ASN vs. BSN

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I am switching career paths and finishing up my prerequisites. There are two programs in my area (Northwest Arkansas), accelerated associate of nursing and a B.S.N. program. I already have a master’s degree but in an unrelated field so I would love the idea of an accelerated program but I am worried if I go with the ASN I might have a hard time getting hired after nursing school. I am also planning on getting my MSN. What program would you suggest? Does anyone know if it is hard to get hired with an ASN in NWA?

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Specializes in 10yrs EMT experience. Current Phlebotomist.

If I had the choice I would go with BSN. in all states most employers are seeking BSN graduates now but there are some who will hire ASN graduates with the agreement to start a BSN program to obtain their BSN.

It is all how you want to do it. I have a bachelor degree and would go BSN but I am active duty in the military so I can not attend an accelerated program.

If you have the ability I say go for the BSN. You won't have to attend school twice for 2 degrees and you can get done in about the same time.

I wish you the best. I hope to visit my family in Arkansas some day soon. I am from California but have family in Ark.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Are there any RN to BSN programs in your area? If not, a lot of schools offer them online (in fact, in my state, they're more often online than not). In the event that you're able to find one that you'd be able to shoot for, your fastest option would probably be the accelerated ASN directly followed by an RN-BSN. I'm doing a traditional ADN and RN-BSN so I'll finish with a BSN in three years as opposed to the four years of a typical BSN program. Also, some RN-BSN programs can be started while you're still working on your associates, so you're even further ahead. However, that may be too much to take on if you're already doing an accelerated nursing program.

On 4/21/2020 at 6:56 PM, SAjala16 said:

If I had the choice I would go with BSN. in all states most employers are seeking BSN graduates now but there are some who will hire ASN graduates with the agreement to start a BSN program to obtain their BSN.

If you have the ability I say go for the BSN. You won't have to attend school twice for 2 degrees and you can get done in about the same time.

Two very good points: you're definitely more marketable to hospitals with a BSN; it's also nice to not go through the hassle of applying, enrolling, and keeping up with two different schools. Also, BSN programs just tend to be well-paced. There's so much information that's thrown at you in nursing school and the more thoroughly you can absorb it all, the better.

Personally, I don't think one is better than the other. They both have advantages and disadvantages. Go with what feels most right for you. Good luck!

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If you are planning on getting a master's anyway, you could look into direct entry master's nursing programs. There aren't a ton of them, but if that is your ultimate goal anyway it may be into looking in to.

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Specializes in 10yrs EMT experience. Current Phlebotomist.

I sooooo would have loved to went into a Entry level Masters. Since I have my Bachelors already but they are all full time programs. I can't go full time. ☹️

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