Did I make the right decision going for a ADN and then BSN?

carefulcare · Oct 30, 2013

I chose to get my ADN first because it's so much cheaper. I will be debt free this way. As others have said, the "right" decision is different for everyone, depending on your particular circumstances and place of residence.

i agree with this, i got most grants at community college, but now that i am at university some of my prereqs are being paid with loans i will have to pay back. no bueno.

kaydensmom01 · Oct 30, 2013

ADN's have no problem finding a job in my area, so I did the ADN and then the RN-BSN while working. It took the same amount of time as going straight for the BSN and I enjoy being able to work sooner.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Oct 30, 2013

I highlighted these quotes that I feel are very important:

I was planning to get an ADN and then a BSN but I realized that it is the same time (2 years) after you complete the prereq courses. So, I think that going straight to the BSN will help to save time. [/quote']
Both ADN and BSN take about the same time in terms of coursework; BSN may be an additional semester; but prerequisites for nursing school are about 2 years give or take. I honestly thought that through and for me, my rationale was if I am going to go to school for four years, I rather have a four year degree.
Whether or not it's a good idea honestly depends on whether or not ADN new grads can find employment in your area of the country. In my area they by and large, cannot.[/quote']
I suggest to research the area and the market you MAY want to end up in...I say may because life can be very unexpected...one would want to be in the best position as much as possible in terms of starting and furthering your career, as well as financial outlook.
My area has a TON of schools, and the BSN is preferred; they also utilize the clinical model at area hospitals, which some hospitals offer to BSNs only.
I also have a semi retirement plan to continue with graduate work in the future; it helps to have the BSN already.
There is not a right or wrong way to make the decision, just make sure it's prudent, and thoroughly researched. :)

Compassion_x · Oct 30, 2013

I originally applied to a BSN program for fall 2012. I was an alternate so I applied for my CCs LPN program and got right in (I did end up getting accepted to the BSN program for spring 2013 but declined). I finished my LPN July 2013, and am in the ADN program at the same school now.

I am definitely glad I chose this path for several reasons: 1. it's a lot cheaper. 2. the LPN and ADN programs together have a lot more clinical time than the BSN program. 3. ADNs are hired a lot in my area. 4. I can make a lot more money moving up and up rather than staying a CNA until I have my BSN.... no thanks.

I am still going to get my BSN, but I'm happy to be able to work as an RN while doing so.

rubato, ASN, RN · Oct 30, 2013

I'm also doing ADN to BSN. There were a couple of reasons why this was better for me.

1. I didn't go back to school until I was 40. I wanted to make sure I still had it in me to get the grades necessary to qualify, and didn't want to do that at a 4 year university.

2. I will graduate not owing a cent. My CC cost is around $11k for the program, and then, I had 4 semesters of prereqs. I got a scholarship due to my grades that covered it all, including books.

3. I may be able to get a job in a hospital while getting my BSN and there will be tuition reimbursement. If not, I can at least work in a doctor's office or something while getting the BSN. I graduate with my ADN in May, then, I have 2 more classes to take this coming summer, and I'll be ready for that bridge program.

Not everyone's path is the same. You have to do what is right for you given the circumstances you have.