ADN, bachelor or master degree?

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I have a bachelor degree and would like to go into nursing. I know there are 3 ways into the program, the ADN, bachelor and master degree. As for the ADN there are always a waiting list (I live in LA). As for the bachelor degree, some school is not acceptant bachelor degree student to get in due to budget cut. As for the master degree I think only some private school have it. My question is if I get a ADN now, would it be easier to get in bachelor or master program when I am working as a nurse or you guys think I should just go straight to the bachelor program. I know some of the private school have it for example Mt Saint Mary.

Any suggestions you guys could give me.

I feel like I could be in any of the 3 but what is a better outcome for my future. I would like to get a bachelor or master in the future because it will expand my career path more. But then I also hear that the hospital will give you money for a bachelor or master if you work with them for a certain amount of year. Is that true?

Hope I could get some help from you guys

Thanks

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Most people go to the program where they are accepted and work on furthering their education afterward. If you already have a bachelor's degree, it makes even more sense for you to go with BSN or entry-level MSN programs, if you can get accepted. However, be careful with accelerated BSN programs because many have had to transfer to traditional programs after they found they could not keep up in the accelerated program.

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thank you for you quick reply...I was actually thinking of the accelerated bachelor from Mt saint mary because Cal state LA, fullerton and long beach won't accept bachelor degree student due to budget cut

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Specializes in LDRP.

If you already have a bachelor's degree and know that you are a smart, hardworking, and competent student, then I say definitely go for the accelerated BSN! You might as well put your bachelor's degree to some use and in 2 years or less, you could be an RN-BSN (assuming you pass the NCLEX of course). However, keep in mind that these programs tend to be pretty expensive (most I've found are $30,000), in California anyway.

Also, with the BSN, you have the option of eventually getting your Master's degree. I think this would save a lot of time (and money!) as opposed to getting your ADN and then having to take a bridge program to get your BSN and THEN being able to get your MSN.

If you don't already have a bachelor's degree, then I would recommend enrolling in a traditional BSN program so that you can get your MSN later. Just my :twocents:. Good luck in your endeavors! :nurse:

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Specializes in Private Practice- wellness center.

I would consider what kind of career path you would like to take with your advanced degree as to whether or not you choose a private school over a public university. If you are interested in the admin or education side of things, the private school would be fine. However, if you are more inclined toward becoming a NP or CNM, I would stick with a traditional public school as it will make it easier for you when you go to get your advanced degree. :D

Good luck!

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I just went online for cal state LA, fullerton and Long Beach, all three school will not accept bachelor to bachelor degree. My only option now is take the Entry level Master program which is 3 years at CAl State LA or just do the Associate degree. The master degree is like 50K, it seem to be so much money. Sigh...Maybe I should just do the associate and go out to work then come back for my master. What is the options for an associate degree to go into bachelor or master? Do anyone know?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Hey Cloudy:

Are there other Cal BSN programs you can look into? I am also looking at going into an ABSN program in my area. Did you try here: Accelerated BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

I will tell you, I ran into some great people on here who decided to do the AMSN instead and they are doing fine as an NP, even without any nursing experience. However, I personally want RN experience before getting the MSN (or eventually the DNP) to become an FNP.

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Hey Cloudy:

Are there other Cal BSN programs you can look into? I am also looking at going into an ABSN program in my area. Did you try here: Accelerated BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

I will tell you, I ran into some great people on here who decided to do the AMSN instead and they are doing fine as an NP, even without any nursing experience. However, I personally want RN experience before getting the MSN (or eventually the DNP) to become an FNP.

Thanks for the link but I checked and the only one that is close to me is Saint mary and it cost 53K for the 1 year program. BTW what is NP, DNP and FNP. Sorry for the stupid question, I am quite new to the field. Still trying to figure out alot of things.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Wow $53k! The ABSN programs by me are between $27-$30k.

NP = Nurse Practitioner

FNP = Family Nurse Practitioner

DNP = Doctor of Nurse Practice (It's like obtaining a PhD)

And you didn't ask a stupid question, I too didn't know what the initials meant when I first joined this forum.

There are many specialties to an NP. Either FNP, PNP (Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner), ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner), WHNP (Women's Health Nurse Practitioner), and the list goes on and on. All require at least a MSN to practice and some are even requiring a DNP.

Nurse Practitioner Definition, Education and Training, Licensure and Certification - What Is a Nurse Practitioner? - Women's Health Channel

This link also tells you what each initial means (scroll all the way down): Nurse practitioner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Thanks for the quick reply...If you don't mind may I ask which area are you located and which college are you attending right now?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I'm in NJ and I'm done with my prerequisites, I applied to an ABSN near me, still waiting to hear back from them.

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