ADN straight into BDN

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Unsurprisingly, there are more schools offering Associates degrees in nurses versus Bachelors. They are also easier to get into.

So my thought was, if I don't get into a BDN program straight off, I can go to school to get my associates and RN license (hopefully), and then instead of searching for a job, go straight into a BDN program.

Can this work? Has anyone done this? I live in Houston and I'm sure BDN programs are highly competitive. I'm switching from a computer major (and have not done so well) so feel like I'm not as... academically competitive as a lot of others?

I regret trying to get into computers. Thought it would be a good idea because technology has a good job market, but my grades aren't so hot. If I don't enjoy something, I don't do too great in it. My highest grades are unsurprisingly in Biology and Psychology. Lowest in Math and Computer-based courses. Before I started this major I wanted to be a RN but was too chicken... should have just stuck with the plan!

Would love some advice. And also an extra question... if my grades for the required pre-reqs for a nursing program are good (A's/B's) but my overall GPA thanks to computer courses and math isn't too great... could this hurt my chances? Do they only consider your pre reqs or all courses taken?

Thanks!

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Specializes in CCM, PHN.

What is a BDN program?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You can complete an ADN, obtain your RN license and immediately enroll in an online BSN program. As long as your heart is not set on working at the hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, you should be able to find a job with your ADN.

There are plenty of quick, affordable online RN-to-BSN programs in Texas: UTMB, Lamar U, WTAMU, TAMUCC, UT Arlington, Texas Tech, Tarleton, etc. In addition, since the coursework is online, admissions are not nearly as competitive as classroom-based admissions.

Also, when you complete an online RN-to-BSN program, you receive the exact same degree and transcripts as your counterparts who had their butts in a classroom seat. Schools do not differentiate or stamp the degree or transcripts to indicate the coursework was completed online.

I am in the DFW area of Texas and completed an online BSN program in 10 months while working full-time.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
What is a BDN program?
I think BDN is an unapproved abbreviation for 'bachelor's degree in nursing,' whereas ADN is a commonly used acronym that represents 'associate degree in nursing.'
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You can complete an ADN, obtain your RN license and immediately enroll in an online BSN program. As long as your heart is not set on working at the hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, you should be able to find a job with your ADN.

There are plenty of quick, affordable online RN-to-BSN programs in Texas: UTMB, Lamar U, WTAMU, TAMUCC, UT Arlington, Texas Tech, Tarleton, etc. In addition, since the coursework is online, admissions are not nearly as competitive as classroom-based admissions.

Also, when you complete an online RN-to-BSN program, you receive the exact same degree and transcripts as your counterparts who had their butts in a classroom seat. Schools do not differentiate or stamp the degree or transcripts to indicate the coursework was completed online.

I am in the DFW area of Texas and completed an online BSN program in 10 months while working full-time.

That sounds like a good plan to be honest. Get my ADN and work while completing my bachelor's online. Come to think of it, I know of someone else who did that as well.

I love the atmosphere of the medical center, my mother (though not a nurse) used to work there when I was little at the Texas Children's Hospital, but honestly with the traffic and where I want to settle in at (Cypress or Katy area) in a year or two, I don't think me working there would be smart. I'm not a fan of two hour commutes due to traffic. Hopefully, when the time comes around, me being a ADN while pursuing my bachelors would look good for finding a job as well.

I think BDN is an unapproved abbreviation for 'bachelor's degree in nursing,' whereas ADN is a commonly used acronym that represents 'associate degree in nursing.'

Oops, I've always referred to it as a BDN. Is there a more proper term for it?

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

That's what I'm doing. I'm career changing. I'm getting my ADN, RN then plan on job searching and enrolling in an RN-BSN program. Regarding the prereqs vs cumulative GPA that is dependent on the program so you'll have to do some research on your own. My program counted both, but the prereq gpa was allotted a higher number points than cumulative.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Oops, I've always referred to it as a BDN. Is there a more proper term for it?

The degree is called a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Some 'older' nurses who were educated more than a generation ago have the bachelor's in nursing (BN), but there's no degree in nursing called the BDN.

Most associate degree nurses have the associate of science in nursing (ASN) or associate of applied science (AAS) in nursing. I personally have the ASN.

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The degree is called a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Some 'older' nurses who were educated more than a generation ago have the bachelor's in nursing (BN), but there's no degree in nursing called the BDN.

Most associate degree nurses have the associate of science in nursing (ASN) or associate of applied science (AAS) in nursing. I personally have the ASN.

Ah! Thanks for clearing that up for me. Programs I'm looking into are ASN.

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Specializes in CVICU.

I'm 5 weeks away from finishing an ADN program, and have already enrolled in an RN-BSN online program. It will take approximately a year of full time classes to get my BSN. I should note that I already have all of the general education requirements done (Chemistry, 2 psychology classes, 2 humanities, college algebra, etc). I live in an area where ADN-prepared nurses can easily find hospital jobs, so this was my best option because I can start working sooner.

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Thanks for the replies guys. Glad other people are doing this with success.

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I have my ASN. I graduated in May 2013 and started my BSN program that same October. I had not found a position during the time frame. I was hoping I'd be hired in a faciltiy that had tuition reimbursement so I wouldn't have to foot the bill. Sadly, my student loans were going to kick in and payments would be starting that December so I enrolled in the BSN program as I looked for work. That killed two birds with one stone, I enrolled and began classes for my BSN was my plan anyway and it stopped my student loans from kicking in at that time.

My ASN program also has the RN to BSN program but you can't just go straight for the BSN. Our program is part time and the classes are online with the exception of the last 2 classes in which you must spend time shadowing a BSN nurse for a certain amount of hours.

Many of my fellow classmates went right from the ASN program after they were licensed into the BSN program. Some waited it out and are starting now. But almost all of us are now enrolled (or have graduated) in the BSN program.

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I was going to ask that too (BDN), but see that's been answered.

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