Already have 2 bachelors; which nursing degree is best?

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jun 18, 2016

There are ABSN programs that are 12-18 mo. in length (after pre-requisites ).

verene, MSN · Jun 18, 2016

There are not direct-entry programs online. Online programs only exist for students who already have clinical experience and require additional theory classes to bridge from one degree to the next.

ASN programs are likely to be the least expensive, however as you said you if have plans of moving further on they may add time.

Direct entry MSN programs are usually VERY expensive. Though it would give you a higher degree than what you currently have. Also it may make finding a job more difficult if you have a generalist MSN degree and no experience when you graduate. Bear in mind most financial aid will be in the form of loans.

Your best options in terms of middle ground between cost and time are likely to be either ABSN programs (usually 12-18 months in length) or transferring into a traditional 4 year BSN program as a post-bacc student. Because you would be coming in with pre-reqs already completed even a "4 year" degree would likely only require 2 years to complete as many programs are set up such that transfer students come in at the jr level which is when the nursing specific curriculum begins.

Dogen · Jun 18, 2016

Forgive me for redirecting, but I think a better question may be to ask what you want to do and then find out the quickest or best way to do that.

If you want to do bedside nursing then likely the quickest way to do it is an accelerated BSN. This is also typically more expensive. If you want to do it cost effectively then you're better off getting an ASN, passing the NCLEX, getting a job, and then having your employer pay to do an RN to BSN bridge.

The big question with bedside care is usually do you need a BSN? The answer is maybe. Go to the websites of local hospital systems and see what their job postings say. If they all want BSN prepared nurses getting your ASN is not a good idea.

If you want to go into management then getting your MSN is a good idea, but you're still going to need your RN and several years of bedside experience, and an employer may help pay for grad school, so a BSN first is still a better idea.

If you want to be a nurse practitioner then you'll need a master's, but you need to pick a specialty before you go to grad school so you (and your patients) will be better off if you get a BSN and practice at the beside for a while before you become an NP.

AJJKRN · Jun 18, 2016

Honestly, if I were you I would check out the path for becoming a Physicians Assistant. Regardless of all the hype, there is NO nursing shortage for new grads. It just doesn't make sense (IMHO) to add more debt for a nursing degree that may or may not financially sustain your living needs and also pay off your student loans.

Depending on where you live, new grads have been waiting up to a year for their first job interview. If you can move to the middle of nowhere to remote places or places with ridiculous weather, then your chances would be better.

What happens if you sink all of that money into another degree and have trouble finding a job with either an ASN or BSN or MSN and you're starting in this economy with no experience, probably as the lowest man on the totem pole. Your previous degrees will not be looked at with that nursing degree. Most employers just really don't care unfortunately!

Not meaning to crush dreams! This is the route I would go, especially with a Bio degree. You didn't mention what your other degree is in.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 20, 2016

I agree that you should start by figuring out what kinds of jobs/career you want. What is your "end goal." Apparently, you have already spent more money than you have on 2 degrees that do not take you to your "end goal." So don't invest any more time, effort, or money in another degree until you have a clear "end goal" in site. Your long term goal should play a big part in your decision as to which degree (if any) is right for you.

Since you are already in debt ... you might even want to work a little at jobs that using those degrees and pay down that debt a bit before you take on any more debt. Adding debt upon debt is a generally a bad idea unless you are very sure of where you are going, why you are going there, and have worked out all the math.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 20, 2016

What keeps you from using the two bachelor's degrees you already have? llg has given some sage advice.

skydream · Nov 30, 2016

Apologies for the very belated reply - had some major health problems in the last couple months. My two degrees are pretty useless without further education, and after a lot of research and internships, an MSN seems to be my best option.

skydream · Nov 30, 2016

I shadowed a lot of PAs and heavily considered the field. After a lot of research, I can conclude there is a lot of hype surrounding them, just as with nursing, and jobs are not as abundant or plentiful as they might seem.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2016

Apologies for the very belated reply - had some major health problems in the last couple months. My two degrees are pretty useless without further education, and after a lot of research and internships, an MSN seems to be my best option.

Thanks for returning with an update. Good luck with your career pursuits.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 3, 2016

I have a BS in Biology, did my ADN in 4 semesters and then started working. After a year on the job, they offered tuition assistance and the RN-BSN programs are mostly online. I got my BSN in one calendar year and it cost me nothing. Now I am an online MSN program that is being mostly paid for by my employer. I would have done the ABSN but I missed the cutoff for admission application. I am glad I did things the way I did.

I am an older new nurse (5 years this May and >45 yo when I started). Had no trouble getting a job.