Asn Bsn

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Hello,

I am in my first year at CCBC -Essex, I am trying to figure out whether I should apply for the nursing program at a community college or a four year college. I was just wondering what the differences were between an associates and a bachelors (I know that ASN is 2 years and BSN is 4). And if when applying for a job how it is different.

Thanks!

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To do it over I would have gotten the BSN. Basically, it's a misnomer to say ADN is a two yr. program. With all the prereqs required before actual admission into an ADN/ASN program it is nearly a four yr. journey anyway.

Within the past yr. I've noticed a change. In my area, the better jobs and greater opportunities are now going to the BSN's.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Another thing to consider is whether or not working as an RN in the meantime would be of benefit to you. Also interestingly enough CCBCs RN program is harder to get into than many of the local BSN programs from what I hear. Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Another thing to consider is whether or not working as an RN in the meantime would be of benefit to you. Also interestingly enough CCBCs RN program is harder to get into than many of the local BSN programs from what I hear. Good luck with whatever you decide.

One advantage to obtaining a ADN first would be that many employers will assist you to get your BSN. They do this by tuition reimbursement or like the VA-pay 100% for you to obtain your degree.

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To do it over I would have gotten the BSN. Basically, it's a misnomer to say ADN is a two yr. program. With all the prereqs required before actual admission into an ADN/ASN program it is nearly a four yr. journey anyway.

Within the past yr. I've noticed a change. In my area, the better jobs and greater opportunities are now going to the BSN's.

That is exactly why I changed my mind. I am now taking prereqs for the BSN.

There is one thing that gets on my nerves though. All of the BSN programs in MD and DC have different prereqs! Some require organic chem (ack) some don't, some require 2 years of english some don't, theology, maths, social science requirements differ, abnormal psychology, etc... :uhoh3:

So you basically have to decide what your number 1 pick is and do those prereqs. Right now I'm going to try for the university of maryland bachelors program. I'll finish my prereqs sooner for that school.

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At the hospital where I work, the pay is the same. An RN is an RN no matter how you got there. However, if you're interested in management, you need a BSN>

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

I have a bachelors in another field and decided to go with the ASN. I decided this because: 1. I'm still paying of student loans from my first BS, 2. It's cheaper and closer to home and I don't have to pay for parking or deal with city traffic, 3. I plan on getting my BSN pretty much right away, but I'm going to let the hospital I work for pitch in on the expenses, 4. I didn't want to take the extra prereqs which cost more $$ and, for me, take another semester away since I work full-time.

Sorry for the long laundry list, but this was my thought process when choosing a school. It was either UMD or Essex for me because the are both the most affordable.

I figure you have enough stress going to nursing school so why have to worry about the traffic and getting there on time when the community college around the corner has a 91-92% NCLEX pass rate on the first try. Remember, gas is expensive these days! :chuckle

Your lucky to be in Maryland because we have the choice of so many great programs both ASN and BSN (and a ton of great hospitals to work for when you are finished). It just depends on what works for you at this point in your life. If you've got the extra time and money, then the BSN might be a better way to go so you can get it all knocked out.

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