A.D.N. vs. B.S.N., Community College Deceit =(

nursebabygirl 08 · Jun 26, 2008

why hello,
I just graduated high school have currently registered to Pasadena City College, I become more and more confused about the degrees. At PCC, its possible to get an ADN from them and they say that they're accredited by the CBN but not the NLNAC.
I dont really want to stop at an ADN so I really wanna go to CSULA for their BSN program but their BSN program is totally impacted and their RN-BSN isnt. CSULA's RN-BSN program calls for a degree certified by the NLNAC so my associates degree at PCC would be totally rendered useless unless I take a difficult exam to enter.
Would it be better to have an ADN under my belt before a BSN? Would it take longer before I can start working (mom barely makes enough and my dad has a failing business)?
suggestions anyone? thanksss a ton. (btw I live in LA)

Hello lol,

I think to answer your question you must first evaluate your financial status, living arrangements etc. I am currently an RN ADN, but i was a CNA for 13 1/2 years first. In my opinion if money is a issue at this time then getting your ADN is a good option for two reasons:

1. when attending a two year college, you can receive a federal pell grant that will take care of tuition, booksand in most cases you will have a couple hundred over for other expenses. Maybe not all the time but majority of the time if a person applys for a pell grant and attend four year school, then they may find themselves in a money hole.I.E. you may have to borrow money to get through school.

2. I don't know what state your in, but if you must work while in school, then a ADN program gives you more flexibilty with a work schedule. For example; there are several ADN programs here that offer online nursing(of course you go in for clinicals and lab, but lecture is online), and evening nursing programs.

Also if you have any doubt of whether nursing is for you, then i would really recommend doing two years first, that way you have'nt wasted 4 years going to school for something you may not like. You can always go back and go througha RN-BSN program if you become a nurse and decide to further your education. Your young so i would strongly recommend that you do so; a BSN opens more doors for you as far as management, and education. Good luck to you and your endeavors... keep me posted. :up:

elkpark · Jun 26, 2008

I'm confused; what is the "deceit" you refer to in your title??

If you can get into an ADN program without a delay, that is the quickest way (as well as the least expensive) for you to get licensed (as an RN) and start working. You can then complete a BSN at your leisure. :)

There are a kazillion BSN-completion (for those already licensed as RNs via an ADN or diploma) programs out there, many of them completely on-line. Many of them do not require NLNAC accreditation or a stiff entrance exam. Also, many hospitals/employers offer some amount of tuition reimbursement as a job benefit, so, once you're licensed and working, you can often get your BSN-completion program partially or completely paid for by your employer.

You will find that nursing is a very "big tent" and you have many, many choices and options.