AS vs. BSN

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Hello all! Question, are there any drawbacks to doing the 2 year nursing program over doing the 4 years?

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From what I have heard is that you will need your bsn by 2018, I believe, to be hired as an RN in most states. Nothing wrong with bridging to bsn though after you have you 2 yr.

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Many employers prefer the BSN, I figure that you may as well get the BSN to open as many doors as possible.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

There is NO requirement or time table to get the BSN...there is only a RECOMMENDATION for most hospitals to have 80% nurses to have a BSN on staff.

As far as ASN programs go, most ASN programs are four years in length; that includes pre-requisites; the SAME amount of time as the BSN; if there are additional semesters in a BSN program, it's usually because they have preceptorships, or additional required courses during the pre-requisites stage; and research and leadership are separated as individual courses.

It truly depends in what area, and your potential further plans are; if you want to stay flexible

enough to get your graduate degree or NP, then go for the BSN...and most urban areas are asking for the BSN; you never know if you are going to move in an area where BSNs are going to be preferred.

Research your area schools on the requirements, as well as area health facilities. :yes:

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Specializes in PCU, LTAC, Corrections.

There are no state requirements for the BSN yet. However, I live the NY tristate area and many of the hospitals in the city and the suburbs will not hire non-BSN nurses. These hospitals tend to be magnet hospitals. I got into an accelerated-BSN program however I decided to postpone my entrance. I am applying to a ASN program and if I get in I will attend. Getting the ASN will take longer however I have to take the best financial route. I plan on getting my DNP but I will start a RN-BSN program after graduation and look for employment in upstate NY. In case you do not know, upstate NY tends to be more rural in certain areas and a BSN in not required for employment ( although encouraged) in hospitals unlike downstate NY.

Just look at the job market in you area. If a BSN and ASN prepared nurse get the same consideration for positions and you need to save money on tuition..go for the cheaper route.

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