Dilemma: choosing between ADN vs ABSN

PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Mar 5, 2016

I did an accelerated BSN program that took 1.5 years. I had earned a BS in biology previously, and am currently studying in an NP program. If an advanced degree is your plan, go for the accelerated BSN. It's tough, but worth it.

Zyprexa_Ho · Mar 5, 2016

To me, this is a no brainer. For an extra six months in time you can save $62,000 (minus the cost of a bridge program)? While you could get to work sooner with the ABSN, you're only looking at an extra six months of practice, so around $25,000? The ADN is still more cost effective when taking into consideration the opportunity cost. Most NP programs require some experience working as a nurse, or experience makes you a more desirable candidate, so you could be helping out in that regard while working using your ADN and bridging to your BSN.

BiotoBSNtoFNP · Mar 5, 2016

If you go the adn route now, how long will it take you to get your bsn after that?

Also where do you want to work as a nurse and where are you located. If you want to be in the hospital setting, many cities will only hire bsn prepared nurses. If you are open to other settings, then consider the adn.

If your end goal is advanced practice then i would go with the absn even though it is more costly. However, you will get to the np role with the adn, it is just a more round about (but cost effective) route.

myhoagie02 · Mar 5, 2016

I agree with jsfarri completely. Furthermore, a lot of hospitals will give you tuition reimbursement for RN to BSN programs. They will likely also reimburse you when you go for your FNP or DNP.

koreanbraves · Mar 5, 2016

thanks for all your comments. i am leaning towards ABSN.. my goal is to get FNP or DNP as soon as possible because then i get to make higher salary sooner. if i get adn, it would take me another 2 years to get BSN while working full time. then it's gonna another 2 or 3 years to get FNP. so it will be 6 or 7 years until i can start making NP salary. if i choose ABSN, i would do 1.5 years for BSN then 2 years for FNP or DNP so that is just 3.5 years..

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Mar 6, 2016

ADN. No brainer. You can afford to get the rest later since you won't be 70 grand in debt.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2016

Your numbers make it sound like a no brainer but you've made a calculation error that seriously flaws the math...

You calculate $72,000 for the ABSN program, housing and living expenses because you will have to move to that area.

You calculate the ADN program at $10,000 on tuition alone because you won't be relocating. However, you neglect to include what you will pay in rent, food, etc. during that time.

You will still have to live, eat, drive, and house yourself whether you're living at your current location or moving. It's not accurate to say that the ABSN program will cost you $62,000 more unless you account for all cost of living expenses for each program.

Assuming that the cost of living is not significantly different, the only significant financial difference between the two programs is tuition cost. And you can probably get a part time job (restaurant or service work) to help offset that.

Zyprexa_Ho · Mar 6, 2016

if i choose ABSN, i would do 1.5 years for BSN then 2 years for FNP or DNP so that is just 3.5 years..

The problem with this reasoning is that many programs either outright require nursing experience or it makes you a more competitive applicant. Even if neither of those are true, to be a good practitioner, you need nursing experience. You can get valuable experience and save a ton of money going the ADN route.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2016

I would not advise anyone to willingly submit to $72,000 in staggering student loan debt to enter a career that he might very well dislike. Also, your debt load will exceed $100k after you complete a FNP or DNP program.

The ASN-to-BSN route is more time consuming, but significantly cheaper. My tuition for my ASN was $19k and tuition for my online BSN was $6k. My route cost $25k in tuition and fees.

However, I suspect you already made your decision. Good luck to you.

muirite · Mar 6, 2016

Furthermore, a lot of hospitals will give you tuition reimbursement for RN to BSN programs. They will likely also reimburse you when you go for your FNP or DNP.

That depends on location. In my state it is rare that a hospital will hire any ADN even the rural ones want BSN.

WCSU1987 · Mar 7, 2016

That depends on location. In my state it is rare that a hospital will hire any ADN even the rural ones want BSN.

True my hospitals are like that. Heard people with ADNs having difficulty finding work within the initial 6 month's. Some having to leave the hospitals they work at. However, if you come put with zero cost to you and little debt go with the ADN.