ASN vs BSN Curriculum Question

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Nov 25, 2010

There seems to be several differences between the degrees. You are correct in saying that there are a few more nursing courses the BSN student takes that an ASN student does not. I have taken Nursing Management and Community Nursing. To get a really good idea of the differences, look at the RN to BSN programs. Look at the list of courses needed in order to earn the BSN. The other thing is that my BSN is 124 credit hours versus the 63 for an ASN degree. The differences in credit hours are not confined to just nursing courses. There are many other required and elective courses to take. For example, a Bachelor degree in just about anything requires two English Comp courses, Speech, a certain number of Math hours, a certain number of Science hours, Fine Arts, ect…

I hope this helps.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 25, 2010

Moved to the Registered Nurses: Diploma, ADN or BSN forum

2ndyearstudent, CNA · Nov 25, 2010

Other than the actual degree title, what are the main differences in terms of education and preparedness for the real world as an RN?

Looks to me like you touched on the main differences below. I've talked to a few 4th year BSN student from the local megaversity and they ***** about writing papers about "world and community health disparities" ad nauseum while being bored stone to death at clinical. I also heard a lot of comments from nurses that the ADN students do much better at first at clinicals than the BSN. I think it is because so many of us (ADN) have healthcare experience. The difference dissappears quickly I imagine.

I understand BSN you need to take research, community health nursing, med administration, etc courses, but how does the actual curriculum vary other than this?

I believe you also get a standalone pharmacology class in most BSN Programs. We don't have one in our ADN, they try to pump as many useful med information into us with each unit. They also encourage us to get a set of drug cards and study on our own.

I have seen BSN students take a pathophysiology course while ASN Students don't, so how does this work or the reason behind it?

Same kind of thing. There is no "room" in a ADN program for a standalone Pathophys class. However, as we (ADN) move through all the body systems, we study the pathophys of each. It isn't as good as a Pathophys class, which sucks because I really like and do well on that part. Unfortunately, my program stresses trick test questions over having us really learn the pathophys.

Another question which is a bit off topic, I will start NS January 2011 and plan on going all the way up to my Acute Care or Family NP, so which stethoscope would you guys advice acquiring? Once I finish my ASN, I will hopefully start working, complete my BSN right away and keep going for the NP so if i can get something that will last me up to then that will be good. Do you guys think its a good idea to buy one that will last until then or just buy something now for NS? Also, what is the longest length they have? 28? I would like one with the long tube, but unsure of which lengths are the longest/shortest.

I would suggest starting with a basic, short stethoscope. You aren't an NP yet so a long, expensive stethoscope isn't going to do you any good now. I have a 3M Littman Classic IISE and it has been working just fine. When I start making RN money, I can upgrade if needed for my job. Good luck!

PalmettoRN_28 · Nov 25, 2010

The main difference is more research type courses and fine arts. I can tell you from experience that ADN/ASN students seem to be ready to come off of orientation well before BSN students. I once knew a senior BSN student who did not know what Lactulose was for. I think the clinical skills are better for ADN students vs. BSN students. On the other hand BSN's can move up the ladder more quickly. Nothing against BSN students, because I am working on mine. I am just stating facts!

caliotter3 · Nov 25, 2010

You covered the main differences, within the scope of what is demanded at the state level for approved programs. BSN programs include the added general education courses for the bachelor's degree. Of course, there is question as to whether the added curriculum is of use in providing good nursing care to patients.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Nov 26, 2010

So far as stethscopes go I have a Cardio 3 and that has a pretty short tubing which I prefer for sound quality but can be arkward sometimes

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2010

You will hear many opinions from BSNs don't learn real patient care, to ADNs don't have a real understanding of the hows and whys.

Here's mine:

Both the ADNs and the BSN programs prepare entry level bedside nurses, that are going to take the same NCLEX so the nursing cirriculum is geared towards the same goal and pretty much the same.

Every place is different, but around here the BSN and the ASN students get the same amount of clinical time, and from me working with them, they both seem to be on equal footing as entry level bedside nurses.

So for real world nurses, I think both programs do a good job of preparing nurses....however, as we all know there's "the nursing school way", and the "the real world".....both fail at preparing you because we all come out fumbling and eyes looking like a deer in the headlights.

ADNs do take pathophysiology, it's just incorporated with their nursing course. In a way I think that's better because in BSN programs you might be on one area in nursing, another area in your assessment course and another area in your patho course, whereas ADNs study them altogether. Of course every school is different. Sometimes the BSN students go into a little more detail in their separate patho course than I remember in my ADN course.

All the best in all you do.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2010

Aside from the leadership and public health courses (among others)- BSNs must take a core curriculum (in Texas) that includes:

Math 3/hrs

Government 1 3/hrs

Government 2 3/hr

History 1 3/hrs

History 2 3/hrs

Fine Art 3/hrs

Humanities 3/hrs

Intro to Psych/Sociology or Anthropology 3/hrs

Computer Apps 3/hrs or test out

Comp 1 3/hrs

Comp 2 3/hrs

Life Science x2 4/hrs each

In addition- they also want

Nutrition 3/hr

Lifespan 3/hr

Chemistry 4/hr

Statistics 3/hr

(And all the other usual suspects like A&P 1/2, and Micro)

I know a few of the general education classes are part of an ADN program or prerequisite, but many of them are not. In order to even be considered for BSN these course must be completed.