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Discussion

Associates if I don't get into a BSN program?

Hey y'all,

In the event that I do not get into a BSN program, should I consider applying to an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing program (2 years just like most BSN programs) as a backup or give some more time to volunteer more or improve grades? I'm currently a junior and not sure if it's worth having an associates to become an LVN/LPN then RN sooner then do accelerated BSN or wait to secure the bag with a BSN.

Thanks!

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    • Featured Replies

    I got into my ADN program as an tenth alternate. My GPA was 3.7, one of the lowest.
    ADN may or may not make sense for you depending on multiple factors, but don't assume that it will be easier to get into than a BSN program.

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    A successfully completed accredited AASN program prepares you to NCLEX test to become an RN, not an LVN/LPN. The down side of that is not all facilities will hire an RN with an ASN degree, some insist on the BSN. But if you can't get into a BSN program for your RN, an ASN program is a good possible choice.

    ETA Sorry if I misunderstood the question. Sour Lemon's response makes me think maybe I did.

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    10 minutes ago, Katillac said:

    A successfully completed accredited AASN program prepares you to NCLEX test to become an RN, not an LVN/LPN. The down side of that is not all facilities will hire an RN with an ASN degree, some insist on the BSN. But if you can't get into a BSN program for your RN, an ASN program is a good possible choice.

    ETA Sorry if I misunderstood the question. Sour Lemon's response makes me think maybe I did.

    It is confusing, now that I see LVN thrown in at the end of the paragraph. Maybe it's a program that allows candidates to test for LVN after the first year before going on to earn an ADN in their second?

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    11 minutes ago, Sour Lemon said:

    It is confusing, now that I see LVN thrown in at the end of the paragraph. Maybe it's a program that allows candidates to test for LVN after the first year before going on to earn an ADN in their second?

    Ohhhhhh. . . right, I forgot about those. It takes a village. ?

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    The question is a little confusing because of the mention of LVN. If your goal is to become an RN with a BSN, doing LVN first is really taking the long way around and I don't recommend it.

    Yes, I do recommend applying to an Associates RN program as a back up to the BSN goal. You can do an RN to BSN program after the Associates program. Some Associate RN programs even offer some sort of bridge to the BSN.

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    • Expert
    6 minutes ago, Golden_RN said:

    Yes, I do recommend applying to an Associates RN program as a back up to the BSN goal.

    That depends on the reason she can't get into the BSN program. If her grades aren't good enough for it they probably aren't good enough for the ASN/ADN program either. It really isn't a "backup" option unless she opts for a for-profit school that will take anyone with a checkbook and a pulse.

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    Just now, Wuzzie said:

    That depends on the reason she can't get into the BSN program. If her grades aren't good enough for it they probably aren't good enough for the ASN/ADN program either. It really isn't a "backup" option unless she opts for a for-profit school that will take anyone with a checkbook and a pulse.

    Good point, and I definitely DO NOT recommend that path.

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    • Expert

    There are some LPN/LVN programs that offer the associate's degree as an option but this is not the norm. Nothing wrong with getting an LPN education in this manner, as the extra courses beyond the LPN diploma/certificate most likely will transfer into a future BSN program. Also, the degree will look better on a resume. However, the down and dirty is that the OP would benefit from a BSN program from the get go in terms of saving money and time.

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    • Author

    Oops I should have done my research. Disregard the LVN/LPN mention.

    Hope this clarifies:

    My ultimate goal is to have a BSN. I've just been overthinking the competitiveness of the BSN programs I applied to. I want to say my grades are fine, 3.5 GPA with 86.9 on TEAS, but could be better. And in case of things not going my way, I wanted to seek advice and see if going the ASN to RN then to eventually BSN route is a path worth considering too (since it seems a little long-winded). Or just keep on trying for those BSN programs?

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    it depends on how saturated your area is. When I was applying to nursing programs (both ADN and BSN) my area was flooded with applicants. I didn't get into most programs and the one ADN program I did get into had 90 spots for 1000+ applicants throughout the entire county.

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    • Expert

    It also depends on your job market. If most of the employers in your area are hiring only BSNs, having an ASN is going to put you at a disadvantage. Granted, who knows what the market will be like when you graduate in two years, but it's something you do have to consider.

    That being said, it's not impossible to get a job as an ASN in a BSN-preferred market. Just not easy.

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