ASN vs BSN

most likely, yes.

Ok, that rules out BSN, so what about a diploma program? There is only 1 school in St Louis that offers that. I'm not sure if I should try that or just wait and go to community college.

I have an ASN at the moment, but I feel compelled to defend the BSN at least a little bit. The BSN is good if you are thinking of grad school (nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, etc) at some point. It also will open up a few more doors in nursing leadership positions. You can do supervisory stuff with an ASN and the right experience, but the BSN sure helps.

Is it true that the starting salary for ASN and BSN grads will be the same even though you spent 2 extra years in college for BSN?

Ok, that rules out BSN, so what about a diploma program? There is only 1 school in St Louis that offers that. I'm not sure if I should try that or just wait and go to community college.

From you post I am going to 'assume" (dangerous, I know) that you are looking for the fastest or cheapest route to your RN license. An ADN at a community college will take you AT MINIMUM 3 years with prereqs (unless you already have them done). Many diploma programs also require a years worth of prereqs before you can apply. For two more semesters you could have that BSN.

Hedge your bets and apply to more than one school and to more than one type of program, diploma, ADN and BSN.

For example, Barnes Jewish in STL is no longer taking applicant for the ASN and is phasing it out. If you have the prereqs you can have the BSN in two years. The program is flexible and will allow for weekend, night and part-time study.

Admissions is tough, especially in St Louis.If you really have a time/money constraint it's smart to have your name in as many application pools as possible!:monkeydance:

You're right, I am trying to find the cheapest and fastest way to get my RN license. I do have most of my pre-reqs completed. I'm afraid that I will have to quit my job once clinicals start and since I don't qualify for a grant I'll be able to live off student loans while attending community college versus the high cost of BSN schools. (Any Suggestions?) I'm currently taking courses to prepare me for the BSN just in case I decide to pursue that. I really hate Barnes is discontinuing their ASN program.

The hospital where I'm employed pays fifty cents more/hour for BSN, but $1.00 more for certification. I've decided to go for cert at this time, but may go on to BSN program later.

You're right, I am trying to find the cheapest and fastest way to get my RN license. I do have most of my pre-reqs completed. I'm afraid that I will have to quit my job once clinicals start and since I don't qualify for a grant I'll be able to live off student loans while attending community college versus the high cost of BSN schools. (Any Suggestions?) I'm currently taking courses to prepare me for the BSN just in case I decide to pursue that. I really hate Barnes is discontinuing their ASN program.

I you plan to live off of loans, the community college will probably not offer you large amounts. My college maximum is $3400 per semester. If you are at an university, your maximum loan amounts will be much higher.

I just got my ADN and I am very happy with it. It still took me almost 4 years but the first two were part time and it would have taken 6 to get my BSN. I figured that it was worth it to just get the ADN and then let the hospital I work for pay for me to complete the BSN. And, I make the same as my BSN friends!!

From what I hear BSN basically just allows you the chance at more management positions than the ADN does. I already have a Bachelor's degree in another field, so once I get my RN degree I shouldn't have too many more classes to take to get my BSN. I am going the Community College route because it is the cheapest, and IMO we all have to pass the same state boards. Whether you pay $40,000 or $6,000 for your education we all take the same test! I intend to get in with a hospital that will help with continuing education and pay for my BSN. In fact, I am working part time now at a local hospital as a Nurse Aide and they will even help pay for my RN degree!

In my experience, it used to be BSN all the way. If you look at the statistics, 80% of all new nurses go thru an ADN program. They are more prevalent and generally have less waiting. Its a good way to get started, and then you can always take the advanced degrees online while working full time.

I am currently enrolled in an online MSN program, and they also offer an adn-msn program which takes only 3 years totally online.

Gook luck

BSN has more advantages than just pay.

THAT being said, there SHOULD be a differential. And, when nursing gets its act together, and pushes for that differential (an attainable goal) INSTEAD of BSN-entry (not attainable at this time), then the incentive that will create a growing class of BSNs will be in place.

I have a Bach degree in Biology. I COULD HAVE gotten my BSN, as I got my Bach AFTER my ADN, but, as you pointed out, I saw no vested interest in doing so.

5 bucks more an hour and my biology degree WOULD BE a BSN.

Our focus on this issue is currently divisive instead of collaborative, as it could be.

~faith,

Timothy.