Associates or Degree?

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Hi,

Wondering if it is enough to have just the Associates degree instead of going full speed ahead to get BSN? Do you think you can get just as good of a job with a Associates? Is the BSN better because you get more experince?

Thank You! =-)

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I think the really important thing to do is get into nursing school. There are numerous ADN to MSN programs out there that will help you make the bridge to the next level when you are ready to make the jump.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Yep I agree with the post above. ADNs/BSNs start off at the same payscale right out of school. Yeah you can go and get your BSN but there are MSN programs for ADNs.

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Specializes in ICU.

If you can get in a Associates program... do it. My reasoning for going through an Associates degree and then getting my BSN was the following: The BSN portion of studies is mostly directed towards community health, leadership in nursing, Health promotion, and the list goes on and on. You write allot of papers and pretty much thats what it comes down to. My idea is that by doing my associates, I could gain experience as an actual nurse while taking classes for my BSN. So by the time you get your BSN you will have a Bachelors + 1-1 1/2 years experience in the field. The end result is better i think. I graduated with a ADN in May of 2007, and while working for the last year gaining experience as a nurse, I managed to finish off my BSN this Summer 2008. Basically if I had taken the BSN route initially I would be graduating now with my BSN but would be a newbie with no experience. I think this route made sense for me. I do think you should not let it go after your ADN. Start your BSN as soon as possible to keep the school mentality in your head, as I did.

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What Brazuca said

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Here on allnurses, this question is asked all the time.

I really don't think there is any right/better/wrong/worst route to choose.

It really comes down to what route is best for your situation.

I chose the BSN route b/c I already had another Bachelor's degree BUT I also needed to work full-time (which is why I did not choose the accelerated BSN path).

I also did not choose the ASN b/c it would take around the same time (2 yrs) for me to obtain my ASN as it would my BSN. I love my BSN program--yes we have papers to write but that doesn't bother me, I've been writing papers for almost 8 yrs now. The program is very well-rounded (communtiy health nursing, high acuity, med-surg, L&D, leadership/management, etc.)--my program has it all.

So, I think the question really is: What's going on in your life right now? What are your ultimate goals in nursing?

Good luck choosing!

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Associates is a degree, and it actually requires three years or more to get.

The BSN usually is four years.

What an employer is going to look for are the two initials after your name and the title : R.N.

Experience means more than anything in the scheme of things.

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