Needing advice.

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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  1. Which Program should I go for?

    • 2
      BSN
    • 5
      ADN

7 members have participated

I am getting ready to apply for nursing school, I keep going back and forth between two programs (although I plan on applying to both programs) I keep going back and forth because of the cost of the programs.

One program is a 2 year ADN and will cost a total of $7,000

The other program is a BSN and will cost a total of $40,000; however it will take me just as long to complete this program as it will take for the ADN.

My ultimate goal is to have a BSN and then later move on to get my DNP.

I was so sure that I was going to do the BSN so that I will have it sooner, but now that I am actually applying to nursing schools I am wondering if the cost is worth it. I already have $18,000 dollars in school loans to pay back when I get done with school, so I am afraid to add $40,000 dollars more to it. But at the same time, it makes more sense to just go for my BSN especially because it is going to take the same amount of time as getting my ADN.

I am lost lol

What do you guys think?

IH

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Only you can decide. What you DO need to know are the facts about how much you will be paying back each month and ifyou can afford it. if you owe 58K you could end up paying back closer to 75K with the interest.

Ask what your monthly payment will be on 58K. I am thinking about 700? For YEARS you will owe that every single month. You need to make sure you will be working in an area where you will make enough to repay this debt.

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Only you can decide. What you DO need to know are the facts about how much you will be paying back each month and ifyou can afford it. if you owe 58K you could end up paying back closer to 75K with the interest.

Ask what your monthly payment will be on 58K. I am thinking about 700? For YEARS you will owe that every single month. You need to make sure you will be working in an area where you will make enough to repay this debt.

So you think I should go with the ADN?

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It is more cost efficient to complete the ASN program. How come your BSN will be completed in the same time frame? Is it an accelerated BSN program?

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Specializes in Critical Care; Recovery.

I did the ADN route. It took me 3.5 years (had to repeat a semester). It was very tough. I then went for my BSN afterward and took me a little over a year to complete. In theory it is much cheaper do do what I did since you are done a year sooner and therefore are able to start earning money sooner. However, with some schools doing trimesters instead of semesters, a BSN (typically 4 year degree) can be completed in roughly the same amount of time, but will cost a bit more. I recently saw a good video on this on keepitrealrn YouTube channel called: ADN vs BSN : Let's follow the money. I think that would be helpful to you.

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The way that the BSN program works is that, you first have to get 56 credit hours completed. These credit hours are usually done at the local CC. When you get those finished, then you apply to the program. The program is 2 years long and your are awarded a BSN at the end.

I will have all 56 credits by the end of spring 2016 and plan on getting into the BSN program fall 2016. But I also have enough credits now to apply to the ADN program and I hope to get in spring 2016 or fall 2016. My application is pretty competitive so I am confident that I will get into either one.

I agree with everyone's advice, and I am pretty sure I am going to go ahead and shot for the ADN program. Honestly, the only people that are making me doubt this decision are my parents. They don't really understand how nursing degrees work. They think that a BSN nurse is more skilled and educated than a ADN nurse, so they really want me to just go for my BSN. I think they just really want bragging rights and be able to say that their daughter has a bachelors degree. None of my cousins have actually gone to college AND finished a four year degree, they have all dropped out. But I just don't think I need to add more money to my current school debt.

Thanks guys!

Keep the advice coming!

IH

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Specializes in Critical Care; Recovery.

No matter what I think you will need to go back for your BSN at some point. Many employers will not hire you with an ADN only. Just crunch the numbers and see which option is cheaper, then factor in marketability. Ask some local hospital nurse recruiters if you will be marketable with an ADN. If you will be, then it may make since to go the ADN route first, since you will be able to work while obtaining your BSN online.

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You are an adult. I think parents are irrelevant to this decision unless there are legitimate concerns or they are funding your education. If you have done thorough research on both programs and one is clearly more appropriate for you and your current situation, the choice is yours and yours alone.

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

I was in your dilemma when I started nursing too.

Cost was a huge driving factor in my situation and I opted for the ADN to BSN route. My ADN program is #1 in the state (we've beat John's Hopkins passing rates for the past 3yrs) and it'll only cost $7k. I saved for about 3yrs and so I'll graduate next Dec with zero debt.

I was recently hired in the ED at the hospital I wish to work at when I have my RN license IN the unit I wish to work in so it's perfect!

During my interview I stated that I plan to bridge to BSN as soon as I save up for it. The hiring manager said because we've recently gone Magnet, if hired as an ADN RN I have to get my BSN within 5 years. That's how many hospitals are nowadays.

They like to see you're ambitious and goal oriented. What's even better, the hospital will help me pay for it.

So I can get tuition assistance for the 2nd half of nursing school, pocket the $$ I'd saved and use it towards my BSN later on. Combine that with the tuition assistance the hospital will gives as an RN, I'll practically bridge over to BSN for free.

If cost isn't an issue, I encourage getting your BSN but if you're like me, the long road is more cost effective.

Remember, it's hard to get an entry RN job no matter if you have a BSN or ADN in today's new grad market but you'll still have to start paying back loans within 6mo of graduating.

PS A lot of people are under the impression ADN nurses aren't as educated but that's not true. I can't tell which nurses on the floor have an ADN or BSN. They're all fantastic.

Good luck on your journey :)

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I did BSN, but I had the GI Bill. If you plan to go to grad school you will have to earn a BSN. However I cannot give you financial advice. Gather evidence and make a decision.

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