WHY does a B.S. + RN not equal BSN

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

Published

I'm not trying to be argumentative here...I'm asking a serious question because I really don't understand. I also didn't post this over in the ADN vs BSN thread because it's not nearly as active. I also searched for answers (so don't skewar me), and while I found others who asked if it's the same and were simply told 'no it's not'...but I couldn't find an answer to WHY it's not. So here it goes...

I have two B.S. degrees..one in Speech Therapy, and the other in Computer Science (don't ask..life detours keep life interesting).

I am now purusuing a nursing career. My mother was a nurse for 40 years. I keep hearing how I really NEED a BSN to move up in the field. But here's the rub - I have no desire to go back for a THIRD BS degree. I have general education coming out the wazoo. At the most I'm willing to go from an RN-MSN program provided I get tuition help from my employer as I've had enough education expenses thankyouverymuch. But another BS degree...Really?

I am also being told, here and in other places, that a B.S. degree in another field, plus an RN license does NOT equal a BSN. I really don't get that. I have the general education from a 4 year degree (and then some), and I will (God willing) have the RN education which basically encompasses the last 2 years of a BSN program (and the program I will be going through actual has MORE clinical hours than the BSN programs locally). So, 2+2 = BSN in my mind. So why doesn't it?

And don't tell me it's because of this elusive Magnet Status either. Because two of our local hospitals have Magnet status and they not only HIRE ADN's, they RUN hospital based diploma programs which spit out wonderfully prepared diploma nurses...who then get hired at said hospitals. So, the theory that Magnet Status hospitals don't hire anything less than BSN's....well, I'm confused on that too because I keep hearing it here - but the reality seems quite different - at least where I live. Feel free to answer that for me too....

So what I am hearing here is...get your BSN. If you get a diploma or ADN first and you already have a BS degree - then you need to do an RN-BSN program which will include your general education...which i ALREADY have! So, what, I take one or two bridge classes and call it a BSN? It not only seems like a money grab from the Universities, but also a semantic technicality by everyone else. What am I missing?

Please, someone - kindly- explain to me the difference between a BS degree in ANYTHING in CONJUNCTION with an RN license...and a BSN. I really want to know.

I can't speak for other programs but my schools' BSN program has a component focused on research and evidence based practice. I find both interesting and research can only benefit our field in my opinion

0 Votes
I'm not trying to be argumentative here...I'm asking a serious question because I really don't understand. I also didn't post this over in the ADN vs BSN thread because it's not nearly as active. I also searched for answers (so don't skewar me), and while I found others who asked if it's the same and were simply told 'no it's not'...but I couldn't find an answer to WHY it's not. So here it goes...

I have two B.S. degrees..one in Speech Therapy, and the other in Computer Science (don't ask..life detours keep life interesting).

I am now purusuing a nursing career. My mother was a nurse for 40 years. I keep hearing how I really NEED a BSN to move up in the field. But here's the rub - I have no desire to go back for a THIRD BS degree. I have general education coming out the wazoo. At the most I'm willing to go from an RN-MSN program provided I get tuition help from my employer as I've had enough education expenses thankyouverymuch. But another BS degree...Really?

I am also being told, here and in other places, that a B.S. degree in another field, plus an RN license does NOT equal a BSN. I really don't get that. I have the general education from a 4 year degree (and then some), and I will (God willing) have the RN education which basically encompasses the last 2 years of a BSN program (and the program I will be going through actual has MORE clinical hours than the BSN programs locally). So, 2+2 = BSN in my mind. So why doesn't it?

And don't tell me it's because of this elusive Magnet Status either. Because two of our local hospitals have Magnet status and they not only HIRE ADN's, they RUN hospital based diploma programs which spit out wonderfully prepared diploma nurses...who then get hired at said hospitals. So, the theory that Magnet Status hospitals don't hire anything less than BSN's....well, I'm confused on that too because I keep hearing it here - but the reality seems quite different - at least where I live. Feel free to answer that for me too....

So what I am hearing here is...get your BSN. If you get a diploma or ADN first and you already have a BS degree - then you need to do an RN-BSN program which will include your general education...which i ALREADY have! So, what, I take one or two bridge classes and call it a BSN? It not only seems like a money grab from the Universities, but also a semantic technicality by everyone else. What am I missing?

Please, someone - kindly- explain to me the difference between a BS degree in ANYTHING in CONJUNCTION with an RN license...and a BSN. I really want to know.

