Already Have A BA, Getting ADN

Mollypita · Mar 13, 2009

I was in a similar boat, with a BA and LPN, and went for the ADN. It was definitely quicker, and now if I decide to get a BSN (I've been an RN for one year) I can do it at my leisure, with employee assistance. Just my two cents. Good luck!!

Oorah · Mar 13, 2009

You might want to look into an accelerated BSN program. They are usually around 18 mo- 2 years, and when you are done you have a BSN instead of a ADN. These programs are technically designed for people who have BS "in a related field", which is a bunch of ho-hum since they are letting people in with business degrees around here. If you have decent grades and can handle the workload that might be the fastest route for a BSN for you.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2009

I have a BA--I went for the ADN because I wanted to be working in 2 years instead of 4, it was a heck of a lot cheaper than a BSN program, and like you, I'd love for my employer to foot the bill for a BSN :)

As far as how long it would take you to get a BSN with a BA, that would depend on two things: how long the BSN program is, and how many of your BA credits can transfer over to knock out classes such as English, math, liberal arts, etc.

techraider77, ADN, BSN · Mar 13, 2009

Yeah, I think that is my best move. Hospitals here in the Dallas area are advertising paying to advance education.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Mar 13, 2009

I was in the same boat. I could spend $7,000 for an AS or at least $10,000 on a BSN. I got my AS. My employer can pay for my BSN.

Calibean · Mar 13, 2009

I had a BA in Psych, went through a 13 month accelerated BSN program post prerequisites. It was pretty hellish while I was in school, but so glad to be done so quickly. Started out of school in the ER, eventually became a district nurse (school nurse for 4 schools), loving my job now (it requires a BSN). I am so glad that I did not spend longer getting my ADN knowing that I would have to continue on for my BSN and eventually my masters. Although, you probably get more clinical time in a longer program, I don't think you are ever prepared for what it is like when you are actually on the floor.

SoCaliGirl · Mar 13, 2009

Ooo, I started a thread sort of about this but it hasn't gotten any replies yet, so I guess I'll jump in here.

My question is are all RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs designed for people who ONLY have an ADN and no bachelor's degree? Or, can I have a BA in English, get my ADN and then get a BSN or MSN?

RNpandoraRN · Mar 13, 2009

Ooo, I started a thread sort of about this but it hasn't gotten any replies yet, so I guess I'll jump in here.
My question is are all RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs designed for people who ONLY have an ADN and no bachelor's degree? Or, can I have a BA in English, get my ADN and then get a BSN or MSN?

No, they aren't just designed for people only have an ADN and no Bachelor's. I'm currently doing an RN-BSN and I already have two bachelor's degrees in other fields. I have jumped straight into the nursing courses rather than having to take general education courses that the bachelor's normally requires. So yes...you can have a BA in English, get your ADN, and then get a BSN or MSN. :)

RFWB · Mar 13, 2009

You know, here's something else to think about....

I have a BA in music. I looked into an accelerated BSN, but realized that it would take me a year just to get the prereqs. out of the way before I could even start since I didn't have any real science background. I didn't like that idea, I wanted to be WORKING asap - so I did my LPN.

I'm pretty competent and I do well academically. I went to a VERY tough LPN school with very high standards. I was in the top of my class. Here's the problem though - even though I am VERY strong academically - it all went so fast that I didn't retain as much as I'd like. And it has NOTHING to do with effort (I worked my BUTT off), or with quality of instruction - my school/curriculum/instructors were TOP NOTCH and are known for the excellence of their program. But there's only SO MUCH you can cram in at such a break-neck pace and really truly retain it. I'm now looking forward to doing my RN because I feel like having the LPN behind me will really prepare me to soak up as much as I can of the RN program and REALLY retain it.

I say this because the accelerated BSN's move VERY fast and cram ALOT in...similar in PACE to my LPN program, but I'm sure much more in depth in terms of scope. I just have to wonder if it isn't better to take a little longer to finish an ADN and really ABSORB it rather than rushing through an A-BSN and rolling the dice re:retention. I'm really leery of doing the accelerated route now even though it would be scads shorter for me - after my experience in a one-year-to-licensure program, I'd opt for doing it the BEST way rather than simply doing it the FASTEST way. Just some food for thought.

Good luck!

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2009

I was in a simialr situation, I had a BA, then got my ADN, now I'm doing the ADN-MSN route even though I have a MEd and a PHd, becasue nurses don't recognize anything but nursing degree's

There is not single answer to your question. You have to look at your available options. In one state I was in, it took 3.5 years to get a 2 year degree. You had to get your LPN during the first part of the program and the second part you got your ADN. Once you really look you may find it takes the same amount of time to get the BSN or it may be a cost thing. Just research all the programs in your area, look at cost, time, even clinical rotation locations.

dtsh26 · Mar 13, 2009

Where I live jobs are competitive so I'm opting for the BSN. Getting the ADN would take me two years and getting the BSN would take me two years because I would have to do it part time. If I were to get my ADN and then get my BSN that would be another year added on. So, I'm opting for the one that gives me the best options. I'm just not too thrilled about the price.