ASN or BSN

[Lexi16]

Can you go straight into nursing school for your BSN (obviously after the prereqs)? Or, do you need an asn first?

Is the bsn course essentially the same as the asn course but with extra stuff in it? Or do you have to have your asn before going for bsn? I'm asking this because I'm also wondering why all of the universities I've looked at are only offering bsn courses. Is that a thing too: you can only get your asn at community colleges? Any nurses out there, what do you recommend? I know these sound like silly questions but they're legitimate questions that I can't find answers to.

Thank you to anyone who responds! : )

[lexirae4708]

In my area, Universities offer BSNs and community colleges offer ADN (associates). Both have you take prerequisites before you can apply (your general maths, sciences, englishes, and humanities, and you will usually start out in nursing school as a sophomore). But you don't need to get an associates before apply to a traditional BSN program. There are colleges that do offer programs for nurses who already have an ADN to obtain a bachelors (called RN to BSN programs and you can usually finish within 18 months and alot are online.) Also if you choose to get a bachelors in something else there are programs that are accelerated to help you obtain a BSN quicker (but you have to have a bachelors in something else.)

[Lexi16]

Thank you so much for your reply!

So, after completing the prereqs, I could apply to the bsn program, even without any nursing experience?

In my area, a university is offering both a bsn program and an rn-bsn program. I'm not necessarily looking for the fastest way, rather, the best way of getting education. I also prefer on ca.pus rather than online learning.

A nurse told me that his suggestion would be to get my asn then my bsn because bsn programs tend to focus on the managerial role, while the asn programs teach you to become a nurse. This would probably depend on the college chosen, but what thoughts do you have on this?

Thanks again for the reply, I really appreciate it! : )

[lexirae4708]

I've heard/read the same thing. And to my knowledge both programs offer the same clinical training and whatnot. I'm applying to both programs, but I'm more drawn to the BSN program.

I'd rather get the BSN done all at once cause I feel that if I go and get my RN, I'll just stop there and then another 10 years later go and get my BSN (even though they make it quite convenient to do an RN to BSN program now-a-days). Another reason I'm more for that one is because the BSN program I'm applying to makes you have more pre-reqs in order to apply, but I have all of those credits done, where as the ADN has certain classes I still would need to take but I haven't taken them yet (I've switched my major a few times so I have a good bit of pre-reqs just not the right kinds). But it all depends on the school. Take a tour of the schools near you and get a feel for what their nursing schools are about. Apply to both types of programs when you get your pre-reqs done and see what happens.

I've heard from nurses from both of the schools in my area say that both programs are great it just depends on what you're looking for or what you need. The ADN is a way to become a RN quicker and get experience earlier, and make the money sooner, and it's usually cheaper tuition since it's at a community college. But if you're looking to get your BSN and maybe even go to graduate school and don't mind sitting in school a little longer, then go BSN.

[Lexi16]

Thank you so much for the input, I really appreciate it!