Already have B.S. in Biology and want to go back to school for nursing

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Nurses Month 2024 | Discounts & Freebies AORN Celebrates Nurses Month

Hello:

I have my B.S. degree in Biology and eventually want to get my BSN in nursing. I was planning on enrolling in an ADN program and then getting my BSN online. I was trying to determine what the best option may be? A BSN Express program, an alternative sequence BSN program for second degree students, or getting my ADN first and then getting my BSN online? I have heard that ADN programs have more clinical experience than BSN programs and I like the idea of going at a slower pace. Am I wise to go at a slower pace and get my ADN first or should I try to get my BSN right off the bat?

There is also the money factor. Since I am already in debt with my previous degree, it would be a lot less money to go through an ADN program. I also have an opportunity for a fellowship program through a local hospital in which the ADN program would be completely paid for.

Is there any advantage to start out with a BSN or will an ADN program do just fine to start?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hello:

I have my B.S. degree in Biology and eventually want to get my BSN in nursing. I was planning on enrolling in an ADN program and then getting my BSN online. I was trying to determine what the best option may be? A BSN Express program, an alternative sequence BSN program for second degree students, or getting my ADN first and then getting my BSN online? I have heard that ADN programs have more clinical experience than BSN programs and I like the idea of going at a slower pace. Am I wise to go at a slower pace and get my ADN first or should I try to get my BSN right off the bat?

There is also the money factor. Since I am already in debt with my previous degree, it would be a lot less money to go through an ADN program. I also have an opportunity for a fellowship program through a local hospital in which the ADN program would be completely paid for.

Is there any advantage to start out with a BSN or will an ADN program do just fine to start?

Well, I have an ADN and I make exactly the same amount as my BSN counterparts. Go figure!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

the big question is do you want to go further in school with nursing becoming a NP or CRNA. if you do, getting into an accelerated BSN program would probably be the best for you. my school's accelerated bsn program is completely financed by the local hospitals and the hospitals pay your tuition as long as you sign a contract to work for them after you graduate. the downside of the accelerated bsn program is not that many openings (10 a semester at my school) and the GPA acceptance level is extremely competitive. only 3.7-above get in. compared to a 3.1-above in a normal bsn program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

Hi, I can give you my perspective. I have both a bachelors and a graduate degree. I'm going the ADN route because I do not live near any accelerated or second degree programs and I cannot pay for them out of pocket. I am paying cash for the ADN from prior savings and my current job. So far I am doing very well.

I might continue on and receive my BSN online through the local BSN-RN Bridge Program. Thus, as I wait for admissions (I have already applied and am finishing up the rest of my required non-nursing courses this summer) I might take a BSN pre-req this Fall. If and when I attend a BSN program I shall pay cash for that too. Like you, I already have student loans and I am paying them down. Therefore, any route to earning a third degree that will dig me in a bigger hole is repulsive to me. :trout: Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hello:

I have my B.S. degree in Biology and eventually want to get my BSN in nursing. I was planning on enrolling in an ADN program and then getting my BSN online. I was trying to determine what the best option may be? A BSN Express program, an alternative sequence BSN program for second degree students, or getting my ADN first and then getting my BSN online? I have heard that ADN programs have more clinical experience than BSN programs and I like the idea of going at a slower pace. Am I wise to go at a slower pace and get my ADN first or should I try to get my BSN right off the bat?

There is also the money factor. Since I am already in debt with my previous degree, it would be a lot less money to go through an ADN program. I also have an opportunity for a fellowship program through a local hospital in which the ADN program would be completely paid for.

Is there any advantage to start out with a BSN or will an ADN program do just fine to start?

Hello,

You may be interested to read in the student nurse forum, under graduate entry/direct entry nurses, there are several student nurses there working on second degree BSN's and some direct entry to Master's, lots of info.

Gen

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also had the BS in biology first, and then returned to school for nursing. I'm glad that I chose the accelerated BSN route, for it has led to a really wonderful job in research nursing. The physicians who interviewed me were very interested in credentials (type of degree, university attended, etc...) in addition to work experience.

Prior to this job, I also noticed that my first BS degree is completely irrelevant in nursing -- it's the BSN that many employers want, rather than a combo BS/associate's degree. Just my experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment