ABSN BSN or ADN?

leenak · Jun 9, 2011

2 year BSN programs are full time programs. The only major difference between ABSN programs and BSN programs is that the ABSN programs have less breaks meaning you don't get a summer break and other breaks may be shortened or eliminated. Some ABSN programs do add an extra course into the semester as well but I've noticed some don't and reduce the time by just shortening the breaks. So your chances of working full time and taking a full time BSN program are pretty slim.

Also something to figure out is most ABSN programs are 13-18 months long while 2 year BSN programs are really 21 months long. So something to figure out in your cost analysis is if you can go to a less expensive 2 year BSN program, would your overall costs be cheaper in the long run? Also if you get a summer break with a BSN program, you may be able to get a summer job between the 2 years but again that is not guaranteed.

Either way you'd go, I'd suggest you start saving as much money now as you can in preparation for going back to school

kamcnam · Jun 9, 2011

Thank you ! the program that I am looking at is a 12 month ABSN which would be a lot of work I am sure .... as for acceptance rate..how competative is it to get into one of these programs?...my gpa was not very good in college , below a 3.0 however I would have to take 3 prereqs which I am sure I will get good grades in, I also do volunteer work at a childrens rehab center. My only issue is that I have to take the prereqs before I know my acceptance into the program which makes me feel a bit uneasy...

leenak · Jun 9, 2011

ABSN programs are generally very competitive and many will state a required undergrad GPA which is usually 3.0 although some may be higher. They will also weigh the grades of your pre-reqs and some schools will take into consideration if your last 2 years had better grades than your first 2.

I plan to apply to 3 different programs initially, 1 ABSN and 2 BSN. If I don't get into any of those 3, I plan to apply again the following round as well as add a couple other schools. Although you may get lucky and get in, I'd also look at other programs as well just in case.

LittleLiz8235 · Jun 9, 2011

I'm in the same boat you are! I graduated with an B.A. in Communication Arts last year, and had been contemplating a nursing degree for a while (but I was too close to graduation to change my mind, or so I thought). After a year of job hunting and coming up empty handed, I decided to make the most of my situation and follow my dream! Since you already have a bachelor's degree, I would suggest looking at just going for the bsn-I only have 6 prereqs that I have to complete. They aren't even making me take extra math (I technically have only taken one college algebra course) since I already have the degree, and are working with me to get me through prereqs as fast as possible. They may do the same for you.

It took me a while to really jump in head first and do this-I researched endlessly, contemplated all sorts of career-related options, trying to find anything to "scratch the itch" that wouldn't take another 3-4 years of school. I finally just came to the conclusion that nursing was what I wanted to do and that I wouldn't really be happy doing anything else. Now that i've started this path, I couldn't be happier! So good luck with your journey! :)

kamcnam · Jun 9, 2011

EGriff -

Glad someone is in the same shoes as me ! I was happy to find out that with this particular program I would only have to take 3 prereqs because I was a psych major I already took stats and the required psych credits.

I have also been researching like crazy , my only hesitation is how I can do this financially ... are you planning to work full time while doing your bsn ?

leenak · Jun 9, 2011

Most full time ABSN/BSN programs discourage you from working even part time while in the program. Usually the programs are 4 days per week with varying hours but typical seems to be something like 8am to 4pm but clinicals may even be earlier. Some people have worked nights/weekends during a ABSN/BSN program but it seems like very few have worked full time. I personally plan to quit my job and go to school full time but then again I am married with a working spouse and will have a decent sized savings by the time I start my program.

LittleLiz8235 · Jun 9, 2011

That's awesome that you only have to take 3! I am lucky and don't have to work this time, thanks to my wonderful husband who supports me emotionally and financially. I dunno what I would do without him! :redbeathe I decided to just get more student loans for now-my first years salary will go towards paying it off. I am hoping, however, that I can get scholarships for a lot of it. Don't let the money keep you from your dream-I would go talk to financial aid at your university ASAP.

One word of advice though-if you go the student loan route, you have to prove that your 2nd degree is different from the first. Eg., you can't get a degree in comm and then go back for a degree in English and expect the govt. To pay for it :) you'll be good of course, but just make sure all the paperwork gets done. My fin. Aid office is full of morons so I didnt get correct info and thus got my money way late.

kamcnam · Jun 9, 2011

What a great Hubby :) yea I definitely will have to speak to a financial aid person asap .... the enrollment for the program I am looking at does not begin until 2012 so I have some time to figure out my options...very stressful but in the end will be worth it! ps I have been looking at Loan Forgiveness programs in the area and seems that some hospitals will "forgive" some of your loans in exchange for working in a department which is in need of nurses, maybe something for you to look into as well...good luck !!

LittleLiz8235 · Jun 10, 2011

That's a good idea. I'm hoping that the economy will buck up and that there will be morevof that kind of thing available once we get out and into the workforce!