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Discussion

Associate nursing degree

I always thought you had to get a bachelors to become and RN. Now it seems i'm finding all these Associate Nursing degree programs. Is there job opportunities out there if you only have an associate nursing degree? Or is it better to get the bachelors to become and RN.

I am so lost in this.

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Associate nursing is still a RN just not a BSN. many go the associate route and then progress to BSN and/or MSN

  • Experts

It's even more confusing and complicated than you thought -- you can also complete a hospital-based diploma program to become an RN, although there are not many of those still around, unfortunately (some states have none at all any more).

In terms of entry into practice and bedside nursing positions, there is little difference (in opportunity) among the three routes; most employers are simply concerned that you are licensed (although some hospitals do state a preference for BSN grads). The majority of licensed RNs in the US are Associate's grads. The BSN gives you a wider range of opportunities when it comes to moving "up" within the nursing world.

However, there are kazillions of BSN completion programs out there, designed for diploma and Associate's grads to complete the additional requirements for a BSN degree, both on-line and bricks & mortar schools. They are typically designed for nurses who are working full-time, and are relatively painless to complete (compared to nursing school, that is! :)) It is comparatively easy and inexpensive (if you "shop around" a little) to complete a BSN degree later on if one chooses to do that.

I know it's all v. confusing when you're new to nursing, but one of the great things about nursing, IMHO, is that there are usually multiple paths to get to where you want to go! :)

I'm assuming you are in Mass since you posted in the Mass forum. One thing to consider when deciding whether to go associates degree vs BSN is where you want to work when you graduate. The major hospitals in Boston only hire new grads with a BSN. They will hire associate degree RNs with experience though. Just wanted to point that out since there seems to be multiple posts here from people saying they always dreamed of worked at the Brigham or MGH only to find out after they graduated with their ADN that those hospitals only hire BSN graduates. Most other hospitals in Mass hire ADN new graduates.

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