ADN or BSN? I already have unrelated BA

premedturnednursing · Feb 10, 2006

Hello. I'm in the same boat you are. I have a B.A. in Spanish, but I was also premed, so I have already completed many of the science requirements. I have applied to an accelerated BSN program which will (should I get accepted) allow me to have an RN/BSN in 15 months. It is fairly expensive, though. An ADN program would be a lot cheaper, it would just take me longer. I've decided to apply to both 'cause I'm getting antsy waiting for an answer.

For both programs, though, the prereqs. seemed to be the same. You'll just have to do a little research on your particular schools.

A BSN is important if you ever want to go into nursing management or administration. If you want to become a CRNA or something like that, many schools will accept a bachelors in something and then an RN. (At least the 2 schools I am researching will).

It all depends on what you want to do. From what I understand, the pay rate for ADNs and BSNs on the patient care floor is the same.

I think I kinda rambled, but I hope I answered your questions! Good luck!

sumthnspecial · Feb 10, 2006

I am in the same boat as well. I have my B.A. in Child Development(never used it) and now I am trying to get into the nursing program and my local community college. It was kind of weird at first because I never went to that school, I just went to the university straight out of high school, so I felt like I was going backwards. THe reason I decided to get an AA in nursing instead of the BA was because the cost of the CC vs University, and the CC seemed to have a little easier pre-reqs(especially the chemistry requirement which scared the crap out of me). I had only taken one biology class before going back for nursing so I knew that those would be a challenge. I had 2 semsters of science classes at the CC before applying to the nursing program. Also, I already have a BA and it really doesn't make a difference to me if I just get the AA over the BA. If I didn't have the first BA I probably would have gone the BA route for nursing. I can always so back later if I decide I want/need the BA for the future. It is also easier to get into the nursing program at my local CC than at the university so that was factor. Good luck, with what ever you choose. I am finishing up my pre-reqs this semester and I hope to apply to the nursing program as soon as I am done.

Amber

Kathyz · Feb 10, 2006

I have a Master's Degree and I'm going the BSN route. Yes, it's much more expensive, however, it's only 13.5 months. The pay rate isn't any different in Chicago. However, I'd rather finish and have a BSN degree rather than worry about whether or not I should go back to school to get it. (You'll need it for any mgt position.) This way if I want a Master's I can go part-time and have my work pay for it!

Good luck.

stressgal, RN · Feb 10, 2006

I would look into the "wait lists" and requirements for admission to the programs you are intrested in. That may be a deciding factor for you. Some programs have a really long wait list. Then decide what is most important to you. I will complete my ADN next quarter, get a job at a local hospital and utilize the tuition reimbursement program they offer to continue. I need to get back to work and the CC I attend solely basis admission on GPA. No wait list. This enabled me to get right in and get it done.

Good luck!

Columnist · Feb 10, 2006

If I were you, I would definitely look into an accelerated BSN program. At least, that's what I did. Because it's through my state university, it's no more expensive than any other bachelors degree program. I even went so far as to take a job at the university in order to capitalize on the free tuition for employees. Since I already have a BA degree, I only have to take 9 hours of prerequisites, which I'm working on now. Then, if I get accepted to the accelerated BSN program, I'll have my second bachelors in just 16 months.

Good luck!