ASN vs BSN

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Hello. I will be a certified CNA and PCA by May 2014. I want to get a part time job in a hospital since I have to work part time anyway. I am also currently finishing my A & P 2 and will take my TEAS this Spring of 2014. I will finish Micro this Summer of 2014. I am now applying into nursing programs that will allow me to apply with only having my A & P 1 and other core courses (so I'm taking TEAS due to that).

1ST question - Is it better to go for the ASN or BSN (I do have a BA degree already with Chemistry courses, Statistics, etc)? I would like to work part time throughout the nursing program and know I cannot fail courses to stay in the program.

I've heard from some nurses to get my BSN in order to find a job in the hospitals. Then, I've heard from another friend pursuing nursing that students graduated in 2013 in Georgia with their ASN and have received jobs on contingent of their NCLEX. I know that the ASN requires approximately 9-10 credit hours per semester vs BSN requirement of approximately 15-16 credit hours per semester. I know that less credit hours would give more time to work part time.

2ND question - What colleges should I consider that you have heard students working part time while in the program - ASN - Gordon, Georgia Perimeter, Georgia Highlands, and Middle Georgia State College -or- BSN - Clayton State, LaGrange College, and Middle Georgia State College.

I would like some feedback. Thank you.

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

Go for your BSN. I was an LPN and I bridged to ASN-RN.There are some places that still wont consider me for employment because I do not have a BSN. Thankfully, I went back to school one week after I graduate and will have my BSN by June.

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Thank you prettymica. I am concerned with the BSN school load due to being married and having 3 children. Also, I have to work PT as well (thinking of working as a CNA). I do not want to fail classes. As I also look at prices for colleges, I noticed it is more expensive at Universities offering the BSN compared to colleges offering the ASN-RN program. My plan is to finish the ASN-RN and bridge over quickly within the year. Do you think I would be safe doing that? Thanks again for your feedback. :)

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

You are welcome. Yes it would be very safe to do that. As I stated I started summer school classes one week after graduating. I am now into my second semester of RN-BSN, lots of my classmates are doing the same we are at various schools. Most of the classes are geared toward expanding on the nursing role so its not as hectic and stressful because you have already covered and passed the concepts/techniques/skills part of nursing.

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Thanks again prettymica. I have a few more questions referencing the bridge to BSN. I have all the prerequisites for 1 college in my area, besides 1 course. I may have to take the course during the summer semester, after graduating from the ASN program -or- take it during one of my nursing semesters, which maybe a lot! How did you make sure all of your prerequisites were completed to bridge quickly? Also, it sounds like the courses differ in the BSN compared to the ASN courses. I have heard nurses working full time while in the BSN program. It sounds doable. I was wondering because we're told if we are accepted in the ASN or BSN (no bridge) program that working is NOT recommended, unless it's part time. Thanks for your feedback. :)

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

I was pre med before I switched to nursing so I had a lot of my prerequisites covered a while ago. Some schools will let you take the class with other nursing courses and some will not, it depends on your school. Yes the classes are different for the RN-bridge because you already have your license and you are not in NCLEX testing mode, it is more papers and discussion questions. I can't tell you what work schedule will work for you but I worked part-time in LPN school and full-time for both bridge programs. I am not telling you it is easy, but it can be done. Good Luck!

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Prettymica, that makes a lot of sense. I am in a similar situation. I was a Biology Pre Med major before finishing my BA degree. Due to that, at one of the colleges offering the BSN bridge, I only have to take 1 prerequisite class, Pathophysiology. At some of the other colleges offering the BSN bridge, due to the length of time it's been since I took my Chemistry courses, I will have to retake the courses (Pathophysiology is not required).The quickest route is taking 1 class instead of the Chemistry series. I will get through the ASN route first, then move to the BSN bridge. I believe this will be a good route for me. Thanks for the information on the differences in the ASN-RN and the BSN. That also helps a lot. Thank you again. :)

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