Advice -- ADN or BSN for a second career

U.S.A. Texas

Published

I have recently started taking prerequisite classes for nursing school at a local community college. I have a bachelor's (psych) and a master's (health care administration) but have spent much more time as a stay at home mom and preschool teacher than working in these fields.

So, I'm looking at the choices to either pursue the ADN at Austin Community College or to apply to the Texas Tech 2nd degree BSN program. Unfortunately, it looks like I will have a lot of pesky rereqs like history, political science, etc (in addition to the sciences) if I do the TT program.

In total, if I REALLY pack in the rereqs, the programs will end up taking about the same length of time.

Here is where I will come clean. I don't really want to take additional school classes outside of science/nursing classes. The thought of taking the general education classes horrifies me. I know this may sound lazy and short sighted but I am 40 years old and have two kids and work part time. I was really hoping to just learn a new skill, not revisit my college days!!

I don't know yet what type of nursing I want to go into but I do know that I will be staying in the Austin area for at least another 10 years or so. So, be honest, and tell me if I need to suck it up and go for the BSN right now. Or make me happy and tell me to get the ADN and slowly work toward the BSN after I am working.

Thanks for any advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

To enhance your options for the future, I would pursue the BSN degree. Many internship programs for newly graduated nurses are only accepting BSNs due to the economy. You would not want to close the doors before they even have the chance to open.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you still need those same pre-reqs with the BSN completion program? Btw....you can do the BSN completion program online. You would not need to apply to a program than requires those pre-reqs if going that route. Good luck....and enjoy Nursing School!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have recently started taking prerequisite classes for nursing school at a local community college. I have a bachelor's (psych) and a master's (health care administration) but have spent much more time as a stay at home mom and preschool teacher than working in these fields.

So, I'm looking at the choices to either pursue the ADN at Austin Community College or to apply to the Texas Tech 2nd degree BSN program. Unfortunately, it looks like I will have a lot of pesky rereqs like history, political science, etc (in addition to the sciences) if I do the TT program.

In total, if I REALLY pack in the rereqs, the programs will end up taking about the same length of time.

Here is where I will come clean. I don't really want to take additional school classes outside of science/nursing classes. The thought of taking the general education classes horrifies me. I know this may sound lazy and short sighted but I am 40 years old and have two kids and work part time. I was really hoping to just learn a new skill, not revisit my college days!!

I don't know yet what type of nursing I want to go into but I do know that I will be staying in the Austin area for at least another 10 years or so. So, be honest, and tell me if I need to suck it up and go for the BSN right now. Or make me happy and tell me to get the ADN and slowly work toward the BSN after I am working.

Thanks for any advice.

Get your BSN. I just finished my ADN & nearly all the hospitals in my area have gone to all BSN's and won't even look at your app without it. Sorry to burst your bubble. :( Best of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just finished my ADN degree and I just applied to a BSN program because my state BON informed me I would have to have my BSN within 5 years of completing the ADN. I am also having a hard time finding a job with only an associate degree. My suggestion is to go ahead with the BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCU/Telemetry.

In some areas ADNs can get hired very easily although I think almost all institutions now say "BSN preferred" so if I were you I'd go ahead and do the BSN program now. Once you start working as an RN you'll probably hate the thought of going back to school even more so you might as well get it all over with now. I know I am really glad I went straight to BSN but I also don't have children so I know that made it a lot easier for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have recently started taking prerequisite classes for nursing school at a local community college. I have a bachelor's (psych) and a master's (health care administration) but have spent much more time as a stay at home mom and preschool teacher than working in these fields.

So, I'm looking at the choices to either pursue the ADN at Austin Community College or to apply to the Texas Tech 2nd degree BSN program. Unfortunately, it looks like I will have a lot of pesky rereqs like history, political science, etc (in addition to the sciences) if I do the TT program.

In total, if I REALLY pack in the rereqs, the programs will end up taking about the same length of time.

Here is where I will come clean. I don't really want to take additional school classes outside of science/nursing classes. The thought of taking the general education classes horrifies me. I know this may sound lazy and short sighted but I am 40 years old and have two kids and work part time. I was really hoping to just learn a new skill, not revisit my college days!!

I don't know yet what type of nursing I want to go into but I do know that I will be staying in the Austin area for at least another 10 years or so. So, be honest, and tell me if I need to suck it up and go for the BSN right now. Or make me happy and tell me to get the ADN and slowly work toward the BSN after I am working.

Thanks for any advice.

I teach maternity & community health nursing at a large state SON, where there are many hospitals. The enrollment in our RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory Care/Community Health.

I say just go for the ADN! From what I understand, the difference in pay between ADN and BSN nurses is negligible, and you already hold advanced degrees, so the ADN would be enough I would think. Also, since you haven't started the nursing courses yet, you have no way of knowing if the field is "for you"- ADN programs are usually much cheaper, and you can bridge to BSN later, if you decide nursing is absolutely for you! :)

I have my ADN, am in a RN to BSN program now, have 2 small children, and work as an RN. I had no problem finding a job with "just" my ADN.

Just my 2 cents

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately , for us older nurses , it is now necessary to obtain a BSN in order to keep our current positions as RN 's or to try and find employment anywhere in the healthcare field . After working for over 20 years as an RN , while raising a family , I now find myself in a difficult situation : back to school at age 54, or be considered unemployable. Experience does not seem to count. I find this sad and discouraging . After all these years I now wish I had chosen a different profession .

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go for your bachelors. As you have a bachelors in a science field already it should not require as many prerequisites,and most places now require a BSN for new grads. Not to mention those places that do not yet require a BSn like will in the future.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Inpatient Obstetrics Certification.

Go for the BSN! Most hospitals are pushing for their RN's to get it. I went back to school after being out for over 30 years and got my BSN. Now I am applying to get into an MSN program for Nursing Education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good to hear this is working out for you:). U likely have no problems finding employment since u are already enrolled in a BSN program. I've considered it , but due to my age and the fact that I also have to maintain full time employment , I see no way I could do work and school both.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment