BSN vs. ADN + BS in other field

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Nurses Month 2024 | Discounts & Freebies AORN Celebrates Nurses Month

I already have BS in a field other than nursing and I am going to be applying to nursing programs this winter so I can hopefully start in Fall 2009. I am going to apply to a ADN program, a BSN program, and a MSN program (for students who have a bachelor degrees in other fields). What I am wondering is if I would basically have the same status if I end up with my BS in another field + an ADN as someone who just has a BSN when applying for jobs. I really like the school I am doing my prereq's at (which would be the same school as the ADN program) and the cost of the ADN program is a lot less. Thanks for your thoughts.

BSN is preferred!

You see it here!

You will see it again in any employment ad!

AAS in Nursing + Other BS/BA degrees

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

Actually any BS/BA can become BSN without much difficulty. Or can bridge to MSN without difficulty.

The amount of clinical time for ASN and BSN are exactly the same, I would do a side by side and compare! Truthfully, my first school was much harder in clinicals than the school in which I am completing my final BSN courses!

Many of my former colleagues went back to school for their BS as it was easier to obtain than a BSN(according to them). I found my BSN courses challenging, and don't think any degree is easy.

Either way good luck with your career a good nurse is a good nurse regardless of letters. They impress some more than others. Unfortunately, they also upset some more than others. You just have to follow the path you want and do what makes you happy.

M

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To those of you who have went back for your BSN (or AAS-Nursing/ADN) after earning your BS in another field; how much support were you able to receive financially in terms of student loans, scholarships, etc.? If you could shed some light on Chicago area schools that would be very helpful too :)

Frankly, I would most definitely prefer to go into a BSN program but, it seems with the exception of very few programs, the programs in Chicago-land are VERY expensive (Loyola ABSN, DePaul-MSN, Rush-MSN, Western Suburban, Lewis, etc.) and competitive. I went to a private university for my BS, and do not have enough fed student loans available to finance an additional 30-60K and childcare :banghead:

For that reason only, the ADN at a community college is more 'attractive'. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with Fortune-teller, one of the reasons I returned to school to get a post-diploma BScN was because the job postings at the time were all saying BScN preferred. A nursing degree provides more job options, I encourage you to go straight into the BSN program.

In addition, I understand your dilemma about deciding to leave a non-nursing job and go to nursing school during a recession as this was my situation when I originally went to diploma nursing school more than 20 years ago. It takes courage to leave a job during a recession but if you don't give nursing a chance you will never know if you could have done it. Life is choices and chances, you can still pursue your dreams if you keep in mind that recessions are cyclical, it's more stressful than when the economy is good but it is doable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
bsn is preferred!

you see it here!

you will see it again in any employment ad!

aas in nursing + other bs/ba degrees

aas + bs/ba in other field is not

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you MBARN08,

So as you see it, those with an AAS- RN with outside experience-- say specifically in Mgmt and a BS-Mgmt may be seen as having unique experience that would be competitive for those positions stating a BSN preferred (although I would not initially be seeking a Mgmt position).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
thank you mbarn08,

so as you see it, those with an aas- rn with outside experience-- say specifically in mgmt and a bs-mgmt may be seen as having unique experience that would be competitive for those positions stating a bsn preferred (although i would not initially be seeking a mgmt position).

yes, but bedside nursing work experience is required. for example, i am told 1-2 years for charge and 3-5 years for adon or don positions. additional degrees such as an mba makes hiring mangers salivate for adon and don positions in acute care. also, managerial work experience even outside of nursing makes one a viable candidate more so then a bsn with no managerial work experience. trust me; do not listen to these kids who have never had a job tell you that a bsn and msn is the only way to management. they are absolutely fooling themselves thinking that the world is black and white. the world in other fields is a shade of gray and requires more then a particular degree to impress hiring mangers. thankfully, nursing is no different. :D gl!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Unless you're thinking of teaching, I'd go ADN if you already have a BS.

Would suggest the BSN route if your undergraduate was a BA.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, I got into both programs. I have decided to go to the BSN program!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The reason I was thinking they would be equivalent is, from what I have hear, the nursing parts of a ADN and a BSN are essentially the same or very similar (maybe this is incorrect though). IF that is correct I don't see any difference between having a BSN or having an ADN + a BS in another field, since I would have completed the same nursing coursework and the completed same generals...

When it comes to new grad positions, I don't think degrees in other fields make you any more marketable. If an RN is an RN whether they have an ADN or BSN since they take the same NCLEX, why would previous unrelated experience matter when applying for an entry level job? Large hospitals in my area will only hire new grads with a BSN, but this may not be the case in other areas.

Apply this situation to a different career field like business. Would a candidate with a BSN + Associates in Business be just as qualified or more qualified for the business job as a candidate with a BBA?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well, I got into both programs. I have decided to go to the BSN program!

Good for you! You really can't go wrong with a BSN. Congrats!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment