an RN, get out as soon as possible, and start earning money as an RN, the ADN is a great way to go. After you have your ADN, it is fairly simple to pick up your BSN. Some universities will let you do a lot of your coursework for the BSN on-line while you are working as an RN. Several of my co-workers are doing this.

Oh yeah. and often you can earn an ADN through a Community College. Which can be much less espensive per credit. My local CC charges something like $50 per credit hour. The state University? I have no idea, but I remeber how expensive it was 15 years ago when I was a freshman, and it wasn't that cheap then!

I went the BSN route. The only reason I went BSN as opposed to ADN was because I already had a Bachelor's degree, and the amount of time to get either of the 2 degrees was the same. I don't think I got a better grounding in clinical practice being a BSN student. The program I am in did a great job on the clinical end, but I know ADN students who had better skills than I did coming out of school.

The BSN prepares you better to move out of bedside nursing and into either management or a specialty. For example. At my hospital, Nurse Educators don't necessarily have to have an MSN, but they do need to have a BSN and preferably be working towards a more advanced degree.

So I guess it depends on what you want. And also on your financial resources.

If you want to be an RN and be working as soon as possible and haven't been in college before, the ADN is your fastest path.

The BSN opens more doors in the long run, but you do NOT have to be a BSN to get a job. Some facilities may say they prefer a BSN, but as an RN, regardless of your degree, you WILL be employable.

My advice is to do what is most practical for you. If you have an ADN, work for a facility, and want to go back to school for a Bsn, MSN, or even a PhD, most hospitals give a tuition allowance. So if you know you want an advanced degree, but it isn't financially possible for you right now, I want you to know it absolutely IS POSSIBLE. My hospital gives a $3000 dollar tuition benefit per semester while you are employed there. It''s not huge, but it helps. I know a lot of nurses who have become Nurse Practitioners this way.

Bottom line is. . . .You can do it. If you want it, there are ways to do it. If an ADN is the best path financially for you right now, do it, and get out there and start earning money. Don't ever let anyone make you feel that an ADN is an inferior degree. When we graduate from school, ADNs and BSNs do the exact same job. My best preceptor was an ADN. She is my unit coordinator now, and she has more common sense than anyone I know.

Nothing will limit you. Go for it.

*edit* and at my facility, even though it is a university med center, ADNs and BSNs earn the same amount of money when we all start as brand new nurses. We follow the same pay scale as we gain experience. And I don't have a problem with that. We do exactly the same job.

sorry the reply got so wordy. It is a subject I am incredibly passionate about.

CRNA2BKY · Aug 5, 2007

Hello I have a question about the BSN programs, I am going for my ADN and I was wondering can I skip the ADN degree and go straight for my BSN degree? Every BSN Program that i have checked out states that you have to be a RN in order to apply for the BSN Program. Do i have to get my ADN degree first and then go for my BSN degree?:uhoh21: any advice would be appreicated

You must be checking out a lot online programs. Most colleges and universities that offer a BSN do not require you to have the ADN before going for the BSN. There are lots of programs that let you attain the BSN if you are already an RN. These are often refered to as "bridge" programs, or they may state "RN to BSN" program. But if you want your BSN, then you do not have to get your ADN first.

MAmom81 · Aug 5, 2007

You do NOT have to have an ADN to get a BSN.
The difference between the degrees tends to be that an ADN seems to be more grounded in practice, where the BSN has more classes that deal with leadership, ethics, etc.
If you want to get an excellent grounding in theory and practice and want to get out of your course of study being an excellent bedside nurse, the ADN is a great way to start. There are still pre-requisites to take, but if you want to be an RN, get out as soon as possible, and start earning money as an RN, the ADN is a great way to go. After you have your ADN, it is fairly simple to pick up your BSN. Some universities will let you do a lot of your coursework for the BSN on-line while you are working as an RN. Several of my co-workers are doing this.
Oh yeah. and often you can earn an ADN through a Community College. Which can be much less espensive per credit. My local CC charges something like $50 per credit hour. The state University? I have no idea, but I remeber how expensive it was 15 years ago when I was a freshman, and it wasn't that cheap then!
I went the BSN route. The only reason I went BSN as opposed to ADN was because I already had a Bachelor's degree, and the amount of time to get either of the 2 degrees was the same. I don't think I got a better grounding in clinical practice being a BSN student. The program I am in did a great job on the clinical end, but I know ADN students who had better skills than I did coming out of school.
The BSN prepares you better to move out of bedside nursing and into either management or a specialty. For example. At my hospital, Nurse Educators don't necessarily have to have an MSN, but they do need to have a BSN and preferably be working towards a more advanced degree.
So I guess it depends on what you want. And also on your financial resources.
If you want to be an RN and be working as soon as possible and haven't been in college before, the ADN is your fastest path.
The BSN opens more doors in the long run, but you do NOT have to be a BSN to get a job. Some facilities may say they prefer a BSN, but as an RN, regardless of your degree, you WILL be employable.
My advice is to do what is most practical for you. If you have an ADN, work for a facility, and want to go back to school for a Bsn, MSN, or even a PhD, most hospitals give a tuition allowance. So if you know you want an advanced degree, but it isn't financially possible for you right now, I want you to know it absolutely IS POSSIBLE. My hospital gives a $3000 dollar tuition benefit per semester while you are employed there. It''s not huge, but it helps. I know a lot of nurses who have become Nurse Practitioners this way.
Bottom line is. . . .You can do it. If you want it, there are ways to do it. If an ADN is the best path financially for you right now, do it, and get out there and start earning money. Don't ever let anyone make you feel that an ADN is an inferior degree. When we graduate from school, ADNs and BSNs do the exact same job. My best preceptor was an ADN. She is my unit coordinator now, and she has more common sense than anyone I know.
Nothing will limit you. Go for it.
*edit* and at my facility, even though it is a university med center, ADNs and BSNs earn the same amount of money when we all start as brand new nurses. We follow the same pay scale as we gain experience. And I don't have a problem with that. We do exactly the same job.
sorry the reply got so wordy. It is a subject I am incredibly passionate about.

Thank you so very much!!! I was worried that if i got my ADN that it would be harder to be hired at a hospital. You gave me great advice and I appreciate your tips and help!!! your response was not to long i truly appreicate the time and length you took to answer my question, thank you so muchI know now that I will go for my ADN first then my BSN!!!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Aug 5, 2007

As your school about nursing bridge classes