Career Change ASN or BSN

Sparrow91 · May 19, 2014

Have you considered the accelerated BSN track? These are programs for people like yourself that have a previous baccalaureate degree. They can usually guarantee you a BSN in 1-2 years.

zeus&lincoln · May 19, 2014

Agree with the PP- an accel program (BSN) is what you want to do. The difference between a tradition ASN and Accel BSN is nothing and you will be much more marketable with a BSN in this economic climate.

I was a career changer myself. Best decision I've made was to become a nurse!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 19, 2014

I would look into all options available and the cost per each one. A BSN is preferred in most hospitals and settings however I am not having issues with an associate degree due to past healthcare experiences. It also is also about six months shorter for me to do the ADN and then do an RN to BSN program instead of doing the traditional BSN program.

Also look at the cost too and decide from there. I saved money by doing it my way too instead of going the traditional BSN route because the community college had a partnership with Ohio University. I received a discounted rate for all nursing classes.

zeus&lincoln · May 19, 2014

But this person already has a BBA and then some... So the traditional route for a ASN would actually be more time consuming and probably more expensive because of it. Also, you stated you had health care experience...the OP doesn't. That is why I suggested the BSN.

The accel programs I looked into took anywhere from 12-18 months. My program was 15 months and prepared us very well. Every graduate is now gainfully employed. Program costed around $20,000 with everything included from books to tuition and fees.

applewhitern, BSN, RN · May 20, 2014

Since Shelley already has an MBA and works in accounting finance, I am sure she can figure out which program is less costly. I agree, get the accelerated BSN; you will probably only need to take the actual nursing classes. The nursing classes for ADN and BSN are basically the same; the ADN simply takes the classes the BSN students take in their last 2 years of school. You should already have most of the core classes you will need, except maybe a few science classes. Good luck.

Peanut&Buttercup · May 20, 2014

I also have a BS and a graduate degree and am making the switch too. I start my ADN program in the fall; its three semesters, with the option of going on for the BSN. I was in a different position than sheridans2u in that my GPA was not competitive for an accelerated BSN or direct entry masters program, so I really had no choice. However, i completed all of my prerequisites while still working. I have also completed all of the non-nursing classes, so I only need 11-12 credits each of the next three semesters and I'm in a night/weekend program. As a result, I am hoping I can continue to work while I get my RN. There are so many online RN to BSN programs that (assuming I can get a job!) that I hope to work while I earn that as well. Definitely not the quickest way, but I think it'll suit me just fine. I really don't like the ideas of more student loans!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 20, 2014

I always say include cost because sometimes the cost is significantly different and people don't always consider that when getting degrees. It is more common to consider the cost now but I remember when my sister graduated from college, she didn't have a 2nd thought in regards to the 80,000 she racked up in debt.

Letsstepforward · May 28, 2014

@zeus&lincoln, i am also looking into absn, but something I am a little worried about is the job market. I read a lot on this website about finding jobs and also not finding jobs, tips and techniques on going about it as well.

I would love to hear your nursing career experience as a new grad. How long was it before you landed your first position, how did you go about job searching, are you in a specific specialty or have you started in med/surg? Did you pursue LTC?

And if you dont mind, would you tell me where u are from? I am from NJ.

I especially wanted to ask you about all this because of your last statement, that it was the best decision you have made to become a nurse! I hope I can also say that!

Thanks!

zeus&lincoln · May 28, 2014

Hello!

I would not worry about the job outlook as much as getting a solid education from a reputable school and getting some experience if you can even if it is just a PRN tech job (although most members of my cohort didn't have any experience and we were all hired... Not in everyone's preferred speciality though). I was so unnecessarily worried about the job market because of all the negative statements I read on this website. Try your best to ignore these posts. I know that some people have had grave difficulty finding positions but some people will always have trouble finding a job no matter the profession.

I am in Florida. I found a job within a month of graduation. I was selected in all but one of the jobs I applied for before taking boards. I applied and was interviewed within a month. I was fortunate enough to land 5 of the 5 RN jobs I applied for and quickly decided on NICU. The other positions I applied for were in a multisystem pcu, cardiac icu, bone marrow transplant and in ortho.

Letsstepforward · May 28, 2014

That's sounds great! I am opting for a diploma course in NJ at Hackensack Medical Center, since I am not able to meet the absn gpa requirements.