Diploma RN vs. Accelerated BSN

suzanne4, RN · May 10, 2005

How long is the Diploma program? Most are two years long.

At this point, why not apply to both and see where you get accepted?

If you get accepted to the accelerated program you can go that route, but if you get into the Diploma program and it begins earlier or where you will finish at the same time, why not do that?

Depending on what you want to do eventually, you may not necessarily need a BSN. If you have a BS already, and get your RN, you can go straight into a Master's program............do not forget that avenue either.

See where you actually get accepted, then go from there. Keep your options open.......... :)

stargazer1956 · May 10, 2005

I agree you should keep your options open. I went with the second degree program because it took 6 months less. Of course, John Hopkins is probably different but I found that my Alma Mater rushed through everything and alot of the knowledge and skills I learned working as a tech in the hospital ER. I see the nurses that went through the diploma program and they went through so much more hands on that I did and feel like I am behind the 8 ball at times. In the Hampton Roads area, there is no difference between diploma, Associate or Bachelors - they all become charge nurses and get the extra $.55/hr for their trouble.

One of the choices would be whether you want the more hands on and which one you can start first.

Good luck either way you go.

I had every intention of applying to an accelerated BSN program (I just completed a couple of the prerequisite courses and I'm taking another one this summer). However, I also applied to a diploma RN program with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Like so many hospitals around the country, if I agree to work for UPMC for two years, they will pay for my education. If I REALLY use my time wisely, I can take advantage of tuition benefits (as an employee) and earn my BSN. Assuming I'm accepted, I could earn a BSN from Johns Hopkins in 13.5 months. It would be nice to be virtually debt-free, but I'm not sure that I want to spend four years going to school AND working (having done that once before) to get the same degree. Any thoughts? I am wondering if a BSN from JHU will earn me that much more money (versus a diploma RN) that it would make it worthwhile. THANKS!

sunnyjohn · May 10, 2005

keep your options open...

Apply to both programs

SOunds like you have a great plan!

Pianoforte · May 10, 2005

Thank you for the advice. The diploma program lasts two years and I would start in late August. The accelerated BSN program starts in June 2006. So, I would have to forget about the diploma program (since I have already applied and I'll find out whether or not I have been accepted in a week or so), take a few more prerequisite courses, and apply to JHU, Duke, and Rochester. Because I'm 28 y.o., I don't want to spend the next four years working towards a degree that I could get in 13.5 months or so. At the same time, it would be nice to be able to afford a vacation or two during the two-year work commitment and not have to think about the $40K in loans I had to take to get the accelerated BSN. UGH! :uhoh3:

sunnyjohn · May 10, 2005

Thank you for the advice. The diploma program lasts two years and I would start in late August. The accelerated BSN program starts in June 2006. So, I would have to forget about the diploma program (since I have already applied and I'll find out whether or not I have been accepted in a week or so), take a few more prerequisite courses, and apply to JHU, Duke, and Rochester. Because I'm 28 y.o., I don't want to spend the next four years working towards a degree that I could get in 13.5 months or so. At the same time, it would be nice to be able to afford a vacation or two during the two-year work commitment and not have to think about the $40K in loans I had to take to get the accelerated BSN. UGH!

Youve got teh right idea... I am debt-phobic myself.....