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Discussion

ADN program or BSN?

This fall (2013) I must apply for nursing school. I have two choices that I would prefer over any back up plan. I can either go to the nursing program at the CC (North Central Texas College) that I am currently attending, or transfer to a university (Texas Woman's University) and attend their BSN program.

It will only take me a semester longer to complete the BSN program but, it is about $15,000 more in tuition.

If I were to go the nursing program at the community college, it would be very cheap and the college is in good standing with hospitals that are in my area. But, I would only receive an associates. If this were my route to take, I would end up taking an RN-BSN program, but the terminal cost is still cheaper than the BSN program.

The BSN program is about an hour (including traffic) of driving to Dallas, and clinicals could be more or less.. It is obvious that I would not be able to work at all during this program.

The ADN program is close to my mom's house. So I would be able to live with her, which she is absolutely thrilled at the thought of. I haven't lived with her since her and my dad split when I was 12. We get along great though.

The ADN program is also cheaper, and I would be able to work during it (I have talked to many of the students who have worked as a CNA throughout the duration of the program).

I do not know the difficult of RN-BSN programs, and I do not know how difficult it would be to work as an RN during the program so I came here for advice--particularly due to the fact that my family is biased.

To tell you more about myself, I am 18 and still live with my parents. I plan to live with them until I am an RN.

The ADN program would begin in Spring 2014, the BSN in Fall 2014.

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    This decision really depends on you. But from what you say, the ADN is a better option due to cost and locations. Personally, if I was in your situation, I would first make sure hospitals are hiring ADN and if they are, go for the ADN. I have heard University of Texas at Arlington has a good and affordable RN-BSN program so aim to get that BSN as soon as you can. Good luck!

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    What is your intuition telling you? What path causes you to feel peace when you think about it?

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    I'm going to do the ADN program and bridge over to either a BSN or MSN. It may take a little longer but the ADN program is a little easier to get into at the local colleges and also there are more clinical hours with the ADN and at least here, they tend to like that!

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    My nursing advisor told me that if I chose the ADN program, when finished I will begin working as a RN. I then could do an online program with a university to get my BSN while working. There will be clinicals to do for the BSN program but I will already be working as an RN and that will count for my credits and I will be getting paid while doing them. Not sure if that is the case in every state but something to think about.

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    I think it largely depends not only on cost but what the job market is in your area. I know for me, in Baltimore, you can't get hired with an RN in major hospitals anymore. BSN preferred on EVERY job around here (unless you want to work in a dr's office ornursing home, which I do not) I'm just taking the loss and getting my BSN right away.

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    $15K can be a huge deterrent. You can figure the extra money will cost you 1/2 of your first year salary. With many hospitals now looking at BSN for entry level nurses, I would suggest you find out what the requirement is for hospitals in your area. If they don't hire ADNs, you will find yourself stuck. Bridge programs can cost as little at 8K which is significantly less that the amount you quoted, so you may look at going right from your ADN to a bridge.

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    • Guides

    Figure out where you would like to work.

    Call and ask what degree you need to be considered for a job there.

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    Personally, in getting my ASN, then doing the bridge to BSN as soon as I'm done. It cuts time down for me, and costs about 20k less to do this way.

    Just analyze what makes you want what. If cost is a huge deterrent, then consider it.

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    The thing to base this on is your over all goal. Is being a RN you long term goal? If so, the ADN is cheaper and easier path to reach your goal. If you want to progress into management, the BSN will help you out some but really RN management jobs are given by merit not degrees. In othe words, you can still reach management with a AS degree. Now if you goal is to earn a MSN or DNP in nursing, then that changes things. If this is your goal then you will want to get the BSN out of the way as one is needed to apply to graduate school. What ever you choose congrads on working on being a nurse....

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