Question about education

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Hi everyone,

I know this has probably been discussed to death on here and after I read this topic:

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/associates-vs-bachelors-229716.html

I still couldn't really get a definitive answer. I currently have a BS in kinesiology and would like to pursue nursing with a specialty in orthopedics. My plan is to get an associate in nursing and work as an RN, I'm not real clear if I would have to go back for a BSN or not.

Please feel free to post other topics and links here. Again, sorry if I upset anyone!

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Well...take it up with the schools..they consider it accelerated as they don't make them retake all the required courses for a bachelors in nursing...they just take the nursing so the get a 4 year degree in 2 years...they consider that accelerated.

Again when I answer I can only answer to what I know. Hence the use of the word...usually.

I was only referring to the school's use of the term accelerated, not your use of it. I think it's misleading when the SCHOOL uses that term.

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Hi everyone,

First, thanks for all the replies they were very informative! Second, sorry I haven't been on here in awhile.

Just as an updated, I decided to go with an ASN program for now to knock out some nursing and prerequisite courses I haven't taken (intro to tech for nursing, pharm, sociology, and intro to nursing). After I finish these courses, I'm going to try and get into an accelerated BSN program at Wright State.

After that, I'll take the ONC exam for the ortho specialty and hope to land a career in the OR in an ortho unit somewhere.

Thanks again everyone!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
I think calling a two year BSN "accelerated" is misleading and inaccurate since it is in no way faster or actually accelerated from the regular, standard BSN programs.

Here in Wisconsin a college grad, especially if their degree in a science degree, can enter the regular BSN program as a junior and complete it in two years, or they can choose the accelerated program and be done in a year. Both require the same specific pre-reqs.

It would seem some schools are pulling one over on wannabe nurses by simply labeling the regular program "accelerated".

Here (Louisiana) the aBSN programs are approximately 22 months straight through. Whereas the traditional BSN programs are 5-6 semesters with no summer semesters. So the 22 months shaves about a year off the program.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Here (Louisiana) the aBSN programs are approximately 22 months straight through. Whereas the traditional BSN programs are 5-6 semesters with no summer semesters. So the 22 months shaves about a year off the program.
Yes but you must already possess an bachelors degree AND finished prerequisites.
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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
Yes but you must already possess an bachelors degree AND finished prerequisites.

Right but you would still need those pre reqs if you were applying to the nursing portion of a traditional program so it is in fact an accelerated way to get to RN, at least in my state. PP had stated that being 2 years wasn't accelerated Bc in his state (Wisconsin) traditional BSN programs had only 2 years of nursing courses. At least that is how I interpreted their comment.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hi everyone,

First, thanks for all the replies they were very informative! Second, sorry I haven't been on here in awhile.

Just as an updated, I decided to go with an ASN program for now to knock out some nursing and prerequisite courses I haven't taken (intro to tech for nursing, pharm, sociology, and intro to nursing). After I finish these courses, I'm going to try and get into an accelerated BSN program at Wright State.

After that, I'll take the ONC exam for the ortho specialty and hope to land a career in the OR in an ortho unit somewhere.

Thanks again everyone!

I think you completely misunderstand what an accelerated BSN program is....

There are different entry paths into nursing ALL will allow you to sit for the licensing exam called NCLEX.

1) diploma: These are hospital based programs and they are very scarce. Once the gold standard for entry into nursing these programs are being phased out. ALL of your education is at the hospital that sponsors the program. If that facility doesn't hire you you WILL have difficulty getting a position

2) ADN/ASN associated degree: This is now typically a community/tech based college that is in total 3 years in length for your prerequisite courses are taken the year prior to clinical.

3) BSN: this is a university based program that is 4 years in length. The first 2 years are prerequisite/required courses with clinical and nursing course work beginning in the junior year. The is fast becoming the gold standard for nursing education with facilities preferring BSN grads to associate grads.

4) Accelerated BSN: This is an intensive fast paced program for entry level nurses who ALREADY have a bachelors in another flied. This requires that ALL non nursing coursework be completed before entering the program. These still will take at least 2-3 years to complete. 1 year of prerequisites and 12 up to 24 months of nursing course work....depending on the program and state

5) Direct entry MSN: These are also university based and are new to the arena. After 3-4 years of college the student sits for boards then goes an additional 1 year or so to complete the MSN.

So....after your ASN you would enter into a RN-BSN program.

You will not be able to get your ONC certification without work experience.

Candidates for the ONC® examination are not required to have a BSN but must meet the following eligibility criteria at the time of application:

  • Have two full years of experience practicing as an RN.
  • Have a minimum of 1,000 hours of work experience as an RN in orthopaedic nursing practice within the past three years. The ONCB® accepts, but does not limit the practitioner to orthopaedic experience in the areas of administration, adult care, clinic, critical care, education, emergency room, home health care, long-term care, medical-surgical nursing, office practice, oncology, operating room, and pediatrics.
  • Hold a current, full and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States, or its possessions, OR hold a current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a first-level, general nurse in the country in which the candidate’s general nursing education was completed, and have educational equivalency established by one of the following approved agencies:

Eligibility
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I've already read all that information on the naon website thanks though. And I also understood the rn-bsn path. Thanks though.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I've already read all that information on the naon website thanks though. And I also understood the rn-bsn path. Thanks though.

I'm sorry I misunderstood your post

I decided to go with an ASN program for now to knock out some nursing and prerequisite courses I haven't taken (intro to tech for nursing, pharm, sociology, and intro to nursing).
I thought you meant graduating from a program then going for an ABSN. Not just the prerequisites. Although "Introduction into nursing" might be a nursing core course and can't be taken as a prereq.
After I finish these courses, I'm going to try and get into an accelerated BSN program at Wright State.
I thought when you said that you decided to go with the ASN program it meant graduating from it then the ABSN would be unavailable to you.

When you stated

After that, I'll take the ONC exam for the ortho specialty and hope to land a career in the OR in an ortho unit somewhere.
indicated to me that you would take the test then get a job....when you need a full two years experience to be eligible to sit for the exam.

I apologize for misunderstanding your post.

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No apology needed. I should've clarified lol

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Specializes in ER.

Direct entry MSN programs may be an option too in your area.

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They're out there and I'll probably end up doing an msn somewhere to hopefully secure a job. I had a shaky GPA with my kinesiology degree (2.6) and figured no one would accept me into a program.

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