ASN or BSN?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hey,

I have my associate of science in pre-nursing and I'm being torn between programs. The two BSN programs that I applied to, I'm not quite on track with, either they require more classes, allow one cohort a yr, and/or a different entrance exam. The 3 ASN programs I've applied to, I have everything they ask for and I would not have to take additional courses or pay $80+ for an entrance exam . I'm not being lazy about it, I'm being realistic. Is it "silly", as my classmate said, to go for the ASN schools even though I already have an associates degree?

my main goal is to have a BSN no matter what!

THANKS

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Does a non-nursing associate's degree count for much in GA? It doesn't in CA. I don't think it's silly to go for another associate's, just as it's not silly to go for your BSN if you have another bachelor's.

If you plan to do your BSN, you're going to need those classes, anyway, most likely. Why not just go straight through to your BSN?

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I am currently in an ASN program. I had the same battles that you are having now. I talked to a few recruiters and managers at local hospitals to see their opinion on this topic. I would suggest you do the same in your area. The hospital I've worked at the past two years considers me "grandfathered in" so I would not have to have a BSN to get hired as a new grad.

However, a few local hospitals suggested that they prefer to take a BSN new grad over an ASN new grad. This is why I would recommend you do some local research. Financially the ASN program was best for me, and since the current hospital I work at will not require me to have a BSN as a new grad there was no question about it. My ultimate goal is to get my BSN as well, which is why the ASN was my final decision. Good luck to you. I hope this helps :)

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Maybe I don't understand, but what would be silly? There are many people here that have degrees in accounting or business administration and end up returning to be a nurse. There are probably making the assumption that you could take your associates degree and start off at a 4 year college real easy. From what you are saying that isn't the case. Many BSN 4 year programs will need different or more prerequisites so there could be more classes before starting the core nursing classes.

Now if you applied and got accepted into the ADN program you could start right away and be an RN in two years right? Well if this is the case then you might think of it. Before you do you need to look and see what job you can get as an ADN. If you live in or near a rural area then you shouldn't have a problem getting a first job as an ADN. If you live in the city, ADN jobs could be limited. You need to look.

What you should do is make a pro's and con's chart and determine what is best for you. Make an informed decision with information in your area. We can only give general advice that may have no bearing on your particular situation. I do think you are correct that BSN is the ultimate goal, but how you get there is as individual as each nursing program.

I chose to get my ADN because jobs in my area are fairly plentiful (rural). I am getting my BSN now and getting financial aid and assistance from work to complete it. Like I said, there are many ways to get there from here....

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thanks for the responses! I will definitely do some research on the hospitals and the type of degrees that are required. I'm leaning more towards an ADN, mainly for financial reasons.

Again, thanks for the feedback!

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