Choice Between Adn Vs Bsn

suzanne4, RN · Apr 10, 2005

I have applied to two different nursing programs (one is for the ADN, the other is for BSN). I have to travel about 5 miles everyday for school to attend the ADN program and for the BSN I have to travel about an hour both ways. My goal is to eventually obtain my BSN with an emphasis in public health. I can eventually go thru an online program to get my BSN but it would take longer. I'd like to know what the community out there thinks would be the best route. I know I have to choose what is best for myself but I'd like to get an outside perspective. Thanks!!!!!

It wil also depend on where you get accepted to. If you can get into the BSN program now, I would go for it. You may not wish to return to school later on.

live4today, RN · Apr 10, 2005

:balloons: welcome aboard allnurses! i see this is your first time posting. :)

as far as what degree program you should take, it is a choice you will have to make based on your own goals for yourself in becoming a nurse.

entry level to nursing is a diploma, associates, or a bachelors.

advanced level in nursing is a masters and above.

all entry level grads -- be they diploma, associate, or bachelor sit for the same nursing board exam, and they are not legally nurses until they pass the nclex. once they pass the nclex, they are now licensed registered nurses.

any nursing program can get you that far. research what you want to do as a nurse, find out the requirements for that job, and you'll have your decision as to what is best for you in the long run, set your sights on that, and go for it.

best of everything to you! :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2005

For me the tie-breaker would be the drive. That's two hours out of your study time you'll miss every day, and when you're a nursing student that's significant. But lots of people do it. It is indeed very desirable to get it out of the way. Don't be like me, I graduated ADN 15 years ago and just started my BSN.

Good luck in whatever you do.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2005

warning!!! this could turn out to be a long and dirty thread!!!

having said that, as a newly hired clinical instructor in an adn program (and an original adn grad myself), my advice is this: if you go for the adn, don't stop there!! please!! there is nothing wrong with going to an adn school, but i believe that nursing education should continue after that. you mentioned something about advancing to public health? that's good.

i think you must weigh a few factors. i noticed your age, but what is your family life like? can you afford to give up 4 yrs of your life right now? or would 2 (or 3) be easier right now, then going back while you're working? is $$ an issue? most adn programs are cheaper, but you may have to wait to get in.

do what's right for you. if your long term goals include graduate school, then i don't think it matters. but it's likely that time and money are a factor (as they are with everyone)!!!

Heart4RN · Apr 10, 2005

warning!!! this could turn out to be a long and dirty thread!!!
having said that, as a newly hired clinical instructor in an adn program (and an original adn grad myself), my advice is this: if you go for the adn, don't stop there!! please!! there is nothing wrong with going to an adn school, but i believe that nursing education should continue after that. you mentioned something about advancing to public health? that's good.

i think you must weigh a few factors. i noticed your age, but what is your family life like? can you afford to give up 4 yrs of your life right now? or would 2 (or 3) be easier right now, then going back while you're working? is $$ an issue? most adn programs are cheaper, but you may have to wait to get in.

do what's right for you. if your long term goals include graduate school, then i don't think it matters. but it's likely that time and money are a factor (as they are with everyone)!!!

as of right now, i have finished my pre-reqs by going to school part-time and have continued with work. i am only looking at 2 1/2 years to go through the bsn program, which is half a year longer than the adn program and that is another aspect that i am tossing around. also i have two girls and i want to make sure that i am there for them in all their endeavors, but i also want them to learn never to give up. especially since they have seen me go through the struggles that i have with going to school and working. i appreciate your input. thank you!!!!! :)

suzanne4, RN · Apr 10, 2005

As of right now, I have finished my pre-reqs by going to school part-time and have continued with work. I am only looking at 2 1/2 years to go through the BSN program, which is half a year longer than the ADN program and that is another aspect that I am tossing around. Also I have two girls and I want to make sure that I am there for them in all their endeavors, but I also want them to learn never to give up. Especially since they have seen me go through the struggles that I have with going to school and working. I appreciate your input. Thank you!!!!! :)

If you are only looking at 6 months more for the BSN, then definitely go that route. At least in my opinion.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2005

As of right now, I have finished my pre-reqs by going to school part-time and have continued with work. I am only looking at 2 1/2 years to go through the BSN program, which is half a year longer than the ADN program and that is another aspect that I am tossing around. Also I have two girls and I want to make sure that I am there for them in all their endeavors, but I also want them to learn never to give up. Especially since they have seen me go through the struggles that I have with going to school and working. I appreciate your input. Thank you!!!!! :)

Are you considering FT or PT study??? And if it only is 6 months more, then it probably makes sense to do the BSN.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2005

If you are only looking at 6 months more for the BSN, then definitely go that route. At least in my opinion.

I agree Suzzane. ADN to BSN programs are 18 months or longer.

The BSN will provide more opportunity down the road and get you to your goal quicker.

But that dreadful drive. Ugh.

Good luck. :)

jmd · Apr 11, 2005

I understand going for goals and whatnot but I think once you are adn and pass nclex you can work in the field and gain invaluable experience and continue to work towards your BSN. 2 hours a day...assume you drive that for 2.5 years w 2 days a week...you lose about 22 days of your life

Not to mention the amount of money you will save creditwise. I pay about $56 per credit hour going for ADN where with the University would be about $140 per credit hour. In the end I will have the same degree because my plan is to continue through with my BSN but also a couple years of experience and save some valuable money and time along the way.

But again it is a very personal thing that one must look at what most closely matches your goals.

sunnyjohn · Apr 11, 2005

As of right now, I have finished my pre-reqs by going to school part-time and have continued with work. I am only looking at 2 1/2 years to go through the BSN program, which is half a year longer than the ADN program and that is another aspect that I am tossing around. Also I have two girls and I want to make sure that I am there for them in all their endeavors, but I also want them to learn never to give up. Especially since they have seen me go through the struggles that I have with going to school and working. I appreciate your input. Thank you!!!!! :)

If it is only a half a year longer and it will fit in with your family situation, then you might want to consider going for the BSN.

I am looking at the ADN myself since I already have multiple degrees...

stevesf · Apr 23, 2005

I have been accepted into a newly accredited ADN program, which will cost me less than $ 6,000 and 21 months to complete (my pre-reqs are complete-only clinicals and nursing courses to take).

Also, I have been officially accepted into a BSN program, which costs almost $600/credit-hour. Since I already have a BS degree, this program will take me about 3-1/2 to 4 years part-time; the total cost being upwards of $40,000.

My goal in this, a very late second career, is to go on to an MSN.

My girlfriend would like to start school as soon as I finish (if I finish!) my initial licensure.

The nurse managers in several settings I have spoken with (prime motivation - fresh young minds with new licenses??) display no prejudice toward the ADN. This seems to be a no-brainer for me, since there are several good MSN programs around that accept ADN students. They may require a bridge program for a non-BS graduate, but even that is simpler than sitting through the drudgery (for me) of 100-level ethics/philosophy/socialology/ course, just to meet "core curriculum" requirements. Don't get me wrong - I can get something out of almost any course, but I feel my time may well be better spent getting out to take the test earlier, getting some clinical experience, and maybe finding an employer to help me along my career path.

I feel that the level of instruction at the ADN program may not be at the same level as the BSN program, but I think that I can get a great start, if I'm proactive and manage my education thoughtfully. Both programs furnish the 800 hour clinical experience required by the state BON.

What do you folks think?

Steve