Why do some choose to pursue BSN over ASN first?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

In my own mind, I cannot rationalize it. The ASN program is 18 months. Once you graduate and pass boards, you can nurse. At that point you can immediately begin taking the classes needed for BSN. But from what I understand, if you are enrolled in the BSN program from the start, you cannot nurse until you've graduated the program.

Other than not wanting to take classes while working, I can't see why anyone would choose to take the long route. I'm sure some have their reasons, though, which is why I'm inquiring.

In my opinion, many pre-nursing students on this site would benefit from SLOWING DOWN and thinking long-term about what they want ten, twenty, thirty years from now rather than indulge in the instant gratification of NOW NOW NOW. It is how people dig themselves into professional holes, are preyed upon for shady for-profit schools and screw themselves out of their dreams.

Which is why I first complete my BAS in healthcare management. I figured that in twenty or so years I might not want to do direct patient care and can then pursue a job in clinical management. I am definitely a planner. I am 23 now and ready to start my life; I don't want to wait any longer so I chose the associate's program first but will absolutely enter the BSN program.

And things obviously differ everywhere you go but to everyone saying that a BSN is required, that is not at all the case in Pensacola or the surrounding areas. I have many friends who didn't pursue a bachelor's first and are already nurses and obtained jobs within a month of passing boards. Most don't get right in to the ED, though, without at least six months to a year of experience.

I know it's different everywhere, but I can only speak for myself and my own personal experience/research.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My school is unique in that it does the three semesters of nursing school and students are awarded the ADN, but then they continue on for three more semesters for get the BSN. Although some students stop at the ADN benchmark and can go take their NCLEX; it is highly discouraged. The reason being that most hospitals prefer nurses with BSNs now, including those in my area. You are virtually unlimited but an ADN does limit you, both career and financially.

It's only another year and a half, just do it. Although I'm not saying you will, but the majority of nursing students who do stop at the ADN benchmark, don't go back to get the BSN. It's just the way it works. It would be really hard to be working nurse while trying to finish a BSN as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry.

After prereqs are finished, the ASN is 2 years in length. The BSN nursing portion is also 2 years. If you go the ASN route and then bridge, it's an extra year for that bridge, plus it disqualifies you from new grad programs if you choose to go straight thru to get your BSN since you will have graduated a year prior. So in my case, it actually takes longer to get the associates than the BSN. More and more hospitals here are requiring BSN, so it's better to just get it done the fastest way possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I didn't know an ADN existed when I went to school and I knew I wouldn't go back once I got out.

Oh and the job market is atrocious so any leg up I have the better

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
ADN is the associate Degree in Nursing ...FYI. :)
FYI, the ADN is also known by other names, such as the ASN (associate of science in nursing) and the AASN (associate of applied science in nursing). I possess an ASN.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I went back and forth for quite a while on the BSN vs. ADN debate. Ultimately, the fact that everyone is switching over to "BSNs only" for hiring purposes was a major factor. I called all the hospitals around me and only two hire ADNs, and who knows how it will be in 2 years. Also, there is no 18 month ADN program in my area, so the BSN and ADN programs will take the same amount of time.

Lastly, once I'm through with my nursing program I want to be done (at least until I purse my NP far off in the future). The first year as a new RN is hard enough with all the new learning, I don't want to have to juggle RN-BSN courses on top of that. I'm knocking it out in one shot! :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you find that you don't like nursing, or no longer want to do it, pay for it little at a time taking few classes, not sure of your academic abilities, it's a little cheaper, ADN is a good route.

If you don't want the hassle of going back to school after graduating, or prefer classroom environment instead of online for the BSN classes, BSN would be a good route.

The license should be the goal, not the academic degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'd say about half of my co-workers are going back to school for their BSN right now. As many other people have already commented, many hospitals are now requiring RNs to get their BSN. So I can definitely see why someone starting a nursing program now would just go straight for the BSN option. For someone who already has their associate's degree, but still wants/needs to work while earning their BSN, I'd recommend an accredited online program. I'm in the Northeast and have some co-workers doing an online program with PA College of Health Sciences but there are a lot more to choose from depending on where you are located.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The military requires BSN for active duty officers. It is not a point that was up for negotiation.

However, I'd have done BSN either way. I was young, fresh out of high school, and I had the funds available to get my 4-year degree. Why work for a bit and then go back to school later when you have a family, career and other bills if you can help it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/surg.

I cannot speak for others why they might pursue an associate's first over a bachelor's in nursing, but I can tell you why I am currently seeking an ADN first.

I don't have a choice.

My academic history is filled with horrible grades-- about 4 semesters' worth due to postpartum depression. That was back when I had convinced myself to major in accounting with a private, for-profit school. Many things happened, and once I was being treated, I felt that I wanted to go back and do what I had always wanted to do. However, when transferring credits, about 6 of my private uni classes had no equal, so they are forever labeled as "elect" along with a few others that had been taken twice already with equally horrendous grades.

I worked my ass off as best I could for 2 years completing pre-reqs and retaking old failed classes, and just as I was going to apply for my school's program, I was told that my OVERALL GPA had to be 2.5, even though the program doesn't base their admission on that (they used science GPA + TEAS).

For other reasons, I'm moving to Alabama, and I found a school with requirements to their ADN program that I qualify for. It's been 5 years, and I'll be damned if I don't scoop up that chance at an ADN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

OP, the nurse manager promised you a job in the ER almost 2 years after you graduate and pass the NCLEX? Promising you a job in your last semester of school is more realistic but 2 years is a long time and you never know if she'll still be the manager in the ER.

You mentioned you are a career changer, so am I. When I decided to go into nursing I had many question on what path to choose: LPN, ASN/ADN, or BSN. The research I did which included who hospitals were hiring in my area and what I wanted to do in the LONG TERM, I chose the BSN path via a 15 month ABSN. I don't regret the path I chose because since working I am not interested in doing any bridge programs later. The hospital that I'm interested in working for only hires BSNs because it's magnet status. Your plan to do the ASN then bridge later to the BSN is a good path many people take. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
OP, the nurse manager promised you a job in the ER almost 2 years after you graduate and pass the NCLEX? Promising you a job in your last semester of school is more realistic but 2 years is a long time and you never know if she'll still be the manager in the ER.

Your plan to do the ASN then bridge later to the BSN is a good path many people take. Good luck.

I've worked there since I graduated high school in 2008. But I do understand your point and I've not overlooked that possibility. Luckily, because of my position, I know at least a few people from every department in the hospital. Anything can happen but I'm pretty sure, or at least I'm hoping, that this will aide me in the event that the clinical manager is no longer there. Also, either I mis-worded my OP or people aren't quite understanding. I'm not pursuing the ASN and then taking a break. My projected graduation (I start in May) is December 2015 (per the college). I will immediately enroll in the BSN classes that start three weeks later in January while also beginning my nursing career. I'm not taking a break or anything like that. I know if I did then I probably wouldn't want to go back, especially since the pay difference is only ~$1 more an hour.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment