curious BSN OR ADN why?

Published

i am wondering what was the deciding factor in doing the bsn or adn. i keep going back and forth mainly because i have little ones and think if do bsn then they will be in school also so they won't have to go to daycare. do you think there are any advantages to bsn other than being able to go into management? thanks for any responses.

Specializes in Cardiac Care.

For me, it was the cost. Going ADN saved me a fraction of what the BSN would've cost me now. I plan on coninuing my education and being able to work as an RN while going to school will be much more helpful to me at that time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Originally I only considered an ADN because of the cost, time, and age issue. I didn't think it made sense to do a BSN at this point in life with kids of my own in college and more kids still in grade school. I didn't want the expense, commute(1 1/2 hours each way) debt, time, additional prereqs, etc. Plus an ADN program was nearby. I didn't think a BSN would pay off. But the wait lists were long (2-3 yrs) for the CC ADN programs. Then a state university BSN program started a program not too far from my house and a school counselor asked why I wasn't going there, and started a fire my tail. I decided take the additional prereqs and apply while I was waiting on the ADN. I had it in mind I would take whatever came up first, and the other prereqs would be out of the way if I wanted a BS . Had I gotten an ADN, I would have considered an RN to BSN if it seemed necessary. I doubted it would, for the number of years I would work. But I got accepted to the BSN school and will be in while I am still on the ADN waitlist. In fact, I will finish the longer program before I would have gotten into and finished the ADN. And since I drop out of college a lifetime ago without earning my bachelors, I am really happy to do so now. In that way, it is FOR ME. My mountain. :p Besides, both my mom, hubby have encouraged me to go back and get my bachelors since forever.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Certified Nurse-Midwife.

Can I ask why the BSN programs have shorter waits to get in?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I chose ADN because I am older and with kids. Also...the only advantage that I am aware of to being BSN here is that you can work in the management positions, which I have no desire to do. My kids are all going to be out of school or in college when I am finished so once I am working as an RN I can always continue to work towards my BSN if I want to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Can I ask why the BSN programs have shorter waits to get in?

Most BSN programs are merit based so you are either in or your aren't. Waitlists are usually for single entry periods, and are really more about being a "runner-up" and getting in if someone else drops or is disqualified. Some ADN programs are like that as well though it may be via lottery or acceptance criteria. In those cases, there is no wait, so the time to get in an ADN is the same as a BSN.

Some ADN programs though, (especially community colleges) have numbered lists and so long as an applicant meets the minimum requirements, they can get a number, like at the deli, and just wait it out. It might take years, but they are guaranteed a slot, eventually. My waitlist was so long, that I could do the extra prereqs, apply, get in and complete a longer BSN program in the same time as waiting around and then completing a shorter ADN program. Though it is more school, finish with more. More education and more expense, too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Most BSN programs are merit based so you are either in or your aren't. Waitlists are usually for single entry periods, and are really more about being a "runner-up" and getting in if someone else drops or is disqualified. Some ADN programs are like that as well though it may be via lottery or acceptance criteria. In those cases, there is no wait, so the time to get in an ADN is the same as a BSN.

Some ADN programs though, (especially community colleges) have numbered lists and so long as an applicant meets the minimum requirements, they can get a number, like at the deli, and just wait it out. It might take years, but they are guaranteed a slot, eventually. My waitlist was so long, that I could do the extra prereqs, apply, get in and complete a longer BSN program in the same time as waiting around and then completing a shorter ADN program. Though it is more school, finish with more. More education and more expense, too!

Exactly! In response to Sunset87, there are no wait lists for most BSN programs. Based on merit, you either make the cut or you don't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hoping to be mother/baby nurse.

i have another question regaurding the merit based bsn program so what is usually the requirement to meet the merit, gpa? also, i read that after you finish the adn program you can bridge to bsn which i already knew but they said that the additional prereqs that are required for bsn that you don't have to do those is this true? thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it depends on your location. Here in Houston, the majority apply to both ADN & BSN programs bc it is very competitive. There are no waiting lists at either one. So you are in or out! I think anyone in our area is happy to get in somewhere bc it is that HARD!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not too clear on RN-BSN bridge programs because I'm actually just working on my BSN, but I can answer your first question with the school I'm applying to. The way it works there is based on a point system. For each certain core prerequesite course grades would earn certain amount of points, for example A= 10 points, B= 7 points, C= 0 points. This would apply to Anatomy, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, and depending on what you scored on your TEAS test, you would also get so-and-so points. Eventually, they will say that there is a cut-off point, anybody with a certain amount of points or more, automatically gets in. If you didn't make the cut, then you didn't get in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Ortho.

I decided to go the ADN route because it was a TWO year degree. I was a newly divorced mom of 3 boys, and needed to get through school as quickly as possible.

I then found out I needed to take pre reqs which were not included into those 2 years. In addition I had to take pre reqs for the pre reqs, and some DMat algebra classes. When I was done with that I found out that I had to take something like 15 support courses to have enough points to be competitive and get in to nursing school. Once I was finished I had to apply twice and wait for acceptance. Now I start nursing school after the summer break in Aug.

I have been told its much easier to get into the BSN programs at least here in Texas (as far as waiting lists etc). I honestly think I could have went the BSN route and finished in the same amount of time with a BSN, and maybe even faster.

I can't go back now because I would have to take several more core courses to get into a BSN program (history, political science, english 2, etc). In addition, several of the major science courses would time out before I finished and got in. Anyway, if I had to do it over again I would go the BSN route instead of ADN.

If it's going to take you the same amount of time you might as well spend it getting a better degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
i have another question regaurding the merit based bsn program so what is usually the requirement to meet the merit, gpa? also, i read that after you finish the adn program you can bridge to bsn which i already knew but they said that the additional prereqs that are required for bsn that you don't have to do those is this true? thanks

That is so variable. It depends on the competition in your area, how impacted (or not) the programs are and what the individuals school are looking for. I think that some private schools may be more or less lenient, too. What I have learned just reading this list is that there are no guarantees! There are some programs that turn away perfect 4.0s with all kinds of supplemental criteria because they have so many qualified applicants. Seems 3.7 or 3.8 is the lowest range.

Strive for As in everything, but especially the core prereqs and kick butt on your entrance exam. Do what you can to get additional points if offered - though that can be hard.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Exactly! In response to Sunset87, there are no wait lists for most BSN programs. Based on merit, you either make the cut or you don't.

Many community colleges are merit based as well, as in admitance is not based on a lottery or waitlist. Entry into our nursing program is based soley on a point system...i.e. excellent grades.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion