ASN vs. BSN

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · May 4, 2011

Have you looked into accelerated BSN programs for those who already have an undergraduate degree? Requirements vary by school and program, but I think that may be a good option for you. Many public and private universities offer a “fast track” program that allow people to earn a second bachelor’s degree quickly. I just finished my BSN in such a program. I finished the degree in 14 months. It’s intense and fast paced, but if you can stay focused, you can complete the degree in less time than an ASN and have a BSN!

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · May 4, 2011

Hi All,
I am new to All Nurses but every time I try and search something related to the field this website helps me out- so first off THANK-YOU!
I am very confused. I have my B.S. from SCSU in Communications and have had NO LUCK getting a job. Needless to say I have decided that I am passionate about health care and am going to go back to school to be a RN.
Here is my issue. I have been looking into programs and cannot decide which is the best choice......
1) A local CT Community College offerers a 2 year program for RN (ASN) which I would be able to get into within a semester or two- and graduate from in 2 years.
2) I can go back to SCSU and work towards my BSN which will take me a little bit longer but cost me about double the amount of money.
I just don't know the major difference better the two degrees in relationship to getting a job here in CT and the difference in pay scale.
If i complete the two year degree, am I going to end up going back to school to earn my BSN anyway?
HELP.
THANK YOUUUU

Had to comment cause I love your username :)

LisaTurtle · May 4, 2011

Thank you! But I have looked into that and the schools around me are all very competitive. SOUTHERN- cant get into until at least 2013, Fairfield, Quinnipac and St. Joes are way tooo much money!

leenak · May 4, 2011

Do you have all your pre-reqs already done? I figured out that by the time I'm done with pre-reqs, I'll be ready to start school in 2013.

soxgirl2008 · May 5, 2011

Check the job market you want to work in. In some areas its hard for ADNs to find hospital jobs. In other areas of the country hospitals don't really care as long as you are an RN. If you live somewhere where ADNs are readily hired, it might make more sense to save the money and do the ADN program depending on how much the BSN program would cost you...If the BSN is do-able financially I'd say go with that, because from what I've heard the northeast job market is tight.

Here in Wisconsin hospitals don't generally care about the BSN/ADN debate, at least around here. There is also no pay difference, however CT might be a whole different story.

If you did go the ADN route, considering you already have a 4 year degree it might not be that much of a hassle for you to go back to get the BSN after you graduate. I'm doing an ADN program, and because I started out at a BSN school and took all their pre-reqs (humanties and all that) I'll only have to take 23 credits to have my BSN once I get my ADN, and it'll cost me wayyy less than doing one of the private BSN programs around here which would have been my only option if I wanted to do the BSN right away

DAL2010 · Sep 30, 2011

I earned by BA in 2001 and looked into the only BA-BSN program offered near me. It's through Indiana University (in Indiana, not the one in Pennsylvania) and they only accept social science and math courses less than 7 years old, which means you really need to have earned your bachelor's within the past 3 years! Plus, they only run one cohort at a time, so even though the program itself is only 18 months, I will actually be almost finished with the ASN program I chose before I could even begin the transition program. Plus, some hospitals near me offer tuition re-imbursement for ASN-BSN at 100% for full time nurses, so I have a decent shot of getting my BSN paid for while working. I agree with others that ASN-vs-BSN jobs and programs vary a lot by geography, so make sure you learn all you can about your specific area.