Associates vs. Bachelors

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Ok, I have read through quite a few threads on associate degrees in nursing vs. bachelors degrees in nursing. I'm hoping someone can tell me if I'm thinking the correct thing, that the main difference is those who want to go into management should get a BSN.

Is that a correct way of thinking? I know both lead to a RN, but other than that I'm not too sure. Does a BSN have more nursing classes?

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Those who want advanced degrees usually get BSNs.

It is becoming more common to get a BSN even for those not interested in management or advanced degrees. Partly because employers like them, partly because people think the "BSN only" movement might take off, partly because it takes almost as long to get an RN as a BSN so why not?, partly because BSN schools are sometimes easier to get into under some circumstances.

I'm not sure how to answer whether BSN has more nursing classes than RN. Probably, in the way I think you mean, no. I don't think it is that simple, though. I think the student learns a lot about general nursing in the nurse management classes.

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Specializes in Ambulatory.

This article gives a pretty good explanation. I believe BSN have more classes in general, including prerequisites. It does seem more & more common these days to have a BSN, even for those not interested in management or advance degrees. I totally agree that under certain circumstances, BSN programs are easier to get into. I was denied by several community college ADN programs but accepted into multiple state university BSN programs. I was open to either route but I guess the choice was made for me.

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Depends on the area you are in. In my area most of the BSN programs are easier to get into, have no waiting lists and the hospitals prefer them. Some of the hospital externships will only take students who are enrolled in Bachelor degree programs. Even if you do get hired with an ADN it could be possible that your hospital would ask you to go back to school for your BSN. There aren't much of a different in nursing courses with the exception of one or two classes but we take a lot of core requirements (history, foreign language, english literature, sociology ect).

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

BSN programs not only have more courses in general than an associate degree, but also more nursing courses. My local CC's nursing program is about 70 credits, while my BSN program is over 120 credits. For the BSN, we take extra courses such as 2 chems, statistics, health assessment, pathophys, nutrition, pharmacology, community nursing, transitions, leadership in nursing, and others.

I have never had plans to enter into management. My reasons for choosing a 4-year program were: I want a 4-year degree (personal goal), I plan on enrolling into a master's program (hopefully next fall), and hospitals in my area prefer BSN graduates. The ADN did not fit my goals/needs.

BSN programs in my area are actually more competitive than the local CC. I guess it just depends on where you live.

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I cannot speak from first hand, but my mother is an RN with an associates and has never been turned down for a job for lacking a BSN. I plan on entering NS in the coming months and have no plans to do a BSN. Even if you want to be in management, you still need significant work experience before you qualify. BSN graduates don't become managers on day 1 on virtue of having a BSN.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I decided after getting an associates (general studies) degree to go into nursing. When comparing the two programs, I have to take the same prerequisite nursing courses. The deciding factor for me was that the BSN requires all the general education courses I have already completed for my associates degree.

So for me, it is going to take exactly the same amount of time to get an ADN as it would a BSN.. and all that time and energy I put into the general education courses isn't a total waste. I also would like to have as many doors to go through at graduation as possible as well.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

As a few others have said, BSN's are not just for managers anymore. A lot of employers prefer to hire BSN's even for entry-level staff nurse positions. Also, most advanced roles require at least a BSN if not an MSN. Yes, it's true that in the past, ADN's had many opportunities for career advancement ... but those opportunities are shrinking as the BSN becomes the standard for all types of roles beyond the entry level.

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As a few others have said, BSN's are not just for managers anymore. A lot of employers prefer to hire BSN's even for entry-level staff nurse positions. Also, most advanced roles require at least a BSN if not an MSN. Yes, it's true that in the past, ADN's had many opportunities for career advancement ... but those opportunities are shrinking as the BSN becomes the standard for all types of roles beyond the entry level.

What about someone who would hold an ADN and a MBA? Any advancement options for that person? I realize a MBA has nothing to do with nursing, but it is an advanced degree.

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What about someone who would hold an ADN and a MBA? Any advancement options for that person? I realize a MBA has nothing to do with nursing, but it is an advanced degree.

have you looked into going the accelerated BSN route?

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Specializes in med surg.

If this is a first degree, I would get the BSN. Why? Because you will have a better education that exposes you to other courses besides just nursing. A BSN is a bachelors degree and that is very valuable in and of itself. Now, if this is a second degree, it doesn't matter so much. Do what feels right for you. As others have said, its the experience on the job you get after that counts.

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Even with an MBA, you still need significant experience before you can become a manager.

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