Adn Or Bsn?

roser13, ASN, RN · Dec 23, 2014

Actually, colleges really don't care which degree you take and the ADN is most definitely not a dying program.

There are a TON of threads here debating every aspect of this longstanding issue. You can use the search button (magnifying glass) in the upper right corner to get so many answers much more quickly to your question.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Dec 23, 2014

Here ya go, an entire forum dedicated to this:

Registered Nurses: Diploma / ADN / BSN

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 23, 2014

consider your market. Where BSN progoraom abound, employers can pick and choose among BSN candidates. In other markets, employers choose from available applicants, as long as they are licensed.

Nienna Celebrindal · Dec 23, 2014

This is really the answer: what is true for your market? Plenty of places are ADN friendly. Mine (California) definitely not sadly. There is no ine right answer to this question.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 23, 2014

I'll put it to you like this: ADN is not a complete waste of time. The core nursing stuff is identical in both ADN and BSN programs. The BSN program adds a few things extra that won't be provided to the ADN because the BSN, by definition, is a "4 year" degree. For the ADN that already has a Bachelor's of Science in a healthcare field other than Nursing, there are essentially two areas that still are specific to the BSN: Nursing Advocacy and Community Health/Public Health Nursing.

That being said, because of various conditions at play now, employers have the ability to choose the kind of employee they want to hire and right now, many of them are preferring to hire BSN grads but will hire an ADN grad if there are no BSN grads that are suitable (does happen). Back when I started the process some 7 years ago, I knew that the BSN would be the way to go but being that I already had a Bachelor's, I could either attend a very expensive program or not attend a BSN program at all because the local public university was closed to all second Bachelors students (like me). My only option was to attend an ADN program and do an RN-BSN upgrade another way, which is still my plan. I will earn a BSN within the next 2 years, if not sooner.

Thusly I give this advice: Getting licensed is better than still waiting to enter a program. To that end, apply everywhere you are qualified to apply to. Have an eye toward BSN. If you're selected for an ADN program and you're still qualified to attend a BSN program, apply to the BSN program until the start date for that is later than the start of your 3rd semester of an ADN program. The reason for that is simple: after that, it will take the same amount of time to do the traditional BSN as it would take to complete the ADN program and do an RN-BSN program. That route may also be cheaper.

Of my own employment opportunities, I am only shut out of one employer right now because I don't have a BSN. The other hospitals prefer the BSN but they will just as readily hire ADN RN's. With those employers, the BSN may get you into the interview room faster...

caliotter3 · Dec 23, 2014

An ASN is not a waste of time because one can use that degree to get an RN license and work somewhere. The BSN degree is more convenient in the long run because it will lead to an RN license and more job opportunities.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2014

The associate degree in nursing has yielded a great return on investment for me. I am in a lower management position and earn significantly more than the national average. I earn more than the BSN-prepared nurses whom I supervise because the majority of them lack the soft skills that are required in my position.

However, I can see the tide turning, so I have continued my education as a hedge against the future. I started my nursing career as an LVN, then earned an associate degree in nursing and RN license several years later, and now I am a few credits shy of earning the BSN degree.

Palliative Care, DNP · Dec 23, 2014

In my area I would say yes because the job market in the area hospitals is BSN only. Many of the area hospitals here have given current employees a timeline in which to obtain the BSN or become phased out. LPNs that are currently employed are being advised to work toward the BSN. They do not even hire LPNs any more.

AspiringNurseMW · Dec 23, 2014

Aw man this question. Lol. Depends. Where I live many of the local hospitals do not require BSN. in fact the ASN program at my community college is highly regarded. A few of the hospitals have Magnet status and will require a BSN within 5 years. For me that works because I plan to pursue my RN to BSN online, and hopefully get the hospital to pay for some of it. I suggest to call around to local hospitals to see where they stand.

Also for me financials play a huge role. Since I'm going to a Cc my tuition during nursing school will basically be free, no loans required, so it's cheaper for me to go this route than 4 years of private tuition

MadisonG · Dec 29, 2014

A nursing degree is not a waste of time. It really depends on what you want to do afterwards. Some people want to be a floor RN and thats it, so the ADN would be the better choice. If you want to go into management and advanced practice nursing then the BSN would be the better choice but I do not think one is just better than the other. Some try to say that to make themselves feel superior than others. Even if you do ADN you can go straight back and do a online RN-BSN program. I am a BSN student but if I could go back I would have done exactly that. I would have been working by now. :no:

Kimberlyalliyah · Apr 8, 2015

Hi everyone! I will be starting school in the fall at my community college in charlotte, NC. I was going straight for my BSN. I want to be a neonatal nurse. But it looks less stressful by getting my ADN first. Also, Im going to get my CNA in a couple of weeks. Will I be able to go to school, pay bills, and be a CNA?? And should I get my ADN then transfer to get my BSN? I try to ask around. But nobody knows much about nursing and schooling. Please help! Thanks â˜ºï¸

Qteapi · Apr 8, 2015

I wish now that I had just bit the bullet and went straight for my BSN...but I rationalized and went for my ASN...now everybody and their brother prefer BSN...so I will go for RN to MSN come fall because job opportunities just are not there anymore for ASN in my neck of the woods....you have to have BSN for recruiters to even begin to look at your resume....or if you get your ASN work as a CNA or PCT at hospital while in school because your chances are better because you have experience.