BA Degree; Assoc in Nursing or Diploma to BSN

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

Published

I would like some feedback regarding nursing school. It seems as though the way to get into a BSN program is to>

1. Have a bachelors degree already;

2. Have a diploma or assoc degree in nursing.

I was thinking do you think it is just best to go back to school and get a BA degree and then go to nursing school? It seems like all the assoc degree nursing program are 2.5 years with a waiting list and the diploma degree programs are 3 years. Right now the majority of the magnet hosp want BSN degree nurses and shooting for Master level.

I cannot find a night program anywhere in Southern NJ or PA other than La Salle. Could some one shed some insight. I do have my AS degree.

Thanks.

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I would look in to entry level, traditional BSN programs. It seems silly to go get a regular bachelor's degree solely to get in to a 2nd degree solely to get in to a 2nd degree BSN program unless your first degree is nearly done.

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I suggest finding an Associate's degree program (look into local community/technical colleges). Roughly 2-3 years will get you an associates degree and will allow you to sit for the NCLEX. After that, you're an RN, then you can get your BSN fairly easily. Plus, if you're working at a hospital, most offer tuition reimbursement.

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I would skip the diploma and ASN degrees, since 1) many hospitals are on hiring freezes right now, 2) the nurses they are hiring typically have a BSN, 3) with budget cuts, many aren't even helping with tuition reimbursement. So if you're going to take 2-3 years for a diploma or ASN, why not just earn a BSN? That's my thinking, which is why I'm going back to school for a BSN instead of the other two options.

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Hiiiii Kdrose01: Most schools require that you have a Bach already or be an RN already for the BSN programs. Are you suggesting that I go back to school to obtain my Bach and then find a nursing program? You are correct the hospitals do want BSN degrees. My problems is the lack of part time evening programs and again having a Bach already in place or having your RN license already. I think for me to get my Bach it would take me approx 1.5 years and then find a nursing program which is typically with a Bach I believe two years. Do you think that is a easier pathway. Is that what you are doing?

Thanks.

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I'm sorry, bsnstudent, I completely misread your message this morning. I thought you already had a BA and were considering going back to get a nursing degree. That certainly changes your situation. Did you look at West Chester University? I think they may have an evening program, but I'm not sure. I don't know enough about evening programs.

But I'd offer this: maybe get a position as a CNA, so that you can have a flexible schedule in order to do day classes if necessary. They may even pay for your degree and offer you a job afterwards. If I were you, I'd find a few programs I like, review the courses you need to get into their nursing programs as a transfer student and work on them as a part-time student while working full-time (maybe while establishing yourself as a CNA) and then wrapping up the nursing part in a BSN program.

It really doesn't make any sense to earn a BA only to go back and earn a diploma or ADN, when you could earn the BSN in that length of time.

Good luck!

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