Associates vs Bachelors

PMFB-RN, RN · Jun 12, 2008

You could also go for your ADN (associate's in nursing) and then do a bridge program (RN-to-BSN). You would definitely need your BSN if you want to become a CRNA.

*** Not necessarily. A bachelors degree IS required for CRNA school but lots of schools accept degrees other than a BSN. You could go to CRNA school with an ADN and a bachelors in something else. My best friend just left for CRNA school. He has an ADN, a BS in biology and will graduate CRNA school with an MS in biology.

A BSN may be a better bet though.

NurseBrittney · Jun 12, 2008

Hi! I am starting nursing school this fall and recently asked about the difference in salary between an RN with an associates degree and an RN with a bachelor's degree and was told there is no difference in salary between the two. Is this true? I'm a little skeptical b/c it doesn't seem possible that an education attained in two years can earn the same salary as one that takes four years to earn. Can someone clear this up for me? Thanks!

at my hospital its like 3% or 5% (can;t remember which one) increase in pay in a BSN over RN, which is like $0.75/hour, however it does give you the advantage for management positions

aloha551 · Jun 19, 2008

You never go wrong with added education . Once its in your backpocket no one can take it away from you.Its like any thing else ,knowledge builds on knowledge. You can't get around the pre reqs and there are few shortcuts. There are also many Nurses who went through school with a family. If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way. Good luck on your journey.

MJJFan1, BSN, RN · Aug 22, 2008

I went ADN route, and proud to say that 100% of our class passed the NCLEX the first time around. Didn't see that in the BSN programs in the surrounding area. At the end of the curriculum we all have to take the same crazy test. BSN's get a lot more theory.....

tylermbell · May 14, 2009

i'm wondering, would i still be able to get into specialization like the anesthesiology thing if i only go for the associates? or would it be more of a hassle?

Ashgvsu20 · Nov 21, 2009

Background:

I currently hold a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) with a major in Marketing. I've been working in "business world" for about 3 years and have decided it's time for a career change....nursing!

I've considered accelerated BSN programs but due to financial restrictions I don't think I would be able to participate in such a program. I've heard it's next to impossible to have a job during the program and I cannot afford to not work while going to school.

As an alternative it's been suggested I apply for ADN programs.

Questions:

If I were to obtain my ADN and become an RN, would I be considered for management/promotion due to my duel degrees or would I have to eventually obtain my BSN in order to advance? Obviously this would be after several years experience as an RN....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated:)

DoGoodThenGo · Nov 21, 2009

Most every listing one has seen for nurse manager positions state "BSN preferred", and this is for everything from head nurse to DON (Director or Nursing). Mind you some places might hire or promote from within an ADN or even Diploma grad for head nurse,but for supervisor on up, you'll need the BSN or at least show you have begun a program.

PMFB-RN, RN · Nov 21, 2009

You never go wrong with added education . .

*** Well I wouldn't say never. Let's say for example your goal is to go to CRNA school and so you need to get a job in a high speed ICU. At least two ICUs I know of, including the one where I work are no longer hiring new grad BSNs into their 7 month nurse residency program. Nothing is written down but only ADNs have been hired for the last several classes.

Better (in this situation) to start with and ADN and have a shot at getting directly into a large ICU rather than starting off with a BSN and having no chance in at least a couple of units.

The ADN can work for two years, make $120K over those two years, get their BSN in an RN to BSN program, paid for by the hospital, and at the end of four years be an RN with no student debt, two years of high qualiety experience and a BSN and have made (about) $120K. Or after four years a nurse could be a brand new grad with the debt from a 4 year college to pay back.

superdave · Nov 26, 2009

Does anyone know where I can find actual nursing articles addressing this issue, that I could use for a research paper? Thanks in advance.

Caller_Stalder · Mar 14, 2011

Boy, you just have all yhe answers hu? lol! Hallarious!

vanillacupcake17 · Mar 16, 2011

BSN is the way to go if you have the time, money, and motivation. No offense to anyone out there, but people think that the only difference between ADN's and BSN's is the difference between years of school. I took a psych class at a community college over the summer as well as the CNA class. Both were wayyyy easy compared to the workload/amt. of studying I do in not only my nursing program, but even for my gen ed's. Maybe there is a higher NCLEX pass rate for ADN's, but studies show that pt's have a lower mortality rate when cared for by BSN nurses. BSN nurses have stronger critical thinking skills and are usually hired over ADN nurses as well. No disrespect to any ADN's/ADN students out there, you should be proud of your education as well as your amazing future career. But as a BSN student, the expectations from professors is so high, and the caliber of classes are so rough BSN nurses deserve to be paid slightly more.

RN1980 · Mar 16, 2011

as a former adn grad and a recent bsn upgrade grad i will share my opinion on this matter. i would love to make more money for obtaining my bsn, but i dont and many hospitals in my area will not offer any extra $ for it. i think maybe you should get alittle extra per hr cause its a eduction thing and its a big pr move for the hospital to tout that x % of their staff nurses are bsn educated. however playing devils advocate, really should one nurse be paid more than another if both nurses take the same nclex, can take care of the same pt load, both can work in the same areas in the hospital and care for pts with the same acuities..just becuase you are a bsn or adn student dont mean your critical thinking skills are that sharp. those skills are honed with both education, desire, the enviroment that you work in and most importantly experience. with all that being said, i do wish for the eventual phasing out of the adn and diploma based nursing schools and the requirement of only bsn degree nurses. this is mainly for the supply and demand issue. less supply will increase demand and drive pay up. anything to get back to the shortages of the early and mid 90's.