ADN vs. BSN

Nurses Career Support

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I guess I can start off by saying that I am new to this site, so hello all. I just want to get some answers, I suppose. I was originally looking at becoming an RT, but the costs for school were ungodly and I have been told my family that I would be a better nurse anyhow. Not to say that getting your BSN is cheap, hence why I am asking if getting my ADN would be equally beneficial. The ADN program at my local community college is cheap, however there is a waitlist due to all the people aspiring to be nurses here in Colorado. Whereas at CU Denver, there is no waitlist but all they offer is the BSN program. And I could spend two years working on my Bachelor's and then go through my Work Site program at CU Hospital. Any ideas would be helpful. Thank you so much.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

JM,

First of all, don't assume CU Denver will be easy to get into just because they don't have a waitlist. Most universities don't maintain a waitlist - they just start over each term. You have to re-apply each time. You need to talk to someone at that school to get a better idea of their admission rate - # applications versus # accepted; avg GPA, etc.

You didn't indicate in your message, but if you have a means of support I would advise just pursuing a BSN. Chances are you will want one later on & it's always more difficult to backtrack. A BSN will probably open more career doors for you than an ADN

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I hate to be curt, but nowhere in my post did I mention an assumption to get into CU's nursing school would be easy. I am fully aware how difficult it is to gain admission; my fiance is going through that nightmare right now. As far as waitlists go, you are truly mistaken. The universities here in Colorado with the exception of CU Denver have 2-4 year long waitlists for the nursing programs. Sorry if that came across as rude, but it irritates me when people place words in my mouth and then have no idea of that which they speak. And I did not indicate if I have support, but I do not. I would love to acheive my BSN, but if my ADN is essentially the same then I would complete a bridge program to my BSN. Thanks for your help.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Don't be so irritable. The above poster gave you good advice and information in a friendly manner. :)

I also agree that going the BSN route probably would be your best bet as it affords better long-term employment opportunities and gets you working in the field probably in the same amount of time.

There are some good programs for assistance for nurses if you look for them. Also some areas, such as Florida (I don't know about Colorado) have a loan forgiveness program. I'm in one now that is going to pay $4000 off my loan in December and another $4000 next December. (by then it will be paid off).

ADN and BSN nurses both start out as entry level nurses on equal footing and having an ADN will get you far. The BSN would be an long-term investment, meaning years from now as you want to move away from the bedside there will be more job opportunties for you with a BSN.

Good luck! Welcome! Feel free to ask us any questions in the various forums.

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Specializes in LTC/ Rehab, Home Health...

Would you tell me which program offers "forgiveness"? I'm down here in Bradenton and looking for a BSN program. I have a pretty large loan right now and would love to have it paid off! Thanks.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Check this site here. http://www.doh.state.fl.us/phnursing/NLF/NSLFP.html

I'm not sure they will pay off an existing loan, but after graduation they might pay off the BSN loan.

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