Bachelors v Associate - any advice?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2009

Hi, there. . .

Only you can answer this question since there are so very many personal variables involved with your scenario. However, if I were you, I would attend the community college RN program and complete the biology degree at a later time.

paacollins · Dec 11, 2009

I started in biology many, many years ago and changed majors because, as you said, there isn't much you can do with a BS in biology other than teach. Most people use a BS in biology to go on to med school, etc.

I work as a substitute teacher and I agree that kids are getting worse. Many parents don't seem to wonderful either. lol I would not want to teach full time because you spend more time disciplining than you do actually teaching.

I think I would get my ADN and work in the biology degree later if you decide you need it. You might find, after working as an RN for a while, that you can transfer some of those credits into another degree program that interests you.

Just my opinion because, as another poster said, you have to do what works for YOU. I find reading others' input often helps me make up my own mind though.

ok2bme · Dec 11, 2009

Well I'm going to have to disagree with the consensus. I say finish your biology degree, and apply to accelerated BSN programs, where a requirement is to have a bachelor's degree. I just completed a 14 month accelerated BSN at TAMU-CC. In virtually the same amount of time you could get your ADN, you'd have two Bachelor's degrees!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2009

The major downside is that accelerated BSN programs tend to be so very expensive.

My friend, who has a BS degree in public health, was accepted into the accelerated BSN program at TCU, but declined when she found that the tuition rate was a whopping $14,000 per semester. In these hard economic times, the community college system delivers far more bang for the buck. In addition, even though the ADN degree ranks below the BSN, the end result leads to exactly the same RN license.

studentCL2009 · Dec 12, 2009

Do they have accelerated BSN programs at public universities? TCU is a private University and that is why it is so expensive. I would think it would be much less at a public school. That may be something to look in to also.

All_is_on · Dec 12, 2009

Yes. Checkout texas tech, UTMB, and Texas a&m in round rock. I believe they all have accelerated programs.

ok2bme · Dec 13, 2009

Yes, they do have public accelerated BSN programs. I just went to Texas A&M - Corpus Christi, it was public. I saved a lot of money..less semesters of student fees, 1 year of rent instead of 2, etc.

Jubilayhee · Dec 13, 2009

Do you think you have the grades to possibly get into a DO or MD medical school. It seems silly to complete a difficult major like Biology and then do an ADN program. Also I dont know if your get any financial aid grants, but if you complete a bachelors degree that will disqualify you from any pell grants. I know you said PA was the only advanced degree you were interested in, but they are essentialy like forever residents. If you become a doctor you will get the 3 years of babysitting and then you get to practice independently.

abbabask · Dec 14, 2009

I would go ahead and finish the bio degree since you're almost done, just to have it under your belt and give you more options in the future.. and then either get an associates and a community college for your RN, or like the others said, the better option is probably to do an accelerated BSN, as that's the trend for what hospitals are looking for. But either way, you'd be an RN. And it's a great asset in today's economy. I don't fear for my job at all right now as most people do.

RNJD77 · Dec 21, 2009

I agree with paacollins,I really don't know what your leaning towards more,but I do agree it would be pretty hard getting a job these days with a BS,unless u wanna do medicine or something.Really,it all depends.The great things about going into the nursing program you have been accepted into now, is that you can start working in the next 2 yrs making decent money.And after you can bridge to a BSN which usually takes one year,and will slightly alleviate you from the nursing school competition since you have an ADN already,rather then going directly to BSN.Either that,or you can finish your BS now and do a fast track BSN nursing program later.Both options will take roughly the same amount of time to reach the same goal;however, the competition is already very competitive and will probably be tougher later on.

facastaneda · Dec 22, 2009

I just completed my accelerated BSN from Union University in Tennessee. It was VERY expensive. However, I would actually suggest doing this program instead of the community college ADN degree. I completed the program in 11 months and 5 days. If you are a good student and have a good work ethic, this is the way to go. I do have more debt than I would, but TIME IS MONEY. You will be able to start working faster. Just my thoughts! Good luck.