ADN vs ABSN (cost vs job opportunity)

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Hi everyone,

Please help with some insights.

I got accepted into an RN program through our local cc (ADN) and should start in Fall 2016. I'm still waiting to hear from an ABSN program in two weeks or so.

If I got accepted into the ABSN program, the idea of one year program is very attractive to me since I'm in my mid 40's.

Cost: ADN ($7k) vs ABSN ($120k)

Job: does the ABSN grads have better chance than ADN grads to land a starting position, considering they both have no prior experience working at a medical facility.

How about the Bay Area? Is it worth it to spend $120k and then still fighting your way in to get a starting job?

Please help.

Thank you.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

$120K? I'd never pay that much for a nursing degree. Heck, both of my degrees (BSN and MSN) cost less than half of that! The loan repayment amount itself will eat up your paycheck.

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Um...my ADN, BSN and MSN cost me less than $20k. As in closer to $10k.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

As PP have mentioned, that's an outrageous amount for a BSN. My MSN-FNP was about $9,800. And you mentioned you are in Mid 40's so you will spend the next 30+ years paying back $120K? Does not make any economic sense. You are already accepted into the ADN and for $7K is excellent. Finish that then do RN to BSN. Put the $120K into your retirement or a house if you have not already.

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Thank you all for the insights! Really appreciated. I hear ya about the $120k! It makes my stomach churned just by thinking about it.

As for landing a job, I heard BSN now is preferred vs ADN. I'm thinking of taking CNA courses while waiting for ADN program to start. The nurse manager where I'm volunteering said that if I were to have a CNA, she would hire me at the spot, get my foot at the door thing. She really appreciates things I do for her unit.

Should I do CNA, ADN then do Bridge program to MSN? since I already have a non-nursing B.S.

please help. Cost is as important as landing a job to me. Thank you.

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I am in early -forties and I do now whether I should go for the BSN or get my ASN and find a job that has tuition reimbursement and then get my BSN. If All goes well I should be in either nursing program next Fall 2017. The CC where I live is about $10,000 a year and the BSN is about $50,000 a year. I know that I am not interested in any supervisory or management position ect. I think that I would like straight bedside nursing. I now that in order to get a position in a hospital I would need my BSN. What about becoming a Geriatric Nurse in a LTC facility do I need my BSN? I know that I have to start some where.

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Specializes in critical care.

Where in the world are these horribly priced schools?!

I did gen eds and prereqs at community college, which was probably just under $3k per semester. Then I did my program at university, which was about twice as much per semester.

Accelerated may seem appealing, but being on the other side of a nursing degree, I can honestly say that's terrifying. It was hard enough over 4 full traditional semesters. Of course, that's only my opinion. I do wonder how employers would feel about a new grad from your school.

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I live in CT

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That's a pricey program. There is a $120K 4 year nursing school where I live. A few $80K programs. Most I pay though for a four year is $50K though.

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Yeah its close to $30K for a ADN where I live

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Are you sure a 1 year ABSN costs 120k?! I have never heard of a program even costing half of that. If the prices are correct there is no way in hell I would pay that, get your ASN then find a RN-BSN program to complete your education.

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I would go for the ADN and then do an online RN-BSN bridge program. $120k is highway robbery.

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