BSN vs ADN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2016

I advise against incurring staggering student loan debt at your age.

You could complete an ADN program, then earn an online BSN degree while working full time as an RN. My online RN-to-BSN program cost a whopping $5,800 in tuition and fees. I completed it last year while working full-time nights on the floor.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2016

I just graduated an associate degree RN program at age 53 with no debt attached. There's only one (out of many) facilities in our area that require a BSN in order to be considered for employment. While I am waiting for my authorization-to-test (ATT), I have two job offers on the table with three additional incoming offers of employment. I'm hoping to start a RN to MSN (with a BSN along the way) journey in very early 2017 (after I pass my boards).

healthcare2015 · Dec 20, 2016

Thanks for the reply.

How long will it take me if I do the BSN online? I will have BSN pre reqs complete.

healthcare2015 · Dec 20, 2016

Thanks for the reply. Not too many people in my boat.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2016

How long will it take me if I do the BSN online? I will have BSN pre reqs complete.

It depends on the particular online BSN program. It took 10 months for me to complete an online BSN program while working full time. Your mileage may vary, of course.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2017

My RN to BSN program was 8 months but I also did double up on a handful of classes.

smackey · Jan 31, 2017

I advise against incurring staggering student loan debt at your age.
You could complete an ADN program, then earn an online BSN degree while working full time as an RN. My online RN-to-BSN program cost a whopping $5,800 in tuition and fees. I completed it last year while working full-time nights on the floor.

Im looking for an online rn to bsn program that is certified and not expensive. Where did you go?

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2017

I am set to start a BSN program next fall. I currently work as a tech. I am still on the fence for ADN vs BSN because of my age. I am 46. I do not want the loans. I could put that money towards retirement instead. I dont want to do bedside forever but it could be a tradeoff for financial stability. Any other older individuals in the same boat?

I'm 44, and hopefully will be entering a hybrid ASN/BSN program in the fall. I'll therefore be about 47 when I graduate. I'm going for the BSN because it is offered as a concurrent degree through my local community college. I personally feel this is a fantastic program and I hope that the idea catches on (if it hasn't already??) across the country. Have you investigated your local community college in case they offer a similar program??

Basically how it works is that the community colleges have partnered with about 6 Universities across the country. A student applies to both the "in-person" nursing program at the community college (the traditional ASN degree) and also the University (for the online classes, which are classes such as ethics, legal aspects of nursing and so forth). The degree is continual - there is no summer break, it is year-round, for 2 and a bit full years. However, one (hopefully) graduates with both their ASN and BSN simultaneously.

Total cost: under $20K. With financial aid (FAFSA.edu.gov) and hopefully scholarships if I'm lucky enough, I expect to pay about $10K out of pocket for my BSN. That is a debt I consider an investment, even at my "old age" LOL!

Now, if I was enrolling in a private school that runs at $80,000, that'd be a whole other story!!

healthcare2015 · Jan 31, 2017

Thats awesome. No we dont offer that here in my area. Wish they did.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2017

Most community colleges have agreements with local universities to allow easier transfer of credits.

healthcare2015 · Feb 1, 2017

I know. But we dont have a dual enrollment adn bsn as Union Jack spoke of.