BS to BSN/DNP programs?

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Specializes in Emergency.

I have been working on pre-requisites for an RN program at my local community college for almost a year. I quit my Bachelor's of Science (in Human Development and Family Sciences) program 10 years ago after I had twins (and already had a toddler and 7-year-old) and it became too much for our family. That Bachelor's degree only has 21 credits left (on a quarter system) to be complete. I calculated today that if I stay on my current path I will graduate with 304 college level credits and an associates degree to show for it. That is kind of depressing.

I will be done with General Chem, Organic Chem, A&P 1 and 2 and Microbiology in March and ready to start the ADN program in fall 2017. Now I'm wondering if I should spend spring and summer term after finishing my pre-reqs on finishing that Bachelor's degree so I could do a different program that would have me on a path to a BSN, MSN, or DNP.

Has anyone done this and can you steer me in the right direction?

Thank you!

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ASN vs BSN is an entirely personal decision at this point and varies greatly on a lot of levels.

The perk of an ASN, at least in my area, is that it is more easily accomplished if you have a family and need a flexible schedule. It can be completed in 2 years (neither program offers summer classes) with maybe 9 ish credits per semester. There are flexible class times (you can choose AM or PM program). It is, of course, cheaper. The negative of the ASN is that it could potentially leave you jobless or searching pretty hard for a job depending on how hospitals hire in your area.

Since you are SO close to a bachelors degree, I'm almost inclined to say to bite the bullet and just finish it. The year will absolutely fly by. BSN is becoming the standard, and if you can swing finishing the bachelors and just getting the BSN after that, you could possibly save yourself some time. Now, if you DON'T plan to need or want the BSN, I would say pick whichever program you can be admitted to the quickest.

In terms of a BS to BSN/DNP, I have never heard of that. I HAVE heard of RN to MSN/DNP, but that would still require at least an ASN. As I've seen on here a lot before, and agree with, worry about becoming a nurse and getting your experience before you start thinking about continuing your education. Every MSN and DNP program I have looked at (aside from maybe a nursing admin MSN) requires state licensure and usually a standard of bedside experience.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I got a little confused. Are you asking about the wisdom of completing the non-nursing BS before moving ahead on a nursing degree? If so, I would advise against it. It would be a waste of time, money and effort if your ultimate goal is to become a nurse. While it's true that accelerated BSN programs would only be available if you already have a Bachelor's degree, the intensity & cost of ABSN programs may not be do-able with your current family obligations.

PP is absolutely correct about the need for a BSN. It will qualify you for a much wider range of employment settings. Best of luck on your educational journey.

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I got a little confused. Are you asking about the wisdom of completing the non-nursing BS before moving ahead on a nursing degree? If so, I would advise against it. It would be a waste of time, money and effort if your ultimate goal is to become a nurse. While it's true that accelerated BSN programs would only be available if you already have a Bachelor's degree, the intensity & cost of ABSN programs may not be do-able with your current family obligations.

PP is absolutely correct about the need for a BSN. It will qualify you for a much wider range of employment settings. Best of luck on your educational journey.

You're pretty right about the completion of the BS degree maybe being a waste of time.

Without knowing her financial situation or family situation it IS very hard to say. I do maybe kinda sorta take back what I said about finishing that first degree. I guess as I was reading, I was thinking of my own situation where admission to an ASN vs BSN would result in more lost wages for the 1.5 years I would be in one program vs another, but I know not everyone is like me :).

OP, it's a very personal decision. I guess at the end of the day, you do what's best for you! congrats on continuing your journey while raising a handful of kids as well!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Thank you ladies for the encouragement and knowledge of the various routes. I did a little looking and these accelerated programs do look very intense. I do eventually want at least a BSN, and maybe an MSN. For now, I'm going to stay on my same track. If for some reason I don't get into the ADN on my first application, I can finish my first BS degree while I wait. I can do it all online and it won't be hard material (considering what I'm doing right now with A&P!).

I love the idea of being a mid-level provider, but one step at a time. Getting bedside experience is important to me, and any future patients I treat as a provider.

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