Already have a BA, Associate's RN or BSN? Question

Published

Hi everyone,

I've read a lot of the threads already in the Pre-Nursing Student Forum and understand that "an RN is an RN" and that an RN degree can be earned at a community college or a 4-year college or university, but that a nurse earns more with a BSN. My question is since I already have a BA in non-nursing area (I'm almost done with an MA actually), would it be better for me salary-wise (a higher salary in my first job and subsequently) to earn a BSN instead of an RN? The reason that I ask is that I could earn an RN at a community college near me or I could take the pre-req's there and apply for the BSN at the 4-year university where I'm finishing up my master's at. If I completed an RN at a community college, would an RN + a BA be treated the same as a BSN? I can transfer all applicable credits for an RN at a community college or a BSN at 4-year college, so that's would be the same either way. I am aware that there are Accelerated BSN and Second Degree programs for people who have a BA in a non-nursing area, but my state doesn't have them. I'm set on attending a public college no matter what for the lower-tuition cost. In terms of time to completion, it would take me 5 semesters after completion of pre-reqs in either case including completing a master's in clinical nurse leadership, which I am not interested in b/c it costs nearly doubled that of undergraduate tuition and from what I've read on this website and in researching areas and specialities of nursing, you are not compensated for. (Maybe that will change in the future, but I don't want to count on "maybes"). I've accumulated a lot of student loan debt already, so I have to be very cognizant of how much I would be charged for tuition, fees, books and supplies for nursing degree.

Any information, advice would be much appreciated -- thank you ahead of time! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GI.

From what I hear and know, RNs with Bachelors or Associates make the same amount of money. A BSN is useful if you want to advance in career, do things like community teaching and the like. If your interest is in bedside nursing, an ADN will do. There are programs in which you can get your BSN online or some hospitals will even pay for your classes towards a BSN. There are tons of options. For money sakes, I recommend an ADN program at a community college. I also have a BS degree (in biology) and my CC took a lot of my credits, so I only have to take one class a semester at about $100 a credit hour.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for your response, but this doesn't answer my question in the context of my situation. It would be pointless for me to earn a BSN after earning a RN since I already have a BA, for example.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, ER, Resp/Med, LTC, Education.

I had a BS in health science and felt I didn't want to spend a longer time to get a degree that was going to be less then what I already had. I am in upstate NY and fortunately the year I wanted to go back to school was the first year of the accellerated program here in NY-- U of R. Yes it is equal to where you are but at least not less and you will finish in half the time. The cost issue? ....well one thing I can point out is ...I'm not sure how other hospitals work but here if you work at the hospital that is part of the school you can go for free-- and if you work part time you just have to committ to a time of work with that hospital after you graduate. ...might be worth checking on.....oh and all the places I have worked do pay more for a nurse with a BSN--not a ton but a little. Just my 2 cents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It really depends on where you work. I'm in the same situation and I decided that the cost-effectiveness just doesn't cut it--I'd rather spend that extra time I'd be spending toward the BSN on my MSN instead (some MSN programs will require just a bachelors and an RN, others require a BSN--I won't be applying to any of those).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your response. Did you end up earning an RN or BSN? I can't quite tell from your response. I think my situation is a little bit different from yours b/c my BA is in the social science and I didn't take any science classes in my undergraduate career. I am aware of the option of completing a hospital-based diploma program and have investigated that a little bit, but I'm hesitant about that option b/c of the committment to work for them afterwards (even a two-year committment). I want to move to another state after earning RN licensure b/c I don't like the state I live in, so I want to keep my options open about where I live. At this point, I'm leaning towards a BSN b/c later on I may want to specialize in something and may want to earn an MSN, but I wanted to hear from others on my situation to see what they think.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

robotaffliction,

Thanks for your response. Very good point about about the RN + BA vs. BSN when contemplating completing a MSN later on... I have researched the direct entry master's option program, I don't know if my state has one, I don't think it does, but I need to investigate that more. A neighboring state does have a direct MSN program, that's actually the one I investigated (but then I would have to pay out-of-state tuition unless I established residency first, which is time consuming, possibly not viable if I couldn't find work there, and I don't think I want to specialize first without practicing nursing for 2 or 3 years). Also, the one direct MSN program I investigated said that I would be charged graduate tuition for the full three years. I'm thinking the BSN would be my best option...but would still like to hear from more people who are/were in my situation and from those who are nurses and who hire nurses with a background like myself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think we may be in a similar position. I have a BA in psychology and I have been hemming and hawing over whether to get the BSN or the AS degree. I have applied to a ABSN program, which is my first choice because:

1. I eventually want to work on a higher degree.

2. The ABSN program is a year and a summer (May - following August) whereas the AS program in my area is two years.

3. I am now 27 and I feel as though time is passing me by (my own personal issue!)

4. The ABSN is at a state school and the cost is comparable to the 2 year AS degree at the local CC.

5. There is a waiting list for the AS at the CC but the ABSN program will let me know whether I am accepted or rejected for May of this year. I believe my earliest start date at the CC will be January of next year.

