ASN or BSN program

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I know this has been posted before but can't seem to find it. I need to do some pre-reqs first, but am wondering what everyone thinks about getting your ASN or BSN first. I'm not in a big hurry to finish school since my kids are still so little...I won't be able to attend a full time program any time soon. This is why I'm thinking of just going for my BSN straight away. Is that silly to do considering many hospitals will pay for your BSN while you're employed by them? Any distinct advantages or disadvantages to either route? Thanks so much!

Michelle :)

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

There's a whole ASN vs Diploma vs BSN forum that has discussed this at length. In a nut shell, there are pro's and con's to both, but if it's convenient for you to get your BSN first, I'd go for it!

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ahhh!!! thank you so much. :) it's right there..i feel silly. lol!

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one advantage of adn, is that you will be able to work as a rn sooner than a bsn, plus then you can take bsn classes online and when you have time. plus im sure a local hospital will pay for the rn-bsn part so then school will be cheaper.

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Specializes in Med/Surg ICU, NICU.

If you have the luxury of taking the extra time to complete your BSN before you need to work I would go for it. I went the ADN route because my family is dependent on my income. Nursing was a career change for me. I have now enrolled to complete the BSN program and the hospital will pay for almost all of it. Work wise I had no issues finding a job with an ADN vs BSN and in my area very few hospitals compensate hourly for the BSN.

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You may need to research whether a part-time program is even available. Area ASN and BSN programs are full-time only. Or, were you referring to doing pre-req's part-time? Good luck with whatever you decide!

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I know this has been posted before but can't seem to find it. I need to do some pre-reqs first, but am wondering what everyone thinks about getting your ASN or BSN first. I'm not in a big hurry to finish school since my kids are still so little...I won't be able to attend a full time program any time soon. This is why I'm thinking of just going for my BSN straight away. Is that silly to do considering many hospitals will pay for your BSN while you're employed by them? Any distinct advantages or disadvantages to either route? Thanks so much!

Michelle :)

One thing to think about: while you can usually get your employer to pay for the BSN bridge while you're working for them, that does mean you have to work and go to school, in addition to family responsibilities.

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