Already have a B.S.

[jordanmarie]

I already have a B.S. psychology but, now I want to pursue a degree in nursing. Does it make sense to try to get into an ABSN program or would a ASN program be sufficient?

thanks!

[leenak]

It depends what your goal is and how you want to work the finances.

An ABSN program is anywhere from 13 to 18 months. They are generally more expensive and require more pre-reqs. If you plan to go onto an MSN, you will be closer than if you had an ASN. Also, some people are reporting that some hospitals only hire BSN-RNs.

ASN on the other hand tend to be cheaper due to being at community colleges and are 2 years long although again, the ones I've seen have fewer pre-reqs.

[2011NursingStudent]

I have a previous degree and am doing the ADN program because its about 1/10th the cost. I can get the BSN while I'm working as an RN. Debt is a dangerous thing and why the economy is in the shape its in.

[leenak]

Schools vary though, that is a pretty big difference. For my local community college, the ASN program is about $6k total while the BSN program at the state school is about $15k. I'm lucky though that I have a savings which can over my schooling costs unless I decide to go to a pricey private school, some of their programs are near $70k.

[2011NursingStudent]

I think most of the ABSNs are $700+ a credit hour (not BSN from state school, but ABSN, which are usually private). My ADN was around $80/credit hour.

[leenak]

Yeah, my state school has an accelerated entry level MSN-CNL but no accelerated BSN. I am considering doing the 2 year second degree BSN because the idea of doing an externship during the summer appeals to me. There are some state schools with ABSNs (Virginia for example) and there are some cheaper private schools. Community colleges are definitely the cheapest way to go.

[Moogie]

A community college is less expensive but you'd have to go through the hassle of getting a BSN anyway. Most state schools that have traditional BSN programs also offer accelerated options for second degree students.

With current hiring trends favoring BSN grads over ADNs, you might be wise to just get the BSN right away. Yes, some hospitals do offer tuition reimbursement for nurses going back for their bachelor's degrees but you have to get hired first.

Many people are under the impression that having a bachelor's in another field plus an ADN is the equivalent to having a BSN. Not in the eyes of those who are doing the hiring!

I would personally advise you to go for an accelerated BSN unless you absolutely cannot afford it.