associate or bachelor degree?! HELP!!!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 5, 2005

Hi there! I graduated high school in April and decided to go into nursing (a natural choice after spending the past 3 years in sports medicine/athletic training and not wanting to pursue that as a career, but also not wanting to give it up altogether) My original plan was to core complete (48 credit hours) at the community college here, and then transfer to UTA and finish my bachelors degree there..
Now that I have actually started school I have come to the conclusion that I really don't want to go to school for 4-5 years for my bachelor's degree (I am also working full time at the moment)
In ya'lls opinion should I get an associates or just tough it out and get my bachelors? My mom is yelling at me to get a BSN, but I hated high school, and I am not enjoying college so far, I think I would rather just get my associates and be done with it for now, and if I really want to later on, then get my bachelor's.
Help! I need to make my decision soon, because next semester I will either need to finish my pre req's for my associates that I can get at the school I am going to, or I am going to have to continue my core complete!
Thanks, I hope my post made some sort of sense!
Danielle

I believe both programs are equally tough. You have options. You can get your ADN now and while working as a nurse pursue your BSN. This is what I opted for although I plan to pursue my BSN. Bottom line, I need a better job and getting in the field as soon as I can. Then I can pursue a higher degree at my own pace.

Listen to what YOU want and don't make a decision based on another person's opinion (including family). Although advice is nice, don't get pressured into something you are unsure about.

Good luck,

Jessica

pricklypear · Oct 5, 2005

If it's simply a matter of time, most bachelor's programs are 5 semesters, while the core ADN program is 4. What's 1 more semester when it's all said and done? When I was in school, I only had 3 or 4 more prereqs than the ADN students. But, like Jess advised, you need to examine your own personal goals.

One other thing to think about: If you really dislike school, do you really see yourself returning later to get your BSN? I know that was one of the reasons I chose to get it over and done with. I knew I wouldn't want to be juggling work, family and school again a few years down the line. I know lots of people who had intentions to return to school, and still haven't found the time or motivation to do so.

Good luck with your decision! (Listen to your mom:p )

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2005

Mother knows best. If you have the resources to get your BSN, best to get it now and get it out of the way. It will be a pain in the butt, but you won't regret it and won't be like me and find yourself with 15 years between your ADN and starting the BSN. I say bite the bullet and go for the BSN, it's not really that much longer.

Of course, on the other hand getting the ADN gets you into the workforce quicker and making money (the same amount of money as the BSN nurse to start with) and having an ADN RN is a great thing to have.

Of course it's up to you. I didn't have the opportunity to get a BSN, as I lived in a smaller town without a BSN program. I can only say that if I did have the opportunity all those years ago I would have taken it.

boomerfriend · Oct 5, 2005

I agree with the previous posts. It will be hard to go back and get your BSN after working for a while. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you have your BSN, you can go on into management, specialize, etc.

You Mom may be right in encouraging you to go on and just finish the bachelors. I wish I'd had my Mom pushing me at that time of my life! Hang in there and get it all done. Then you can go back later in life for a Masters! Also, try and enjoy the journey. Get involved at school and make it more fun for yourself. Sounds like you are not really enjoying it.

sunnyjohn · Oct 5, 2005

Both programs are equally tough, and since you are in Dallas, I can tell you that the Community college programs in the area are T-O-U-G-H!

At your age I think you should tought it out and get the BSN. Listen to your mom!

HOWEVER, If you just know in your heart you cannot, do the ADN program, start working, AND MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR EMPLOYER'S TUITION REPAYMENT PLAN TO GET YOUR BSN YOUR FIRST SEMESTER OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE!

Do not wait. Do not get swayed by the paycheck and extra hours of overtime. There are many folks on this board who started down the path to a BSN and got "sidetracked."

Education is never a waste!