what degree path to take: Associates or Bachelors

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hi, just a question to all you who may be in a nursing program or are already nurses. im having a hard time determining whether i want to get my associates in nursing first or go straight for my bachelors in nursing.any guidance would greatly be appreciated. thanks

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

If you are able to, then go for the bachelor's. This provide more education which is always good and better job opportunities in the end.

The majority of RNs graduating are in ADN programs, this program is faster, sometimes more accessible and cheaper and gets you working quicker.

But I always recommend the BSN.

Good luck in whatever you do.

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What exactly are the added benefits for the BSN?

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Specializes in Operating Room.

If you have the time and money, always go for a BSN.

1) You never know if somewhere you want to work will hire only RN's with a BSN.

2) If you ever want to go into management, or the higher up positions, you'll need a BSN.

3) You never know if ADN will soon be a thing of the past.

However, if you get a ADN, from what I have read on many posts here, you will get to work bedside just as a BSN does. Unless you tell another RN, no one will ever know if you if you have a ADN or a BSN. (Luckily, we don't have to wear big, bold, "scarlet ADN letters". :rotfl:

BTW, I am going for my ADN, then plan on taking the ADN-BSN route later.

Good luck! :)

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I'm in the same boat, about to finish my AA nursing premajor and uncertain of what to do, RN or BSN??? What did you decide???

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Specializes in 3 yrs CNA.

I would go BSN. It is getting harder and harder to make it in this world with less than a bachelors degree.

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wrong thread.

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If you have a choice definitely go for your Bachelor's. It will save you the trouble of going back to school to get it after you've been working. People say that getting your ADN will be faster but it isn't always the case. I took two years to get my pre-reqs done, and then had two years of nursing school to get a BSN. If I chose an associate's program it also would have been 2 more years.

If finances are tight, ADN may be wiser...

It's interesting I heard that ADN's are initially better at technical skills than BSNs. I think that BSN's may be more well-rounded (we had to take nutrition, research, informatics, a leadership and management course, and community/public health). And as someonse else said some hospitals will only accept BSNs.

Hope that helps.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Maybe I am bias because I have one, but I say go for your BSN. I have no regrets. I just had a physical for my new job. In my are there are two programs one ASN and one BSN. When the doctor asked me which school I graduated from I told him the one with the BSN he said "So you have a BSN, you'll be really happy you took that route"

ASN was never an option for me unless I did not get into my school and had to bridge (although that wouldn't matter because the ASN program goes by lotto and I got into my school which uses merit and I was on the waiting list at the ASN school) because I want to get my Masters and CNM in the future. In my area its 4 semesters for a ASN and five semester for the BSN (not counting GE of course) so why not go for the BSN??

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Specializes in PCU, LTAC, Corrections.

I personally am planning on going for my BSN. It is a bit more expensive however unlike some CC in my area I am guaranteed entrance if I have the minimum GPA and minimum science GPA ( and I am well over the minimum). I also plan on becoming an NNP (neonatal) and in order to get in most of those program I need to have 1 or two yrs experiment in a Level III NICU. I know for a fact that I want to go to the next level and for me the BSN is merely a stepping stone to my ultimate career goal.

What degree you get depends on finances, your career goals, and even where you live. I know in the Westchester/NYC area there are some hospitals that only hire BSN-prepared nurses. Promotions also come quicker to BSN -prepared nurses ( usually they need a 1yr or 2 less experience than an ADN/ASN-prepared RN).

If finances are your #1 priority then go for the ASN. However just getting the BSN saves times esp. if you plan on going beyond ther BSN.

http://www.nursinglink.com/benefits/articles/3842

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