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?

I'm not really sure what the point of this post is. If you aren't trying to downplay the hard work that ADN students put into their program, what is it?

BSN programs are supposed to go over more material and are longer in length. Arguing with someone over which is harder seems pointless, as very few people will ever go through both.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

[quote=lrobinson5;8029677

BSN programs are supposed to go over more material and are longer in length. Arguing with someone over which is harder seems pointless, as very few people will ever go through both.

As someone who has the uniqueness of experiencing a ADN program, a diploma PN program, and a BSN program; they require work; the concepts were all similar in learning how to think like a nurse; scope difference, and the concepts of being an entry level, licensed competent nurse.

The only differences were based on requirements set forth by the state and federal guidelines of higher education, and the PN program was a different scope than the RN.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

A lot of people go through both. School is hard no matter what we're studying or what program your in. We all are sacrificing ourselves, our time and for some us.....yes our money. I paid cash for all my classes and books and work my a$$ of studying, not to have anyone come along and say their program is harder. What? Are we in sixth grade here?

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Don't forget a lot of people do the ADN program so they can get their BSN with employer reimbursement. That's what I'm doing. I can't afford to do it the other way around. I'm glad you can. I don't think the length of a program makes it inherently harder and the only reason there is "discord" between the ADN & BSN groups is because people like you keep bringing it up.

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There are good programs and bad programs for both ADN and BSN. You cannot have 2 different entry level RN NCLEX. What a nightmare that would be...:banghead:...and until nursing makes a decision one way or another....this is what you have to deal with...period.

I know of ADN programs that require that require advanced algebra, micro, 2 years of high school language or 2 semesters of college language, and psychology.

The ADN program we looked at for my daughter ended up being 3 years long. One year of prerequisites of anatomy&physiology (2 semesters), advanced math/calculus or physics, psychology, nutrition and micro before being allowed into the nursing part of the program. THey had an agreement with another college to automatically bridge to the RN-BSN program at another good school. That program without books uniforms and fees was $48,000.00 for 3 years. Then an additional $14,000.00 for the RN-BSN bridge. They were 32 for passing state boards. My daughter's BSN program (4 years) is $32,000.00 and is in the top 5 for passing state boards.

What my daughters program will give her is also a bachelors in liberal arts graduating with a double major.

The choice was simple for her.

As a new grad should she be paid more? No...she is a new grad. But in our area the BSN will get hired over the ADN. MANY of the new grad residencies are BSN only. Our choice was simple.

MANY are on waiting lists for 2 or 3 years. Be happy and celebrate that you were accepted to a program. Don't bemoan the fact that you have a few extra classes. Be happy you will have the leg up in the long run.

I am unclear why you continue to be upset? ((HUGS))

There are different avenues as to receiving nursing education. I do think this is a good thing. It allows people opportunities who may have not had any.

Why do you think I'm mad? My original post was about the difficulty of the extra course work in addition to the nursing core classes compared to adn. Not that I am smarter. Honestly, those who were adn students/nurses took offense. They were the ones that made comments about being better/smarter than.

I'm assuming your daughters program had more requirements because she could do the bridge.

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That was a choice YOU made to go to a school that cost more. You are the one who opened this can of worms and you are going to have to accept the fact that it is going to upset people. Again, until you walk a mile in my shoes, don't tell me your program and workload is harder than mine.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
There are different avenues as to receiving nursing education. I do think this is a good thing. It allows people opportunities who may have not had any.

Why do you think I'm mad? My original post was about the difficulty of the extra course work in addition to the nursing core classes compared to adn. Not that I am smarter. Honestly, those who were ADN students/nurses took offense. They were the ones that made comments about being better/smarter than.

I'm assuming your daughters program had more requirements because she could do the bridge.

A correction....My daughter is in a BSN program starting in the fall.

I am just saying that some ADN programs are more expensive than the BSN so to be in step with your theory....the ADN that paid more for their education should be paid more than the BSN who went longer?

I think you need to focus on graduating and starting your career and not being upset that you have more homework than your friends.

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That was a choice YOU made to go to a school that cost more. You are the one who opened this can of worms and you are going to have to accept the fact that it is going to upset people. Again, until you walk a mile in my shoes, don't tell me your program and workload is harder than mine.

Sure I knew everyone would not agree with me, would have difference of opinion, etc. That's what a public forum is about. For those who are upset over a question that was asked, or comments made in a public forum about how someone else feels, thoughts, experiences and turn it around into feeling as though they have to defend themselves as if they are being attacked is crazy.

It's not that serious. If some cannot handle a difference of opinion, experiences and so forth, I don't have a clue as to how you interact with people you come in physical contact with who disagree with you.

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And I do t know how you are going to make it in the nursing world thinking you are better than your coworkers.

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A correction....My daughter is in a BSN program starting in the fall.

I am just saying that some ADN programs are more expensive than the BSN so to be in step with your theory....the ADN that paid more for their education should be paid more than the BSN who went longer?

I think you need to focus on graduating and starting your career and not being upset that you have more homework than your friends.

Sorry, I read it wrong.

You are right, I do have MORE work to do. Im getting it done the best I can. That's crazy an adn program would cost more. I've heard of for profits doing this, but its still crazy for the higher price tag.

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And I do t know how you are going to make it in the nursing world thinking you are better than your coworkers.

When did I say that I was better than others?

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Having graduated college before the world wide web was created, I think all students seeking degrees from associates to post doctorates now, have it easy compared to their predecessors.

We were limited to using textbooks, library, newspapers, magazines, microfiche, and writing research papers using a Singer Scholastic Typewriter with dictionary and thesaurus nearby.:crying2:

So now, we all have it easy.

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