Diploma in Nursing VS BSN

NurseMike911 · Apr 17, 2015

BSN. Definitely. In today's market, most facilities want the BSN. I'm actually surprised the diploma is offered anymore.

Michael Isaacs BSN RN CEN CPEN - Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

elkpark · Apr 17, 2015

I would investigate all the schools carefully and make a decision about which program is going to work best for you. Hospital-based programs are still around, although not nearly as many as there used to be (unfortunately, IMO). Many of them offer an excellent nursing education, and graduates are highly valued and employable in their home areas (and elsewhere). I would not automatically disregard that option. However, if you choose that route, you should plan on completing a BSN degree afterwards.

I am a diploma program grad (who later completed a BSN and MSN), and that has often been considered a plus by potential employers throughout my career. It also gave me an excellent nursing education and entry into practice.

Best wishes for your journey!

happyinmyheart · Apr 17, 2015

Hi Im looking at schools to transfer to and I'm trying to figure out the difference between your "Diploma in Nursing" and "bachelor of science degree"
Which would be a better option for the long run.
Im trying to decided if I want to apply to Aria Health System (I would get my Diploma in Nursing)]
or
Apply to Drexel, Lasalle, Or Rutgers University (I would get my BSN)
what are your thoughts??

I didn't even know diploma was offered anymore. I would definitely go with your BSN. If you want to graduate sooner, you could always get your ASN instead as well!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 17, 2015

I didn't even know diploma was offered anymore. I would definitely go with your BSN. If you want to graduate sooner, you could always get your ASN instead as well!

More in certain regions than elsewhere. I believe Pennsylvania still has several. Someone posted here not long ago about being a graduate of a diploma school program, how hard she worked at it, etc etc, but NO ONE would hire her. Zero.

When you're competing against college degrees in nursing, the diploma schools do face a challenge.

I do remember someone also saying, however, that she was able to complete the BSN in a very short time, something like 6 months, because of an arrangement her diploma school had to accept credits at a specific university.

You'd have to be VERY careful about the program, what will transfer and what won't, and job prospects in the area.