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Discussion

ADN Vs BSN, accepted into both?

I Have a Bachelors degree in Nutrition. I am finally debt free. I was planning on going back for a nursing degree since it has been a long time interest of mine. I recently got accepted to the community college where I did my pre-reqs. I was happy. They have a good program.

I had been getting rejections from a bunch of BSN programs. I finally got into one but...it is an hour commute from where I live. The tech program is only 10 minutes away. I wouldn't be able to afford living on campus and would have to commute almost 2 hours a day. I know nursing school is hard and in my undergraduate sometimes I had to go back onto campus for projects or group things. I would be unable to do that unless i was already on campus that day for classes. It makes me nervous.

Are there any differences between an ADN vs BSN? I have heard different responses even from my professors. Two of them had associates and said you wind up with an RN no problem and can find work. I plan on leaving the state when I'm done with either program (I live in NC currently). I was wondering if it was really that hard to find a job even with an ADN? Any input would be great.

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    • Featured Replies

    There are oodles of RN to BSN programs you can do to get your BSN after your ADN. Many of these programs are totally or mostly online. You will be able to find a job with an ADN in most areas. In some markets, that job will be LTC/SNF, home care, etc. in other markets, you will be able to find an acute care position. So, it depends on what kind of job you are seeking and where you live.

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    I just graduated and got my license here in the state of TX and got a job in a residency with a magnet hospital. I have an ADN. I'm signing a contract saying I'll get my BSN within 2 years. The job market here is VERY competitive because there's a lot of nursing schools in the area and big magnet hospitals, but I still got a residency. This is obviously anecdotal, but if it's far more convenient to get the ADN and then do a RN-BSN program do it that way! Seems like that's what you'd prefer. BSN is practically required but you can get it in less than a year after getting your ADN.

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    I have a BA in another field and I went to school for my ASN, came out debt free, got a job (more than one) with no problem. I have never had a problem getting a nursing job. I kept contemplating starting a RN-BSN program but wasn't sure I wanted another undergrad degree. Ultimately I have decided to skip it and go to graduate school. Point is, *depending on your location and interests* in nursing, the ADN could be perfectly fine, especially given the cost and distance considerations. You can work and move on in your education from there if you choose to do so. Good luck whatever you decide!

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    • Expert

    I chose the BSN program for the standard reasons and commuted an hour and a half each way. It did not take long to figure out I could shave off commute time by driving faster on certain stretches of highway and trying to time my movements appropriately. I was also accepted at an ASN program about ten minutes from the house, as well as one about half an hour away. I chose to pursue the BSN from the get go.

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    • Expert

    I think it's according to your time line. If you need to get on to work the ADN is the route to go. The BSN will always be available for you in the future. If you're not on any kind of time table and can wait to enter the field getting the BSN will have your employment concerns covered. I have a "feeling" you'd be happier at the ADN school. There will be jobs out there for ADNs if you get into the right market. Good luck.

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    do the ADN, get a job and then do an RN-BSN at state school. cost me next to nothing to do it that way. I have a BS in Biology. My hospital offers tuition assistance after a certain time and state schools are much cheaper (as are comm college for ADN) .

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    I went the ASN route when I went back to school. I came out with no debt and found a job before I graduated. I also applied for a load of scholarships, so half of my ASN was paid for by winning several scholarships. Writing essays is no fun, but it meant I didn't have to pay for school, so it was worth it!

    My hospital has a tuition reimbursement program for the RN-BSN. I'm taking advantage of that and am going to come out of school owing nothing. My RN-BSN program is completely online so I can make it work around my work schedule.

    Good luck and congrats getting into school!

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    I would go the ADN route and get into nursing first. Given that you have a Bachelor's degree already, you could enter an accelerated BSN program and complete it entirely online, part time even. My BSN was only a few courses and they were things like nursing theory, research, assessment, evidence based practice, leadership and a public health class since I had all the undergrad from the other degree.

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