AA vs BSN - does it matter???

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Hi. I need some advice/opinions.

I currently have a BS and MA degree in fields other than nursing. I plan on starting nursing school this fall and I have 2 choices:

1. AA degree - 16 month program

2. Accelerated BSN degree - 12 month program

I will add that I do plan to go on to get an MSN in the future after I have some clinical experience under my belt.

My question for you nurses is: does it really matter if I get the AA or the BSN given that I already have 2 previous degrees? Is there a perception difference in the workplace for AAs vs BSNs? Is there a large pay difference?

There are several RN to MSN programs in my area so I don't need a BSN to eventually get my MSN.

Any advice/thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You do need a BSN to get an MSN. The AA's to MSN programs award the BSN in the process of going to the MSN and might take you 3 or 4 years (depending on if you're a working RN full time, which you might probably be). So it's a long haul to get the MSN starting with an AA. But the AA to MSN programs don't repeat some courses like say patho., you'll take the MSN level patho right away instead of a BSN level patho and then later an MSN patho.

If you goal is the MSN, I would also calculate that time your consideration.

If I were you, I'd go straight for the BSN in 12 months because it's a higher degree and should you not want your MSN at all, or you want to wait a few years, you have the BSN under your belt for later opportunities.

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Don't forget to evaluate each program's individual strengths as well and your own learning needs. Some programs are very well reputed for strong clinical preparation. If you want to get as much clinical bang for the buck, you might find a local ADN program has the best reputation. If you are definitely interested in pursuing non-bedside nursing in the future, BSN programs generally have more public and community health content. If you have the opportunity to talk to graduates of the different programs, that would be great too, to see which would be the best fit for you.

By the way, it's my understanding that there are 2nd degree MSN programs out there that do NOT grant a BSN along the way. If they don't finish the MSN, they can't just get a BSN instead.

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Specializes in Psych, substance abuse, MR-DD.

As far as pay and perception go, I have not seen anyone being treated differently based on their degree. I know that some hospitals offer a slightly higher salary to BSN nurses, but none that I know of in my area.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
By the way, it's my understanding that there are 2nd degree MSN programs out there that do NOT grant a BSN along the way.

That is correct.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I stand corrected, with the caviet that the two ADN to MSN schools here do indeed grant a BSN. A friend of mind was in the ADN to MSN program at University of Tampa and stopped when she got her BSN. Some of the courses, such as research were taken at the MSN level so she doesn't have to repeat those courses when she gets her MSN later.

I guess a blanket statement can't be made because it's not consistent everywhere.

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