Bachelors in Nursing

Published

Hi everyone,

Im new to the site and I just had some questions about the major I want to get into. I actually have 2 majors...Nursing and Health Administration.

When I first decided to do this, my idea was to get my Associates in Health Administration, and also get an AS for RN. Then, I wanted to go to a 4 year University and get my BA in Health Administration.

Now, im learning that an AS in RN is basically like getting an assiciates in nursing. So I figured, if I get my AA in Health Administration, can I just get my Bachelors in Nursing instead and do a double major the whole way thru? Im so confused between AA and AS and BSA and BA...Please help...Im in a community college right now and im 1 class away from my AA...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it would depend on your ultimate goal but I am going to encourage you to get a minimum of your bachelor's in nursing. At your age you might think there is no need but at MY age I wish I had gone on and done at least that. With an associate's you will be stuck and unable to advance in your career at some point. If your ultimate goal is administration perhaps you should check with a program counselor for advice. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.

I have no idea about the double majoring, but it's not an AS or BS in RN. RN is the license. An associate's and bachelor's program in nursing leads to being able to sit for the NCLEX test. Upon passing that, you are an RN regardless of your degree. Usually people that do the BSN programs do that to advance their careers past bedside nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

you would definately need to talk with your schools councilor about the universities in your area and your ultimate goals. They would be able to put you on the right track and explain the differences in degree, plus you should meet with them anyway if you are that close to an AA.

If you could I would just get the AA and go on and get your BA (BS if you can) if you want to work in health administration.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just from what I have researched about my own career goals (although I am not going the same exact route as you) you can get your BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and then get your Masters in Health Administration. The requirements for the Masters of Health Administration only requires you have a bachelors of *some* type, as well as two specific classses (microeconomics and statistics) and the BSN would give you a lot more credential as well as a firm foundation of that which you would be administration to.

Heres alink that may interest you (if not for this specific college than atleast for the example of requirements)

http://www.musc.edu/chp/mha/residential/index.htm

My local college does not have this kind of layout for the BSN but I'm sure you could google one. Good luck on your journey!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for all your helpful advice!

My main concern was that I didnt know if there was a difference between a BSN or a bachelors in Nursing but as I have understood from what you all have replied, nursing is a complete different program (AS/BSN) than an Associate in Arts or further down the line a Bachelors in Arts...

My main goal is to get my associates in Health Admin. as well as do the extra pre-requisites so I can continue my education (BSN) in Nursing. Then, My masters in Health Admin as someone stated above...Maybe even continue further in my career after that in Nursing or Administration/management.

Thanks again everyone for your helpful advice. You have been more informative than the advisor's at my school which only seem to know about the General Studies program lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion