A degree question, Diploma, AS, BS?

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Hello everyone! I used to be a member here years ago, but can't remember my ID and stuff so I had to start over :)

So, I have a question, and I don't know how to find the answer I need.

I graduated nursing school with my RN Diploma in 2004. I have worked in a variety of nursing situations over the last 12 years. I had planned on getting my BSN within 5 years of graduating nursing school. Life through me some crazy curves, as it does everyone, and my goals had to be postponed. And now, I am looking at starting to work toward my BSN, only 6 years late.

I found an online school that fits my goals to a T. The adviser is amazing, the tuition is feasible. The classes will all help me learn the things I want to focus on. But... they require me to start with an Associates degree. I graduated with my diploma. I can't seem to figure out how to get my Associates without having to take nursing school all over again. Is it even possible to go from Diploma to Associates?

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I can't seem to figure out how to get my Associates without having to take nursing school all over again. Is it even possible to go from Diploma to Associates?

That's the problem with RN Diplomas. You're going to be starting from scratch if you wish to advance, as far as I know.

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Hello everyone! I used to be a member here years ago, but can't remember my ID and stuff so I had to start over :)

So, I have a question, and I don't know how to find the answer I need.

I graduated nursing school with my RN Diploma in 2004. I have worked in a variety of nursing situations over the last 12 years. I had planned on getting my BSN within 5 years of graduating nursing school. Life through me some crazy curves, as it does everyone, and my goals had to be postponed. And now, I am looking at starting to work toward my BSN, only 6 years late.

I found an online school that fits my goals to a T. The adviser is amazing, the tuition is feasible. The classes will all help me learn the things I want to focus on. But... they require me to start with an Associates degree. I graduated with my diploma. I can't seem to figure out how to get my Associates without having to take nursing school all over again. Is it even possible to go from Diploma to Associates?

I think there are 2 options to this.

One would be an RN to BSN program. Since you do not have an AD you will get some college credits for your license (prob around 30 but you have to ask that program) and you will most likely get also some credit for nursing school after program evaluation. So - lets say you end up with 30 credits for your license and 30 credits for your nursing diploma program that would leave you with another 60 or so credits to go. Some schools will offer you some CLEP exam or language testing (if you are bilingual for example). The program would evaluate everything and after that tell you which classes and clinicals you have to take. Depending on the school it can add up but definitely possible to go from RN to BSN that way.

Second option. I think that would be to enroll at the community college for some classes if they are cheaper and transfer later to a different program. Most diploma RN go the other route I think because they are already busy with work and do not want to transfer again later on and it can be a headache.

A lot of schools now offer some online or blended version for RN - BSN. There are also hospitals that offer a program at their place and tuition reimbursement.

To get an idea look at the requirements for the RN-BSN online and send an email or go to an information event.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Saint Joseph's College of Maine offers an online RN-to-BSN completion program for RNs with diplomas who would like to earn the BSN degree.

Nursing BSN | Online | Saint Joseph's College

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Specializes in ER.

I think some RN to BSN programs will take you but you will have to take some additional pre-reqs.

I don't think there are RN to ADN programs but you would probably have to talk to the school of nursing at the local colleges and they may have to create a degree plan that involves classes you do not have.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Online Distance Learning forum for more responses.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

WGU's RN to BSN is affordable (according to everyone I know who has attended) and also accepts diploma RNs:

RN to BSN Online | Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree Program | WGU College of Health Online

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Most schools require you to have an RN license not an associates degree. No one from my diploma school ever had any issues getting their BSN. I can give you several good affordable accredited public school who will take your diploma...

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You absolutely do not have to start over or get your associates degree, I don't even think it's possible to get an associate degree. I think I actually had to take more classes than my local community college.

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