Associates Degree vs. Diploma

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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I am trying to decide where I should go to school to get my RN but am having trouble getting a straight answer from any of the schools. I am 32 and already have a BS in communications. I have decided to now be a nurse instead. Eventually I plan to get my masters but for now just want to complete my RN and get to work. My options are one of 2 local community college programs--both 2 years and ending up with an AAS degree. My other option is a Diploma nursing program (through Bon Secours) which is 3 years. From looking at the programs the 3 year seems a lot more comprehensive, but what are these degrees worth?? Is a diploma better than a AAS or vice versa--or does it matter?? Is there a pay difference between the two??

HELP!

Specializes in Rural Health.

I have a previous BS degree and the fast track option for a BSN wasn't really an option for me because #1 the distance factor and #2 the cost. So I've gone the ADN route. Because I already have 1 degree, I don't have to take all the math, english, speech, etc....just 2 science classes that were not part of my previous degree.

I looked at diploma programs and became very interested in the fact that they seem to be more hands on that any other school I looked at. The diploma program here is actually a joint partnership with a local CC and you take all your core requirements and upon completion of it all, you petition the CC for your ADN degree and presto - you are an RN with your ADN and you went through a diploma program. However - I never applied because I had a very bad experience involving the main hospital associated with the program shortly after I looked at the school. I got into a very good ADN program so it all worked out.

I would suggest talking to some people who have gone to the school(s) in question, maybe go and visit all the schools. Both are going to have their pros and cons and hopefully you can figure those out and apply to the one(s) that are going to fit you the best.

Good luck!!!

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That makes sense as the diploma program is longer. I'm not sure where I got my presumptions from.

Actually it doesn't apply in the US. If you look into various RN-BSN completion programs you will see that it is usually much easier to transfer credits from an ADN program into a BSN program then it is for Diploma programs. It all depends on how the Diploma program is set up. Example: some hospital diploma programs now have an affiliation with a local university so official college credits can be granted. Some will also award an ADN in addition to the diploma if specific requirements are met.

But overall, it is a safe bet to say that an NLN accredited ADN will always transfer into a BSN program, even more so if the ADN program has an articulation agreement with a BSN program. This is not to say that you can't transfer with a Diploma, just don't assume that because a Diploma is 3 years, you will get more transfer credits.....you will not!

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Actually it doesn't apply in the US. If you look into various RN-BSN completion programs you will see that it is usually much easier to transfer credits from an ADN program into a BSN program then it is for Diploma programs. It all depends on how the Diploma program is set up. Example: some hospital diploma programs now have an affiliation with a local university so official college credits can be granted. Some will also award an ADN in addition to the diploma if specific requirements are met.

But overall, it is a safe bet to say that an NLN accredited ADN will always transfer into a BSN program, even more so if the ADN program has an articulation agreement with a BSN program. This is not to say that you can't transfer with a Diploma, just don't assume that because a Diploma is 3 years, you will get more transfer credits.....you will not!

I can't speak for the US. I know that when I took a 3 month class in my Diploma program, it was the equivalent to a University class lasting all year. Our credits were easily transferable between institutions.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Actually it doesn't apply in the US. If you look into various RN-BSN completion programs you will see that it is usually much easier to transfer credits from an ADN program into a BSN program then it is for Diploma programs. It all depends on how the Diploma program is set up. Example: some hospital diploma programs now have an affiliation with a local university so official college credits can be granted. Some will also award an ADN in addition to the diploma if specific requirements are met.

But overall, it is a safe bet to say that an NLN accredited ADN will always transfer into a BSN program, even more so if the ADN program has an articulation agreement with a BSN program. This is not to say that you can't transfer with a Diploma, just don't assume that because a Diploma is 3 years, you will get more transfer credits.....you will not!

In looking at my RN to BSN program I'm in now, they do have a track for Diploma RNs, but there are more requirements, but I'm not sure what those are. I agree that if the BSN is the goal, the an ADN from an NLN is the best option. imo

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Hello all!

This is my first ever post. I have been lurking on this site almost everyday for the last 6 months. I have really enjoyed it. It's become part of my rountine in the mornings. I have learned so much from you all. Thanks.

