ABSN vs ADN/BSN

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  1. Which program route would you choose?

    • 0
      Bachelor of Psych then ABSN
    • 1
      Pre-reqs then ADN
    • 2
      Pre-reqs then traditional BSN

3 members have participated

So I have been an avid follower of this forum as I make my way through my pre-requisites to apply. My biggest concern is the different types of courses needed to apply as well of course the competitive part of it. I am currently enrolled in a regionally accredited online school, and can complete all my courses through there ( except my two sciences which I plan to do at my community college. What would you think is the best route for me ?

option 1: Apply as a transfer to an ADN/BSN program in spring of 2015 for acceptance in spring of 2016 having Chemistry w/ lab, a&p 1 and 2, eng 101, psych 101, lifespan psych and college algebra.

option 2: I can complete my BSN in psychology at my online school by December 2016 then do an accelerated BSN in about 13 months.

Which do you think would be less competitive? Best option for me? Is it easier to get in with a bachelors already? Anything else I should know about these choices?

Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Any which way you want to try to slice that pie, it's still going to be having to complete prerequisite courses and a program to get licensed. The fact that you'll have a Bachelors won't mean much without having those prerequisite courses completed. Had my situation been slightly different at the time, I probably would have chosen the BSN route. Going ADN to BSN is usually a course of study that lasts 3 years. What changes is that you may not have to do much UDGE at the BSN school, so the workload won't be too bad.

Another option that may be open to you after you get your Bachelors is the ELM.

Given that getting into nursing school (any program) can be very competitive, my advice would be simple: apply to every program that you're going to be qualified for, as you qualify for them. If you're qualified and "not selected" then you need to reapply at the next opportunity. If you're determined to be "not qualified" then you need to fix the deficiency and apply again when you're good to go.

You'll ultimately need a BSN because that'll open doors for you later.

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I agree this with, but with the bachelors I will have the pre-req courses built in over the next 2 years when I get my Bachelors. Either way I will complete the pre-reqs. I'm just wondering if getting a bachelors then going to ABSN would be easier to get into school and be a better idea. I currently work as a paramedic and work a 24/48 schedule so my schedule is different every week and we work 24 hour shifts. So I would ultimately be left not to work while either completing a 2 years or a 4 year program which is troubling. Luckily my online school is accredited to transfer to brick and mortar schools and once I complete the bachelors I would have completed all required coursework. Just trying to see what is the best option. I guess I kind of just want to be in nursing school already since I slacked for 4 years after getting out of high school and did not go to any school until now. But BSN is seeming like ideally the more logical way to go because I'll already have a bachelors and I can get it while not changing my work schedule as it is online...

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Why do you want "easier" and "less competitive"?? And what is a "BSN in psychology"? Maybe I am just not reading your post correctly. I did an ABSN and if you think 21 hours a semester of nursing classes is "easy" you are in for a rude awakening. And you better get at LEAST a 3.2GPA on your psych degree. Good luck finding the "easier" and "less competitive" school you feel you are capable of.

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Specializes in Nurse-Midwife.

When I was first considering my options for becoming an RN, all I wanted was an efficient and high quality program. I wanted to do it quickly, and I wanted to get it done in a relatively short period of time.

I initially chose the expensive and rapid route - unfortunately quality suffered.

[isn't there a saying? You only can have 2 out of 3: cheap, fast or good.]

Anyway - there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a nursing program. Do you want to continue your education beyond a Bachelor's degree? How much in student loan debt do you think is reasonable for the nursing position you want/hope to take when you are finished? What is the program's reputation? What are the passing rates for boards? What type of clinical sites are available in the program? What are the options for work in your area with an ADN? With a BSN?

I have been on the slow boat to reaching my goal of becoming an advance practice nurse - at this point in time I am not unhappy with my choice because I am accomplishing this with little to no student loan debt. Huge student loan payments can be a hindrance - and I think the cost of the program should be considered when trying to decide where and when to go to school.

I know of accelerated BSN programs that cost upward of $50,000 in tuition - this seems like highway robbery to me.

When considering higher education, I used to equate increased cost with excellence - but now I have shifted my beliefs - and I believe cost often only signifies swiftness (no wait list, year-round courses, condensed clinical rotations) - it's hit or miss whether quality accompanies these accelerated programs.

In any case, I would encourage you to get the highest-quality education, and to be aware that the programs with the highest pricetag may not promise the highest-quality education.

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I apologize I meant BS in psychology not BSN. And thank you for your comments. I plan to eventually go for CRNA or NP. I think that getting my bachelors in psychology then doing an ABSN is probably a better route as ill have a better foundation, I won't have any debt from my bachelors, I'll be able to work until I'm ready for the program. I guess I was looking to do his "fast" because I just want to start my career and not be old when I'm finally done with school. 4 years seems so far away. I'll be 25 or 26 when I complete my ABSN. Which isn't too bad at all. I'm just stressed dealing with paycheck to paycheck and being burnt out from my current job I just want to do something that I love and not have to wait so long to get there. But since I am thinking more advanced Master's afterwards I think a bs in psychology and a bsn will hold up a bit more than just a bsn.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Nothing in the medical field is quick. Take a deep breath. Time flies even though it may not seem like that at the time. Take your time with it and get good grades especially if you plan to go for grad school. What you do now WILL matter later. Best of luck

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