ABSN or ADN?

[Interestedinrn]

Hello there everyone!

I am in need of some advice and direction from you fine people:)

I am having a difficult time deciding between an accelerated nursing program or an ADN program.

A little background info:

I am 20 years old and will be graduating next year with a bachelors of science degree in social service administration. I have a 3.7 overall GPA. During some of my fieldwork I got a chance to see nurses "in action" and became really interested in the field. My advisor told me about ABSN programs (my college does not offer one). So I began investigating.

I have also taken:

A&P 1 and 2

microbiology

chemistry (intro/Chem 1)

nutrition

Statistics

College algebra

I carry a 3.8 GPA in the those courses, these seem to be the course I need for entry into a nursing program.

Anyhow-

An ABSN program seems pretty awesome because it is not lengthy however it is more expensive than ADN as I would have to live on campus or near campus etc. I have a full ride for my current major at my college and commute from home, but I still want to be mindful of debt/loans.

The ADN program is 2 years and then I would do an online RN-BSN program directly after which I am told I can complete pretty rapidly since I already have a bachelors degree. I could live at home and there are 2 programs within driving distance of my home.

The absn program is 1 year. However, like I said more expensive :/

What would you guys advise? I know it's ultimately my choice, but I'd super appreciate your help!

thank you all!

[verene, MSN]

My advice would be to apply for both and see where you get accepted and what financial aid looks like. Once accepted to one or more programs accept the one that then best fits your goals/living situation.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Check with the Hospital where you plan to work and make sure they hire new grad ADN nurses. Next are you planning to go to grad school? The BSN will be required. I say start off with the BSN and then you may set yourself up for more options later. It isn't a matter of "an ADN nurse is as good as a BSN nurse". It is that the BSN is required for certain positions and for grad school. Many careers require at least a BSN in the nursing world.

[Interestedinrn]

Hello! Thank you for the reply!

I I am not interested in pursuing a Masters in Nursing.

If if I enter the ADN program I would bridge immediately afterward (meaning I would not enter the nursing workforce with an ADN). This would be more lengthy but the cost for ADN plus bridge is 10k and the ABSN a bit over double that.

I am not sure if the local hospitals still hire ADN, they might because I know a few diploma RNs that they have hired and that the hospital supports the local diploma program. However, I would not be entering the workforce until after completeing a bridge program.

It it would be the difference of 1.5 (ABSN) years and 2.5 years (ADN-Bridge)

I am wondering if I will have to pick between the cost being money or the cost being time.

Thank you, please let me know your thoughts!