Aspiring nursing student for advice

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2015

1) What is the difference between the two-year associates degree and the 4-year degree in becoming an RN? I think the latter allows you to do a masters degree. Is that the only difference? What is the difference in terms of study?

2 years is really 3 years in most cases since most schools prefer students take science and other classes before starting their nursing classes. There are a lot of employers moving towards wanting BSN degrees. I think it is a ploy to help decrease the cost of education reimbursement but there are some agencies that want BSN degrees. Supposedly they involve more leadership classes and community classes but it depends on your area. Supposedly they include more research but again, it depends on the programs. They also involve more general education credits than the 2 year degree. You can still go for a lot of MSN programs but you take a few classes more. If you fail out of the RN to MSN programs, you do not earn a bachelors degree so more pressure on the students. My MSN program has a RN to MSN option.

A lot of schools are partnering with other schools so you can knock out your requirements for the BSN during the associate program. I needed just the nursing classes and a 300 level writing class for my BSN. I knocked it out in 9 months (within 1 year of graduation) after graduating with my associates.

2) Is it possible to work during nursing school? For example if you do the 4-year degree can you work as an LPN after the first year then work as an RN after second while studying for the bachelors?

Most programs have phased that out. There used to be programs, more associates, where you could sit for the NCLEX and work as an LPN after the first year but the LPNs have more and more requirements. It is not as feasible to work that into the programs anymore. However, a lot of nursing students work as patient care techs, nursing externs (basically glorified tech since they are not licensed as a nurse), unit clerks, patient transporters, etc. I know nursing students in my state can become a certified nursing assistant and take the test and skills without taking the class.

3) Can you leave college after two years, work as an RN for however long then resume studying for your bachelors?

Well, it's really 3 years for the associate degree but yes. I have classmates who graduated when I did who are just going back now for their bachelors in the same program I graduated from. There are many who have not gone back yet. A lot of hospitals require us to go back within 5 years to get the BSN. I worked and earned a year experience while doing my BSN.