ASN VS BSN

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 11, 2013

HI ~ I'm unsure which state you live, though here in California (Northern) many job postings "strongly prefer BSN". For me, I'm obtaining my BSN. I think having the BSN (really an MSN) makes you more marketable. I think you will find jobs with an ASN (though may need to look out of your immediate area depending if nursing is saturated). Then, if possible, obtain your BSN at a later time. Good luck to you! :)

Nursing_Student'15 · Apr 11, 2013

I'm in pa. The school im going to is closely associated with a hospital so im hoping that helps......and the fact that im a male may help a tad. Unfortunately, only a 2 yr program is offered. Also, i should of added, i will be graduating this may with a bachlors of science in biology. I hope this helps some but it seems that a Bsn is looked at very highly compared to related bachlors.

zoe92 · Apr 11, 2013

I'm in pa. The school im going to is closely associated with a hospital so im hoping that helps......and the fact that im a male may help a tad. Unfortunately only a 2 yr program is offered. Also, i should of added, i will be graduating this may with a bachlors of science in biology. I hope this helps some but it seems that a Bsn is looked at very highly compared to related bachlors.[/quote']
If you are graduating with a bachelors in biology, why don't you apply to accelerated or second degree bachelors? They are specifically for people who already have a bachelors in something else.

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 11, 2013

Zoe92 makes a good point. I'm going into an accelerated program (ABSN) as I already have my Bachelor's degree also. Your Bachelor's degree will definitely be a plus. I'd try to see about any accelerated programs since you have your Bachelor's degree, as many of these accelerated programs are one years (the program I start next month is). Overall, my suggestion to you is whether you do the ASN or BSN - do well in your program, clinicals and get your name out there. Often times, it's "who you know" and their reference about you. Make excellent impressions and efforts through school. :)

Fireman767 · Apr 11, 2013

I'm also in PA, Im doing my ADN in nursing at Mount Aloysius College and it seems many of the hospitals here will hire ADNs. However, most of them require a BSN within 6 years or so. I will graduate with my ADN and BSN at the same time thanks to having one BS already, and proper planning of classes.

Nursing_Student'15 · Apr 11, 2013

Accelerated degrees have a rep of being extremely difficult.....i had that in mind but somehow didnt follow through. In addition some are very pricey but i guess they would be worth it considering i may need to get a bsn eventually. I'll look around but i think most schools closed their applications.

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 12, 2013

Hi ~ I think nursing school will be difficult - no matter if accelerated or not. Of course, the accelerated version "kicks it up a notch" in a shorter time frame. I'd research schools (very reputable ones) that have accelerated programs. The cost may be high, though having a degree and experience from a well recognized school may get you farther ahead in the competitive world of nursing.

Nursing_Student'15 · Apr 14, 2013

ok so i think the best route is to take an accelerated bsn program since i have a bachlors in bio...the problem is most schools have closed their apps for the fall....i have an idea but it seems kinda crazy let me know what you think. I'm acceptted to an Asn program so i'll do that in the fall and spring. In the summer a bsn program opens at another school so i may try to apply and get in. If i get in, hopefully they accept some credits from the asn. If not, i'll just retake them. If i do not get accepted into the bsn program, i'll stay with the asn. Does this plan seem reasonable? Any other ideas?

Thanks

Fireman767 · Apr 14, 2013

I would strongly check with the BSN about transfering credits. Most often, the credits will not transfer because they are two different types of programs. In addition, if they did take your credits, you would have a gap of about 7 months where you would be not taking classes because there would be a gap. ABSN programs are good if you can get in, but since you will be about a year before even starting, the ADN your already in might be a good idea to consider. It wont take 1 year to complete like the ABSN, but the difference is you wont wait almost a full year to start.

zoe92 · Apr 14, 2013

Nope, dont do it. Transferring classes can be very difficult & may not happen. Even if credits transfer, you may be in a specific cohort so you would not really be able to "get ahead", since ABSN make you take +3 classes/semester.

I say just wait until the next ABSN deadline (some have spring options & many have summer options too) OR just do a whole associates degree.

Be patient, young grass hopper. What is the hurry?

Nursing_Student'15 · Apr 14, 2013

Well i want to be able to have a job after getting a degree. If i can't get one with an ASN, i'll be somewhat forced to go back and get a BSN (hence what i'm considering now).