ADN vs. 2nd degree BSN?

U.S.A. Michigan

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Hi all! I am currently on a wait list for the GRCC ADN program, I have a BA in Psych from MSU and I have also been looking into the GVSU 2nd degree BSN program. I don't have any of the pre-reqs (except the Psych obviously) so between working full time while taking pre reqs, I would probably finish the BSN program the same time as the ADN program( b/c of the wait list.) I am just looking for opinions on whether not the extra cost is worth it... my goals are to eventually work in nursing case management and then become an NP, but I know there are also RN-MSN programs for people who have a Bachelors in another discipline so don't know if the BSN would be a better route or not? Any advice on the ADN vs. BSN debate? Thanks :-)

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I decided on ADN over ABSN because it would have taken me much longer to start ABSN with all the prereqs and because they only accept so few people at most programs. I chose an ADN program that doesn't waitlist and accepts based on ranking each year so I got in quicky. I figure I can use a lot of the credits I earned during my BA degree towards a BSN once I graduate. There are also ADN to MSN programs out there that I am looking into. I think its a personal choice really, I would have liked to get a BSN right away but I ended up getting into an ADN program really quickly and I am very happy with my choice (especially financially!)

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Specializes in ICU.

I just went to a meeting for the nursing programs at GVSU in July. Their second degree program is going on hiatus for restructuring. The advisor thought it would be 2 or 3 years until they are admitting again. I haven't checked the website lately, but it must not be reflecting this news? I think that's kind of silly. They should be updating their information for those of us trying to apply.

Anywho, if your other option is ADN that's the direction I would head. I'm still looking to apply to their traditional program b/c it's still only 22 months for a BSN. However, there is quite a list of prereq's. good luck!

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thanks seconddegreenurse, I am going to an info session in a few weeks so I will see what they have to say about the temporary suspension. I probably won't be called to start the ADN program at GRCC until Fall 11' at the very earliest so I'm not looking for the quickest way necessarily... I'm just thinking that since it will end up taking about the same amount of time, the BSN may be better as far as my ultimate career goals. Have you started the GVSU pre-reqs or have you already completed them? Maybe we will run into each other at some point :)

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Specializes in ICU.

I thought I had something to transfer in as the biochem requirement, but I guess not. So, I'm planning on taking an equivalent to that at LCC (Lansing Community College) in the spring. I live in Lansing and I work at LCC, so it's just more convenient for me to do prereqs there. Also, I still have genetics to complete. I plan to finish both during the spring semester. I'm also enrolled in the advanced nutrition course at MSU for spring. The advanced nutrition is my last remaining prereq needed for MSU's accelerated program. Though it isn't a prereq for GVSU, the advisor at my meeting said that once admitted, students must complete the other courses before starting the actual program. Does that make sense?

Please let me know if there's any new information that you learn at the meeting. The lady who led mine seemed kind of evasive. She kind of answered questions in circles, which I'm sure you can guess would be rather confusing.

Thanks! Good luck!

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fyi, i attended the informational meeting tonight for the gvsu second degree program. the accelerated second degree program has been suspended so they can make some changes, and should be accepting students again in 2012. the regular second degree program is still in place, but they usually get about twice as many applicants as they can accept, and the cutoff gpa was 3.6 last semester. in addition, gvsu is phasing out all msn programs after this year as they transition to the dnp program, so they will also not be offering the rn-msn bridge option, you will have to have the bsn to go into the dnp program to become a nurse practitioner.

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Hey Im graduating from MSU in May w/ a BS in health studies (Go STATE!). But anyway, Im facing the same problem you are. All over MI there are nothing but waiting lists and die hard competitive admission. So I decided to do the ADN in Columbus, Ohio at Chamberlain. There are no waiting lists or nothing like that, but they are expensive. But I'd rather pay the extra money than sit around for years on a waiting list with a no good job. But i decided to just get my ADN and right after do the online RN-BSN program, while I work. (You can do the ADN program online too but of course you have to do onsite clinicals). I eve found a program at Kaplan where RN's can go straight to their Masters w/out having a Bachelors first. Its kind of like a 2 for 1 special, the bachelors degree is built into the masters, so you get both. But its really all up to you. They actually dont get paid any different. It just depends on the amount of time and money you want to spend

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