I am just reading your post, and I appreciate you raising the question. I understand and feel your frustration. I have had some of the same questions so I have been trying to read through the posts to gain some insight as to the importance--from a career ladder perspective--as to why I would need a BSN. I have a BA in Biology, Master's in Public Health w/emphasis in Health Policy and Administration, and MBA. I am currently enrolled in an ADN program. I was frustrated earlier this semester because my political science class in UG didn't count b/c it wasn't American Gov't or US History. I was asked if I was planning to enroll in the BSN program and I stated that I was planning to do an ADN/ASN-MSN program. It was suggested that if I wanted to go into managment that I needed the BSN or I would have to wait until I finished the MSN. Personally, I don't want another bachelor's degree. I understand they are different and that isn't my frustration. I wish there was a clear, definitive answer as to my career potential with my current degrees, including the ASN, and a MSN vs. getting a BSN and then the MSN. I understand that my route may not be the traditional route taken by most nurses; however, the I feel that the face of nursing is changing in that many students are non-traditional and have previous degrees. I am not suggesting that they substitute for nursing or nursing related courses. It just would be helpful to have some guidance as to how previous degrees can be used to enhance our nursing education and not be tossed aside as if they are worthless and carry no meaning.

0 Votes

The school I will be attending to get my MSN looks at ADN + BA/BS in another field as being equal to a BSN. So I'll enter directly into a 2 year MSN program the same as a BSN grad and I'll have my ADN + BA (neuroscience/psych). My ADN program did have curriculum focused on nursing research and nursing informatics and nursing leadership and population based nursing.

0 Votes

ForeverLaur, can you tell me what school you are going to that will let you apply with an ADN and a BA? I have a BS in Biology and an ADN. I WANTED to get the BSN, but because of budget cuts in California, the state schools were blocking second bachelor applicants. Now I cant get a job. I have been looking at RN-BSN programs, but they seem so long! Like 2 or 3 years! I really just need 5 or 6 upper division nursing classes. I have found a bridge at one state school, but it requires 28 units just to apply to the MSN, and I still wont be given a BSN. I have looked at , which will let me transfer in my plethora of units, but they only give pass no pass for grades. I am trying to find a school that I can finish within a year that will also give me a public health clinical and a health assesment class with a lab. One of the Cal States offers this but due to budget is only accepting one cohort a year, and the next one starts Fall of 2013.

0 Votes

The Ohio State University. On their traditional masters admission requirements page it states:

"Applicants who are registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field can apply and be accepted for admission under specific conditions. These applicants, if admitted, must demonstrate or acquire proficiency in: (1) concepts and processes in population-focused nursing, and (2) concepts and processes for leadership in contemporary nursing practice. Proficiency may be demonstrated by coursework, work experience, or a proficiency exam. In lieu of demonstrated proficiency, students will be required to complete the undergraduate RN to BSN courses in population-focused nursing and/or leadership in nursing courses before progressing to graduate courses."

MS Traditional Admissions | College of Nursing

0 Votes
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

That's because a BSN program has coursework that is different from a BS degree in another field and also different from an ADN degree. With your BSN you get your theory and research.

0 Votes

Your multiple bachelor's degrees do not include nursing theory classes or clinicals. How can you be awarded a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (AKA BSN) without taking a single nursing course? I chose nursing as a 2nd degree path already having a Bachelor's of Science in Biology. The good news is you won't need to start from square one since your english, math, chemistry, etc. should already transfer over. You will need to pick up A&P, microbiology, some psychology, depending on what program you choose. As for me, I chose to take the cheaper approach of getting an Associate Degree in Nursing which allowed me to work full time while taking nursing courses. Now I'm a nurse who will soon be in a RN-BSN (or RN-MSN if I change my mind) program (you can check out Texas Women's University for this program option) but you will have to find a way to become a RN first.

0 Votes

I still maintain the information learned in a RN-BSN program must not be that important if highly ranked schools will let a BA + ADN go straight into the MSN :)

0 Votes

if that were true i could agree with you. unfortunately for that soundbite, those "ba-mn" programs have prerequisites, nursing courses to be completed before beginning the mn program requirements.

0 Votes

The only requirement for a BA/ADN to direct enter the MSN program is to demonstrate proficiency in:

(1) concepts and processes in population-focused nursing, and (2) concepts and processes for leadership in contemporary nursing practice

This can be done by coursework, work experience, or a proficiency exam. I have been told they are pretty lenient as to what they will accept. If you cannot meet the requirement, you are admitted and you take one or both courses the summer before you start the MSN program. I know that my ADN program does meet those requirements via coursework so I will be able to directly start the MSN program the exact same as a BSN grad. I will have no prerequisites and no nursing courses to take prior.

And yes, this is a top ranked university with a well ranked and respected nursing program.

0 Votes

I also have a BS in another field & I have been a practicing RN for over 30 years, I have even held administrative positions. I would love to pursue an MSN for personal growth or maybe even to teach, but it is impossible for me to get into an MSN program without completing my BSN. I could however, get into Medical School, Law School, a Physician Assistant program or any other professional secondary program & they wonder why there is a shortage of nurses. We are our own worst enemies!

0 Votes

which program, I have looked at several

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment