diploma vs bsn

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Specializes in start in NICU 7/14/08.

hello,

i'm new to the forums and i have a question and figured this was the best place to ask. :)

i'm unsure of whether i should pursue a bsn or a diploma program. i have a bs already (in psych, and some masters work done in psych) and i have been accepted into a rn diploma program beginning next fall (still need to finish a couple pre-reqs).

i do foresee myself pursuing a masters degree - i guess i'm just starting to doubt the path i selected. i'm wondering if anyone has any advice regarding taking the rn route vs the bsn route especially considering i'd like to attend grad school. i did research prior to going this route and there are "bridge" masters programs out there for people with a bs (not a bsn) and rn diploma but i'm afraid i'll be limiting myself upon graduation.

any information would be helpful - especially anyone with info in the central new jersey area. i did phone rutgers yesterday for info regarding their bsn program. :)

edit: the program i have been accepted into will award an associate in science and an RN diploma (it's done in conjunction with a local community college)

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I have a Diploma in Nursing and would not trade my training for anything. I also have a BS in another area, and it is has never held me back in anyway.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I've read that diploma nursing actually has more clinical training than an ADN or a BSN, but I'm really not sure if everyone accepts it. (They may because an RN is an RN.)

You could do the diploma, or try looking into a transitional training that is for those like you who already have a bachelor's degree.

Whatever you decide, good luck to you! :)

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With a diploma in nursing and a BS degree you'll probably be missing only 1-2 BSN nursing theory classes (3-8 credits). Usually something like spirituality in healthcare or nursing research, depends on the school. I recommend going for the diploma, as long as your grades have been good and continue, you shouldn't have any problem getting into an RN-MSN program. (I'm doing that and I don't have a degree at any level in anything!)

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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.
I've read that diploma nursing actually has more clinical training than an ADN or a BSN, but I'm really not sure if everyone accepts it. (They may because an RN is an RN.)

You could do the diploma, or try looking into a transitional training that is for those like you who already have a bachelor's degree.

Whatever you decide, good luck to you! :)

Yes I graduated from a diploma school and have yet to find one single place that won't accept it.

And Yes we have ALOT more clinical education than ADN or BSN. We start in year one week one in clinicals. And do at LEAST 16 hours clinical every week throughout school.

Okay - I should say at least the diploma school I went to did. I also as Suzanne said, wouldn't trade my education for the world. I am going back for my BSN in Jan and on to my NP after that :) Every place I talked to was eager to get me enrolled :)

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Sorry for my stupidity, but what is the difference between a Diploma program and a BSN. Do you acquire the diploma from going to one of those Hosipal based schools?

Obviously, you get your BSN from a college.

Someone clarify for me please.:smackingf

Thanks!!!!

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Specializes in start in NICU 7/14/08.

thank you very much for all the information. i was beginning to worry that i had made the wrong choice from the perspective of continuing education.

i had opted for the diploma route at the recommendation of a cousin who is a nurse. she indicated that i would get a lot more clinical experience via a diploma program. i am doing well in school thus far, and hope to continue on that path. /crosses fingers

to answer smp - yes - a diploma is awarded from a hospital based program; a bsn from an accredited university or college. in my case, i take pre-reqs that i'm lacking at a community college and will get an associate from them and a diploma from the hospital. :)

thanks again, all.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I wanted to be a diploma nurse then go get my BSN but, there are no diploma programs in my area so I am in a BSN program ( or will be once I have completed and passed algebra:barf02: )

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I'm with Suzanne!

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.
I'm with Suzanne!

Ditto

soon-to-be diploma-RN grad

and wouldn't trade it for the world! :)

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Specializes in Operating Room.
I wanted to be a diploma nurse then go get my BSN but, there are no diploma programs in my area so I am in a BSN program ( or will be once I have completed and passed algebra:barf02: )

I would have done that route years ago if I had known they still existed. lol

(BTW, I have to retake Algebra....my B must be an A! :barf02: :barf02: :barf02:

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

There is 2 programs in Texas one is in Lubbock and the other San Anton.... Takes about 2.5 years to complete with pre classes and all. Im just looking for a 69.5 in algebra and Ill be doing good to get that.

I would have done that route years ago if I had known they still existed. lol

(BTW, I have to retake Algebra....my B must be an A! :barf02: :barf02: :barf02:

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