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Discussion

ADN vs BSN

I am 41 and considering going back to school and into nursing. All Gen Ed's are done. Just need a few nursing pre-requisites. Here's the question:

Should I go with ADN then get a job where the employer pays for BSN? Or just go straight to BSN?

is it possible to get a good paying job as an ADN without working in a nursing home?

Thanks

Featured Replies

  • Experts

If you can get the BSN program done at the start of your career, you might be improving your employment chances while putting yourself in a position where you don't have to deal with returning to school. That saves time, money, and aggravation.

  • Experts

Whether a new grad ADN can get a job -- and a GOOD job, at that -- varies greatly from region to region. You'll have to focus on your local employers to find the answer to your basic question.

I am 41 and considering going back to school and into nursing. All Gen Ed's are done. Just need a few nursing pre-requisites. Here's the question:

Should I go with ADN then get a job where the employer pays for BSN? Or just go straight to BSN?

is it possible to get a good paying job as an ADN without working in a nursing home?

Thanks

Your location matters- a lot. So do your ultimate nursing goals. Some thought should also be given to the cost of your education and how you're going to pay for it. It's an investment in yourself, and you should expect a return of some sort. ADN made perfect sense for me, BSN makes perfect sense for some others.

I chose BSN because it's what the market in my area is seeking. The hospitals around here prefer BSN prepared nurses, but will hire ASN nurses with the promise of getting a BSN within three years.

After three years of pre-reqs, I kinda wish I had done the ADN and then bridged. I still have two years ahead of me, and while I love being in school, I'd like to be working. Regardless, in the end I'll have a BSN.

I keep hearing about these magical employers that will "pay for me to get my BSN". Believe me, while SOME employers have SOME tuition reimbursement, those paying for "the whole enchilada" are few and far between. Also, there are often strings attached...

  • Moderator

I have moved your post to the pre-nursing forum to ensure maximum responses. :)

I know I can get a job as an ADN where I live. You need to look into what job opportunities are available for ADNs vs. BSNs.

Go for the BSN if you can. Most employers who reimburse tuition only reimburse if you attend their university of choice. These universities are usually schools you hear on the radio like University of Phoenix or University of Providence etc.

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