Associates degree or BSN?

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I am still somewhat miffed as to the difference between an Assoc degree RN and a BSN RN? is there really that much difference in pay or work tasks? I live in Texas, if that makes any difference. I already have a BS (Business) and MA (Clinical Psych), and am wanting to add on the RN component?

Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

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Personally, I'm doing an ADN program first bc of the cost. I can get the program fully paid for through Pell Grant and a scholarship. Plus, overall the tuition is lower. I am also taking the classes I need to enter a RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. Since you already hold degrees you may be able to get into a wider range of RN to MSN programs. The salary difference between an AND and an MSN is substantial and you have the ability to specialize in a specific area with an MSN. A friend of mine has a Bachelors in genetics and is currently in the ADN program with me and plans to fast track to her MSN with the help of her prior degree!!

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Hi, there is actually another thread that deals with this.

It is here:

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/rn-vs-bsn-207810.html

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Specializes in home health- pediatrics.

Whoa Nelly,

GET YOUR BSN, especially in a metropolitan city of Texas. I just graduated in may with my ADN from a college in Dallas, and midway through our program the hospitals started trying to gain MAGNET status, which requires "X" number of advanced degrees, so the theme for employment these days is "BSN required" or BSN strongly preferred.

I debated this also and am kicking myself in the teeth because I have now graduated, will become an RN this summer, and have applied to 65 positions with no interviews.

You are in a good boat because you have more options than most people. Schools like TWU have options for people who hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in other fields to bridge to nursing: Weekend Program - TWU College of Nursing - Texas Woman's University

You could also apply to their BSN program, and skip the majority of the curriculum because you have already taken it.

Not sure about other schools- I am familiar with TWU.

The difference in pay between an ADN and BSN is measley, but ADN vs MSN may be substantial as mentioned. BSNs in Dallas literally make 25cents to $1 more an hour only. The two nurses do the same thing and take the same licensing exam, and receive the same license.

Essentially my advice is that if you don't expect to work right away after becoming an ADN while you finish the last year of your BSN, then that does make financial sense. Tuition and fees at community colleges are much less than the university. If you aim to work right away while getting an advanced degree, just go straight into it.

Good luck!

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I second sweetpea. Get your BSN if you can. Im cant speak for Texas, but when I went to school for my ADN here there was no talk of "needing" a BSN unless you planned to do management. Here I am a few years later and most hospitals in my area, including the small county hospitals ate "strongly preferring" BSN RNs.(not to mention how saturated the market here is with new grads due to 3 new nursing schools in the area) I've been trying to get another job for a year and have had no luck. I think that's playing a large part in my struggle.

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Sorry I hit send too soon. lol Didn't get to proof read or finish...

I think that pretty much summed my story up. Just something to consider when making your decision. Good luck! :)

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I'm in an RN program now and will go through the bridge program at our University to get my BSN possibly my masters but I'll cross that bridge later!

I did the ADN program because of cost, location, and the fact that where I live they are still jobs for ADN nurses. There has been a lot of talk about our state moving to strictly BSNs only in the future so it's inevitable, at my age, that I will have to get my BSN.

If I lived in an area that only hired BSNs then I would do everything I could to get into a BSN program. Of course things happen. Sometimes there are long wait lists or money is tight so people come up with many different ways to go about becoming a nurse.

If you can afford to go the BSN route both time wise (wait lists) and financially then I say go for it. It'll pay off in the long run!

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Specializes in Neuroscience/Brain and Stroke.

I am in an ADN program because it's quicker and cheaper, I get to start working early and the hospitals in the metro area will pay for us to finish our BSN, even our Magnet status hospitals. I live in KCMO and the market for ADN's here is pretty good, we have several HCA hospitals that are ADN friendly as well as county hospitals and St. Lukes Medical Center. Do some research in your area to help you make the decision.

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Cheaper, work sooner, more salary money, and experience. What else is there to say?

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Depends upon your age. If you're young, starting in nursing, and are going to make a career of of nursing get a BSN. I live in Pennsylvania and some hospital (University of Pennsylvania) will only hire BSNs. If you're older, have raised your family and are looking for a second career, enter at the AD level. You can always work on your BSN.

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