With that being said, here is my situation. I'm 31 and have been taking pre-reg classes++ towards first an ADN at a community college in SC, having finally finished I was notifiied that my hubby was transferring to Va. I have checked into CC's here in va and they require even more pre-regs. UGH! So I looked into appyling to a 4 year school I figure that with all the classes and my very decent GPA it would be the best in the long run. I got accepted into the school but still need 3 science classes before I can apply to the nursing program AND the program only starts once a year in the fall so if I went that route I would not be even entering the nursing school until August 2006. AAAH! Through all this, I have since learned of a local diploma program of which I have met all requirements except for a Micro class which I can take this summer. FINALLY I will be a REAL nursing student!! The thought of actually learning about what I have wanted to do all my life actually thrills me beyond belief!! What has taken me so long is I decided to get married and have children right out of high school and in the last 12 years I always felt that I could not submerge myself completly because I needed to work and/or care for my two children. SO I guess what I'm really asking is should I just go for the diploma program that starts this coming fall or go ahead and finish for a BSN and not see a nursing class for about a year and a half??

Thanks everyone. Whew I feel better just getting it all off my chest.

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Would you happen to be moving to Richmond?? I ask because what you are asking is why I asked my original question---I have to go part time, and the local Diploma starts part time in the Fall only and the community college starts part time in spring only so I could get into the diploma first.

Hello all!

This is my first ever post. I have been lurking on this site almost everyday for the last 6 months. I have really enjoyed it. It's become part of my rountine in the mornings. I have learned so much from you all. Thanks.

With that being said, here is my situation. I'm 31 and have been taking pre-reg classes++ towards first an ADN at a community college in SC, having finally finished I was notifiied that my hubby was transferring to Va. I have checked into CC's here in va and they require even more pre-regs. UGH! So I looked into appyling to a 4 year school I figure that with all the classes and my very decent GPA it would be the best in the long run. I got accepted into the school but still need 3 science classes before I can apply to the nursing program AND the program only starts once a year in the fall so if I went that route I would not be even entering the nursing school until August 2006. AAAH! Through all this, I have since learned of a local diploma program of which I have met all requirements except for a Micro class which I can take this summer. FINALLY I will be a REAL nursing student!! The thought of actually learning about what I have wanted to do all my life actually thrills me beyond belief!! What has taken me so long is I decided to get married and have children right out of high school and in the last 12 years I always felt that I could not submerge myself completly because I needed to work and/or care for my two children. SO I guess what I'm really asking is should I just go for the diploma program that starts this coming fall or go ahead and finish for a BSN and not see a nursing class for about a year and a half??

Thanks everyone. Whew I feel better just getting it all off my chest.

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I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the ADN transfer more easily into the BSN than a Diploma? I'm not sure but it seems the ADN covers more of the courses you'll need to transfer to a BSN.

I have my 3 year RN diploma and will be starting my BSN/MSN program this summer. Unfortunately, I have been told by many colleges that a lot of my basic credits will not transfer into the BSN programs. Now I have to take algebra again...after 10 years! Sheesh, doesn't 2+2 equal 5 in the ADN program like it does in the diploma program? :rotfl:

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Would you happen to be moving to Richmond?? I ask because what you are asking is why I asked my original question---I have to go part time, and the local Diploma starts part time in the Fall only and the community college starts part time in spring only so I could get into the diploma first.

Hi, witchypu13 thanks for the reply.

No, not to Richmond. I just recently moved to Norfolk. I have decided to go ahead with the diploma school. A nurse is a nurse i'm finding out. If I want to go back for a degree later on I still have that option. Right now all I want to do is become a nurse. I have also found that I will have lots of clinical practice which is perfect for me because I'm a hands on type learner.

Are you leaning more towards diploma as well?

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I am in the exact same situation!! I have a B.S in marketing and am working full-time in that field but want to get into nursing. I'm actually also in Richmond and currently trying to decide to go the Bon Secours route which seems really in depth or just get the associates from J. Sarg. They both seem to acheive the same goal as long as you pass the exam, but I have it in my head that one HAS to be better when getting a job - but maybe not.

I'm interested to know what the original post decided to do since we seem to be in - literally - the exact same boat.

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