ADN vs BSN? So confused!

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I'm a pre-nursing student who was planning on getting a BSN, and since I will be finishing all of my pre-nursing classes this quarter, I was looking into nursing schools to apply to. The problem is that I'm not sure that my GPA (cumuative: 3.55; nursing: 3.65) is going to be good enough for me to get in. I was looking at other ways of getting my BSN and, to be honest, I am completely overwhelmed! I was hoping that some of you could help clarify some things for me:

1. What exactly is the difference between an ADN and BSN?

2. Since I will have all of my pre-nursing classes finished, is it possible to get into an RN to BSN program even though I'm not an RN yet?

3. How long will it take for me to get an ADN? A BSN? How long is the RN to BSN program?

4. What would you recommend for the situation that I am in?

I will be truly grateful for any help you can give me!

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Specializes in CNA.

An ADN is an associates degree in nursing. A BSN, a bachelors of science in nursing. One is an associates and the other is a bachelors degree. In both degrees, you still end up as an RN and are able to take the NCLEX exam. Most hospitals will take nurses with BSN's but many also will take nurses with ADNs. It depends on the hospital and area you live in!

You cannot do the RN to BSN program unless you have the ADN first. I am doing the ADN program and then the 1 year RN-BSN program because my grades aren't quite good enough for the BSN programs in my area. Thankfully, the ADN programs will look a lot into experience and other test scores such as the TEAS.

An ADN takes 7 quarters I believe, which is 2 years. Then, a BSN is a about 1 year. There are such a thing as RN-BSN programs online, but I think it's a good idea to do it in the classroom setting, some online programs aren't "accredited."

As for your situation, it sounds like you are doing great! Give yourself some credit. A 3.55 is a great GPA. I suggest applying to everything, BSN programs and ADN programs and take what you get accepted to. I have a 3.2 and will be starting nursing school by January. You will see many people online stressing about how if you don't have higher than a 3.7, you won't get into nursing school anywhere. This is not true by any means! There are several deciding factors in the acceptance process that we are unaware of, depending on the school. Don't worry, you are so close and WILL get accepted!! :-) Best of luck.

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Thank you so much! I've just been told by so many people that my chances are not very good, but this makes me feel so much better! Thank you! :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

ASN is a 2-year degree, while BSN is a 4-year degree. There are accelerated options for both, but an accelerated BSN program requires you to have a previous non-nursing degree to apply. Accelerated ASNs are rare but there was one in my state.

You don't become an RN until you pass the NCLEX.

I would advise you to research your area in how you want to pursue your nursing degree. When I decided to pursue nursing, I found BSNs were more hireable than ASNs in my state. Many of the hospitals were either Magnet or going Magnet which meant nurses were required to have their BSN so pursing an ASN would have been a waste of time and money if I went that route. Every state is different.

I want to additionally say, you have a wonderful GPA. Even 4.0 students are in competition because these nursing school have limited seats.

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Can you clarify what an accelerated BSN is? I've never hear of that, but I may be getting a bachelor's in psychology next year so that may be an option for me.

Thank you for your advice! It has made me feel so much better about my situation! :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.
Can you clarify what an accelerated BSN is? I've never hear of that, but I may be getting a bachelor's in psychology next year so that may be an option for me.

Thank you for your advice! It has made me feel so much better about my situation! :)

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) are offered to students who have a degree is something other than nursing. They are expensive and rigorous. Many programs run from 12-24 months in length. I graduated from an ABSN program, which was 15-months long.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

PP's have provided wonderful advice.

It is pretty confusing, right? My BOB has prepared a document to clarify the differences between the levels of nursing. Take a look, it may help clarify for you. http://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/differentiated_essential_competencies-2010.pdf

If your future plans involve working in a hospital, you're going to need a BSN. Right now, it is a Federal recommendation, but may turn into a requirement in the very near future. I would also encourage you to take a much more direct route to nursing. A lot of student aid is cut off after you attain a bachelor's degree. Would that mean financing that expensive accelerated program via loans? If so, be very cautious. Here is a site that can provide you with comparative costs... including how much your future loan repayment costs would be and the annual salary you would need to make in order to afford those payments. Cost of Colleges in California

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