Background....I hold a BA in a non nursing related field. I have decided to return to school and pursue Nursing.
The local ADN program will cost a grand total of less than $10K...including books and fees (from entrance to graduation).
The BSN programs near me cost between $20k and $30k PER YEAR.
Is getting a BSN instead of an RN worth an EXTRA $30k - $50k?
They will both take the same length of time...2 years.
If I chose an ADN program, I would probably consider a bridge program (RN to BSN) in the future, although I doubt it would be for several years after completing an RN.
I must choose a school within fairly easy commuting distance (I have a family and 4 young kids), but luckily I live in a major metro area with several options.
First of all, you need to understand the difference here. The ASN or BSN are the degrees you hold from college. The RN is the license. An ASN and BSN are both RN nurses when they pass NCLEX.
You need to look at your job market. In my area, we are short on nurses. So, ASN new grads are being hired into hospitals. The places that are saturated with new grads may require a BSN because they can be picky.
ASN programs are not going away and the BSN will not be "required" as somebody put it soon. This debate has been going on forever. Just as LPNs are not being phased out. But you need to know and understand your local job market.
First of all, you need to understand the difference here. The ASN or BSN are the degrees you hold from college. The RN is the license. An ASN and BSN are both RN nurses when they pass NCLEX.
You need to look at your job market. In my area, we are short on nurses. So, ASN new grads are being hired into hospitals. The places that are saturated with new grads may require a BSN because they can be picky.
ASN programs are not going away and the BSN will not be "required" as somebody put it soon. This debate has been going on forever. Just as LPNs are not being phased out. But you need to know and understand your local job market.
Yes, I understand that an ADN and BSN both result in an RN.
No. Not including room and board. I only have private universities within comuting distance from me and I must go to something within commuting distance because I have a family.
Go for your ADN, then bridge.
I went to a private university, and my tuition per year was 1/2 that amount; save yourself money.
Very very important to look at what u plan to do with your nursing degree.... Hospitals in Birmingham AL have began to phase out hiring ADN nurses and are requiring those who are already hired to go back and complete their BSN within a certain time frame.... If u dont plan to work in the hospital, that may not affect u (as there are many areas nurses can work)...Have u specifically looked into a second degree nursing program.... Some schools allow u to complete that in 1 year accelerated--in contrast to 2 since u have a bachelors already.... That's the route I took... Good luck with your endeadvors...
I personally would recommend the ADN route if money is an issue. I also had a BA, and was still paying off those loans. I got my ADN, for about $12,000. I was hired 5 months after graduation in a hospital that pays for tuition after 6 months of employment. So for me this route is more time consuming, but very affordable.
Someone may have already mentioned this...but do you have any Accelerated BSN programs in your area? They are definitely more expensive than an ADN program but I will be graduated in 15 months and I consider the extra 2 years earning potential to be worth it financially. If you already have a BA it's a good route.
Specializes in ER/Critical Care/Accrediation/PI/Quality.
My first college degree was a BA in the liberal arts field. I went back to school 5 years later as a transfer student and got my BSN. Best decision I ever made. They gave me several grants since I was an independent student and poor (most of the other students were still dependents). Took me 10 years to pay off the loan, but it was OK. Many job descriptions say "BSN required" rather than "college degree required." Where I am geographically, a BSN is required for any management position but not for a front line position. You have to weigh the pro's and con's, especially with the goal of protecting your family life. Your ultimate goal should be a BSN or higher, but how you get there will depend on how much time and money you can afford. There are lots of programs for BA to BSN now that were not available to me. Good luck to you.
Someone may have already mentioned this...but do you have any accelerated BSN programs in your area? They are definitely more expensive than an ADN program but I will be graduated in 15 months and I consider the extra 2 years earning potential to be worth it financially. If you already have a BA it's a good route.
There are accelerated programs locally, but with 4 young kids, I don't think I can handle the accelerated pace.
Sigh. This tired old rumor has been around for decades. Also, there are thousands and thousands of nurses working in non-hospital roles and loving it.
A BSN will be mandatory pretty soon. Most hospitals (at least the ones here in FL) require you to either have your BSN or commit to enrolling in a BSN program- with that being said a lot of hospitals will pay for you to get your BSN. I chose to get my ASN then do a bridge option onion for my BSN and let my employer pay for it. It's less expensive for me that way. Depends on your end game, I suppose. Good luck!
By "u" you really mean "you" I'm guessing? Text speak is not allowed on AN, surely you read this when you created your account recently?
Very very important to look at what u plan to do with your nursing degree.... Hospitals in Birmingham AL have began to phase out hiring ADN nurses and are requiring those who are already hired to go back and complete their BSN within a certain time frame.... If u dont plan to work in the hospital, that may not affect u (as there are many areas nurses can work)...Have u specifically looked into a second degree nursing program.... Some schools allow u to complete that in 1 year accelerated--in contrast to 2 since u have a bachelors already.... That's the route I took... Good luck with your endeadvors...
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN
3,663 Posts
First of all, you need to understand the difference here. The ASN or BSN are the degrees you hold from college. The RN is the license. An ASN and BSN are both RN nurses when they pass NCLEX.
You need to look at your job market. In my area, we are short on nurses. So, ASN new grads are being hired into hospitals. The places that are saturated with new grads may require a BSN because they can be picky.
ASN programs are not going away and the BSN will not be "required" as somebody put it soon. This debate has been going on forever. Just as LPNs are not being phased out. But you need to know and understand your local job market.