6. I don't want to do a direct entry MSN program simply because I have multiple interests and would still like some time to narrow it down during nursing school and once I get out into the real world of nursing.

That said, I will apply to the AS program if I am rejected from the ABSN program. I should find out next month. Please know, I am only applying to one ABSN program because I am choosing not to apply elsewhere in my state or out of state because I am settled, and moving is not a realistic option at this time. I have a secure full-time job at a company I've been with for over 5 years, and I don't want to leave that job or my location given the current economic climate.

That's just what I'm doing and what my thoughts are. I'm sure it won't help you make your own decision, but I thought it might help you get an idea about reasons why another person made theirs. Everyone has their own set of circumstances...sure that goes without saying...

Glad to know I'm not the only one with these questions on my mind!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

flygirl117,

Thank you so much for your response! We indeed are in the same boat...my undergraduate degrees are in sociology and criminal justice and I am 30, so if it makes you feel any better, you are head of me. :) The current economic climate is weighing on my mind too. I go the admissions rates for the RN and BSN programs near me, but I'm wondering if they will be more competitive because of very poor economy.

I read a thread on ABSN programs a few minutes ago. You may want to read that. All but one (I think) said that it is intense and impossible to work during the program, but it still may make sense in your situation.

I have to say after all the research I've done on nursing, nursing programs, and the nursing shortage, I don't get it why programs don't make certain aspects of it easier...I know there's not a shortage in every area of the country, but it seems like more could be done to help people get into the profession. Maybe my expectations of public higher education are too high, though. Just my take. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am actually out of undergrad financial aid, which makes an ABSN program very costly and, in my opinion, kind of a waste. I am doing a diploma RN program. I could pursue a BSN after that, but since I can apply directly to an MSN program with a BA and an RN, I am probably not going to bother.

Another factor to consider: a lot of ABSN programs have a lot of prereqs. The poster above mentioned that the ABSN program would be faster for her, but, for me, the prereqs would make the program a lot longer for me. I graduated more than 5 years ago so I'd have to take a lot of the courses again. The diploma RN program has no prereqs, plus it's free (which pretty much sold it for me).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh, and I was seriously considering Direct Entry Masters, but I want to explore my options in nursing before committing to a specialty. Again, the prereqs would eat up a lot of time that I could be using pursuing an RN.

I agree that this whole process is needlessly complicated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not to put too fine a point on it, but there is no "RN" degree. The RN refers to licensure, not degree. You are eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam after completing a nursing program that awards you an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a diploma.

Is an RN an RN? Some would say yes. I would say no. Though entry-level RNs generally are paid the same, regardless of educational background, that's not always the case. You'll find posts on this forum that allude to hospitals paying entry-level nurses with BSNs a bit more (e.g., 5 percent more to start). More significantly, you'll see a lot of posts about hospitals in urban areas hiring only BSNs. In my relatively rural area, a lot of entry-level jobs are now labeled "BSN-preferred." So, no, an RN is not an RN when it comes to opportunities. It depends on where you want to work and what you want to do. If you don't know the answers yet, I personally think you should keep all options open.

I also had a BS in another field before going to nursing school. For me, it was actually faster to earn a BSN than to go back for an associate's degree; all of my prior credits transferred. I also considered the long-term ramifications of earning the higher degree; since I am an older student, I need to consider what opportunities will be open to me when I'm 60 and perhaps no longer interested (or able to work) in floor nursing. A BSN made the most sense to me, and the cost was comparable to earning an associate's degree.

One other factor to consider is admission to a particular nursing program, which is generally highly competitive, especially for second-degree students. In my state, everyone is admitted to associate's degree programs at community college, which can mean sitting on a waiting list for three to four years. Other states have lottery systems. On the other hand, the university I attended extends offers of admission to only the top students each year -- no wait, but you've got to have an excellent transcript.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion