Diploma/ADN vs. BSN

Published

First, let me say that I am NOT trying to offend anybody, or say that one type of program is better than the other, I just would like some insight on this topic.

Do you feel that BSN programs are slightly harder than Diploma/ADN programs? I know that no matter what type of program you graduate from, everybody takes the same NCLEX exam and all become registered nurses. However, I know that students in BSN programs spend more hours per week sitting in class (thus taking more credits per semester), and spend lot of time doing assignments and writing papers, etc. in addition to studying for exams (as well as having more exams per semester usually). However, I also know that Diploma/ADN students usually have more hours in clinical.

I ask this because I am currently enrolled in a BSN program and it is a TON of work. I feel as if I am constantly in a never ending state of anxiety and stress. So far I am making it through, but am not really getting the grades I'd like to be as I'd like to maintain a certain GPA for future plans of going to grad school. There is an ADN program near where I live and after speaking to someone from there, I may be able to transfer some of my credits into the ADN program and be at an advanced placement level there. I have so much busy homework assignments, papers, and forums posts that I am supposed to do each week that I find it very difficult to manage as it gets in the way of my study time for exams, perhaps that's what makes a BSN program feel a little harder?

I'm starting to feel like it would've been more manageable to first get my RN and then my BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Generally speaking if you have to start a thread with "I'm not trying to offend anyone" what follows is destined to be offensive. Your post pretty much proves it.

Now that I have the niceties out if the way, I'm afraid I have bad news for you. Going to an ADN program is not going to be easier. It is not the route for people who can't hack a BSN program.

Please don't let this devolve into yet another BSN vs ADN which is harder/better/smarter/skinnier/more beautiful/better prepared divisive, soul-sucking, tired argument that so often happens when this topic comes up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Really don't think I'm being offensive here. I acknowledged the fact that all graduates of nursing programs take the same NCLEX and obtain the same license. I also pointed out that diploma/ADN students usually have a lot more clinical time, which they do. I was just stating that BSN programs seem like they're a bit busier, which might make it a bit harder to study for exams and stay on top of everything. The program I am currently in averages on 16 credits per semester while the ADN program I am looking at averages on about 10 per semester just counting the nursing courses (that's part time technically). Not trying to offend or start any kind of argument/debate. If you're not going to be helpful or informative and just negate my topic while using a condescending tone then please don't even respond, thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wasn't being condescending I was simply pointing out that regardless of your intent stating that BSN programs are "busier" implies that they are harder which IS offensive to ADN/Diploma students. The entire point of your post is that you find you are having difficulty handling the workload of your BSN program so you think that transferring to an ADN program would provide you an easier route. I'm telling you that the ADN route isn't any easier it's just shorter and without the non-nursing (humanities) courses that make up a baccalaureate program. If you do an RN-BSN program you are just going to run into the same thing only this time you'll be working while going to school and that's an entirely different animal.

These types of threads historically turn into an ADN vs BSN peeing match and it's never pretty.

Also, you cannot tell people they aren't allowed to respond to your posts. You put this out there. I'm entitled to my opinion and as long as it doesn't violate TOS I can say what I want.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've taught in an ADN program and in a BSN program, and the ADN program wasn't any "easier" than the BSN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just asked you not to respond if you aren't going to be helpful and be rude, that's all. I know that there is no such thing as an easy nursing program, they're all a lot of work. I know somebody that graduated from an ADN and asked her about what each semester was like, and they had a lot less exams per semster than I currently have. Also, she told me that RN-BSN was "a joke" and it consisted of writing papers and doing group projects and was entirely online and she said it was very manageable to do while working. I just thought it would be a better route for me to go since I suffer from anxiety and also have ADHD, which makes school very difficult. The BSN program that I'm in is a total of 58 credits (nursing courses alone) while the ADN program I'm looking at is 41 credits (nursing courses alone), that would have be a little less busy. Also finances are another reason why I'm considering this, I don't want to graduate and be $30,000 in debt when I don't have to be as this ADN program is at a community college and is significantly cheaper.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I just asked you not to respond if you aren't going to be helpful and be rude, that's all. I know that there is no such thing as an easy nursing program, they're all a lot of work. I know somebody that graduated from an ADN and asked her about what each semester was like, and they had a lot less exams and assignments than I currently have. Also, she told me that RN-BSN was "a joke" and it consisted of writing papers and doing group projects and was entirely online and she said it was very manageable to do while working. I just thought it would be a better route for me to go since I suffer from anxiety and also have ADHD, which makes school very difficult. The BSN program that I'm in is a total of 58 credits (nursing courses alone) while the ADN program I'm looking at is 41 credits (nursing courses alone), that would have be a little less busy. Also finances are another reason why I'm considering this, I don't want to graduate and be $30,000 in debt when I don't have to be as this ADN program is at a community college and is significantly cheaper.

First off I wasn't rude and I stand by my statement that if you have to give a disclaimer about being offensive you most assuredly are going to offend someone. That's true not just on this forum but in life and remembering this will serve you well. Frankly, I think somebody keeping you from digging a hole for yourself IS being helpful. Second, now you are giving more details as to why you think an ADN program would work better for you. Had you posted them (especially the financial aspect) in the first place perhaps you would have gotten a differently worded answer. As far as the RN-BSN being a "joke"...education is what you make of it. My program was most certainly not a joke.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't think an ADN is much different from a BSN. I do think you'll have more time to figure everything out before you take the NCLEX though. I am currently doing my RN-BSN and honestly, the classes I'm taking now are nothing like the ADN was. They are more paper-writing than time intensive application. A lot of the material repeats what we already learned. It will also depend on the school. I know students who are at the hospital once per week. We were there 3x per week in our ADN. Another difference is that in some ADN programs, you will take all support/ prerequisite courses first and then you'll be time and a half with only nursing courses. You won't have time for anything that isn't nursing. Hope that helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would just like to say that I think that you should stick the BSN program out you can do it if you put your mind to it. And do not worry about what is done in the ADN or BSN program just focus on the program your in. No body knows you best except yourself so go for it. Good luck and my God Bless you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Be mindful that, depending on where you intend to start your nursing career, more job opportunities tend to be open to BSN degree recipients. Keep this in mind when you make your decision to stay put or jump ship.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

BSN programs aren't more hours per week in class, more credits per semester etc. They are more credits, but you get 4 yrs to complete them. Also, traditional BSN programs give summers off (at least from what I'm aware; I started out at a liberal arts school studying music, and the school had a nursing program. Nursing majors got the same summer vaca the music majors did. My sister went to a UW school, and nursing majors there also had the same vaca that my geology major sister did.) My ADN program was 2.5 yrs including summers. My late great-aunt was an old school diploma nurse...she was born in 1904 so must have attended nursing school in the 1920s. She used to say how even then, the university students would look down on the hospital students and talk about how superior their education was. She'd say "I beg to differ. I was in school and working in the hospital for 3 years straight. You were in school for 4, and got your summers off." :cheeky:

My ADN program was very rigorous. Sure we had less general eds, and we had less of the philosophical stuff like nursing theory and management classes. However the tradeoff was the core nursing education was condensed and intensive.

Getting your ADN and then doing a BSN bridge is a fine option. I did it myself; I'd been in college 5 yrs due to changing majors and I was ready to be DONE...plus the university in my area had a 2-yr waiting list for their nursing program. It also gets you out working faster, and BSN bridge programs generally assume that you're a working adult (vs. a traditional college student.) Heck today you can do the programs completely online -- can't get any more flexible than that!

One thing that an ADN program is not however, is a less intense track.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ADN programs are not easier, it's shorter because it's basically the first half of the BSN program. The BSN has additional courses that make it a higher degree. As far as clinical hours, there are no additional hours for ADN programs vs BSN. This might just be a difference in the individual programs, not the degree requirements. Stick with the BSN if you can. The ADN program will NOT be easier.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion