Associates after bachelors degree?

[Nursetobe25]

I already have a degree and want to get into nursing or some allied health field. If I were to go back and get my associates in my chosen allied health field (since I cannot commit to an accelerated program right away, would this look bad?

I feel like people will judge and thinks its stupid and make my bachelors look like a waste.

Is it a waste or is it just "adding to my current education" since I'm picking up a new vocation?

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

Nope, not a waste at all. Go for it .

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

That's what I had to do. I have a Bachelors already and I had to get an Associates because the local 4 year school was closed to 2nd Bachelors students. Had I been accepted to a BSN or an ADN program, I would have gone with the BSN program because of the additional employment possibilities locally, but I didn't get an inferior education by doing the Associates.

If I'd had the resources ($$,$$$) I would have gone for an ABSN and I'd have been done years ago.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I have a friend who earned a non-nursing BS degree many years ago. After her first career didn't deliver the earnings or lifestyle she envisioned, she made plans to enter the nursing profession in the most cost-efficient way possible.

She first completed a practical nursing program at a local community college while paying for the affordable tuition as she progressed. After working for a handful of years as an LPN, she completed an LPN-to-ASN program. Now she's a nurse manager who earns nearly $100,000 annually.

I would advise new entrants into the nursing profession to shoot straight for the BSN degree, but sometimes our circumstances makes that option too difficult or expensive. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Entering an Associate Degree program after obtaining a BS [or BA] in an unrelated field isn't uncommon. It may be the easiest and most cost effective way to reach your goal. Another plus; check with admissions at the schools you are interested in as some of the credits from your previous degree may very well transfer over saving you time and money.

[blackeyedsusan]

Not stupid at all! I know many nurses who chose nursing as a second career and already had other degrees. My favorite piece of advice is to get your ADN first - then you can start working as a nurse, make a decent salary, and then finish out your BSN completely online. I know there's a big push for nurses to have their BSN, but the patients couldn't care less and (in general) your coworkers won't either. ADN's are just as competent as BSN's.