Associate Degree in Nursing to BSN?

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Hi, my name is Briana! I have had the dream of becoming a CRNA. As I've gone through the research, many say that I should get my associate degree in nursing then after I receive that, go get the BSN. How long would this actually take? I am done with my Fall 2011 semester but I was in for Biological Sciences/Pre-Medicine and I have a meeting with the College of Nursing next week to get my class schedule together for Spring 2012 as I've switched. I am planning on Summer school this year and Winterim next school year. I do go to this University that says they give the associate degree but I only see bachelor's listed. Should I go get my associate's or just go ahead with the bachelor's? I am hoping to get done within 3 years with schooling and get my year of critical care work out the way then try to get my CRNA license.

Can I please just have overall advice on this on what or what I should not do?

Thanks.!!!

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

If you can get into the BSN program I say go for it. I don't know where you're located but in my part of the country people go the ASN route due to the BSN route being way more competitive. I'm going the ASN route because I wasn't accepted into a BSN program despite having a 3.7 pre-req GPA! However, I was accepted into my ASN program of choice so I'll still get that RN! Just make sure that you concentrate on your nursing school pre-reqs and you'll be fine. I was a Chemical Science major while at FSU and didn't do as well as I could in my pre-reqs. Since you want to get your masters getting your BSN would probably be preferable as far as time and money go.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Get the BSN, most critical care positions at the hospital, which is what you will need to get into CRNA school anyway, usually post BSN preferred. Since you are already at a 4 year school, might as well finish it. If you do chose to go the ADN-BSN route, depending on how many classes you have to take I see RN-BSN programs for as little as 12-18 months.

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I'm facing the same dilemma, however my decision is more cost based. I've been accepted to the BSN program, but the ADN is much cheaper. Going the BSN route, will cut at least 3yrs off before being able to apply to a CRNA program. Essentially, despite the cost, I leaning more towards the BSN program. Unless you can't get into a BSN program, then I would entertain the idea of an ADN.

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Most RN to BSN programs are accelerated... so it takes 1yr or 15 months. I don't know your pre-req requirements for the nursing program at your school but that is what I would suggest as a starting point to gauge how long it takes. One thing to consider is whether you choose a AASN or BSN program, the end result is the same... RN licencee after successfully passing NCLEX. The other thing to factor is cost. Obviously AASN is cheaper than BSN, but go with what fits in your budget to eliminate additional stress. Do you have any work experience within the medical field?

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Specializes in ED, Long-term care, MDS, doctor's office.

If you are young, go for the BSN..There is still an overabundance of nurses out there to compete with for jobs & even though it will be more expensive & take a little longer, you will be far better off...I would also suggest to try to get a job now doing anything at the facility which you wish to make your career to get your foot in the door..By the time you graduate, hopefully the job market for nurses will be improved:)

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