BSN programs are harder than ADN

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi all,

I have friends who are both in traditional ADN and BSN nursing programs. The question came up about "which program is harder". As I told my friends who are in ADN programs (who I hope are still my friends :sorry:) I just feel that BSN programs are harder.

Why? I totally understand that both programs have students who may hold a previous degree, worked in the medical field (or not), volunteer experience and so on. I also understand that academically, both groups of students will have their own strengths and weaknesses.

I know that ADN and BSN program admission criteria can be different depending upon city/state/area. I am well aware both programs have clinicals, Care Plans/concept maps, exams, tests, quizzes, ATI/HESI questions/prep that have to be completed/passed etc. Both groups sit for the same state boards.

HOWEVER: The amount of papers, projects, presentations, and research BSN programs are REQUIRED to do, goes well beyond what is required out of an ADN program. Just think about it. In the ADN program, you might have a paper or assignment on "professional ethics". Yeah ummmmm, but a BSN program will have that same topic, as a course for an entire semester.

NO: I am not saying BSN graduates are smarter than ADN/diploma. Yes, I understand the additional classes are the difference between the two. I don't mean to offend anybody, but I just can't help but feel this way......

When my friends who are in ADN programs complain about "how hard" and "how much work", they have to do, I assure them things will be okay. While on the inside I really want to say "Is it really?"......

Does anyone else feel this way?

Degree classes are graded to a much higher standard.

Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.
Degree classes are graded to a much higher standard.

Wouldn't that be subjective? Do you find that true for most of the programs in the country?

The ADN program I graduated from was fairly tough. Out of nearly 30 that started only 10 graduated. I would say that my experience would be different than your experience.

I really don't think you can make that assumption.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Degree classes are graded to a much higher standard.
Could you provide evidence that proves this theory?
Specializes in Emergency.

So "challenging" is a better word than "hard" going back to the OP...as in. ..its quite a challenge budgeting time better spent actually doing things related to real world nursing vs. papers/posters/group projects without losing your mind around the fact that that outdated mode of study is best left for elementary school...so in that respect for those living in reality it may be quite "hard."

I personally think that additional BSN theory classes just add to time intensity and management, not difficulty. If anyone perceives that it is more difficult as a whole, these individuals must be reading every text and highlighting by the paragraphs. Nursing research, ethics, leadership, public health concepts are are all relatively easy compared to core curriculum for licensure. They just take time and papers.

Im currently an LPN getting my ADN. The reason I didnt go for my BSN is time. Im 50 and own a home as a military retiree so can't afford to not work while Im taking 15 credits a term. Im doing the ADN currently because my work will pay me back for my ADN and I can finish much quicker than if I went for the BSN first. I can work as an ADN and make 15 to 20K more than I do now once I get my ADN then it will go up a little more once I get my BSN which I can take my time for. If I was 20 something and this was my first career then it would have been no big deal to do a 4 yr degree. But Im old :cry: and time and money is more scarce.

I would do the same. Utilizing your resources and maximizing opportunities you have is the way to go. Keep up the hard work!

And no physician is going to ask you if you are ADN or BSN before asking you something about a patient either.

Lol, I'm not expecting them to.

I personally think that additional BSN theory classes just add to time intensity and management, not difficulty. If anyone perceives that it is more difficult as a whole, these individuals must be reading every text and highlighting by the paragraphs. Nursing research, ethics, leadership, public health concepts are are all relatively easy compared to core curriculum for licensure. They just take time and papers.

OP here, I agree. Those additional courses of theory are not that difficult, just time consuming. The core classes are more difficult. Way more. No comparison honestly.

Wouldn't that be subjective? Do you find that true for most of the programs in the country?

The ADN program I graduated from was fairly tough. Out of nearly 30 that started only 10 graduated. I would say that my experience would be different than your experience.

I really don't think you can make that assumption.

It's a fact, not an assumption. Not sure where you are but when you take a diploma level class here you can't transfer them in leui of credit for an elective. Also, the material is much more watered down.

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

​Who cares? You both will be taking the same NCLEX exam.

Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.
It's a fact, not an assumption. Not sure where you are but when you take a diploma level class here you can't transfer them in leui of credit for an elective. Also, the material is much more watered down.

I am making an assumption that you are talking about the Nursing Diploma entry into an RN not ADN or BSN programs. I can't say anything about those types of programs because I have never seen one in real life, only read about them in textbooks. Either way Diploma Nursing programs still allow people to challenge the NCLEX, so although the instruction is different I still don't think that you can call them watered down.

Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

Although this is a tough thing to determine, it is true that BSN programs have more classes. We had Nursing research, Community health nursing, 3 years of clinicals, nursing leadership and management, and an NCLEX prep class. I've talked to some of my ADN programs friends and they were puzzled because their program didn't require those extra classes. So honestly, I would say the BSN program is a bit more difficult due to the extra nursing courses. (NOT SAYING ALL PROGRAMS ARE THE SAME, JUST MY EXPERIENCE. NOT SAYING ONE IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER)

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