Do I need a BSN if I already have a BS in related field?

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I'm not sure if this has been asked yet, but if anyone could respond with helpful information, that would be great!

I know the difference between a BSN and RN in terms of schooling preparation and future jobs available.

However, I have a BS in public health, and I want to have an RN as well. What I can't decide is which route to take. I know a BSN allows you to move up in management, but since I have a BS in public health is it still necessary to have a BSN or could I move up having an ADN?

Thanks for the help nurses! :D

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

If your plan is to work as a nurse - yes, you need a BSN.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

What klone said ^^^^^

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Having the ADN will not allow you to pursue a Masters degree and advance your career that way until you get the BSN. A MSN will allow you to either be a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, etc... depending on which academic path you choose.

Edit: Since you have a previous Bachelors degree, have you considered any of the accelerated nursing programs? I had a previous Bachelors degree in biology and I completed an 11 month accelerated BSN program. It was the best decision I ever made in my life, and now I am pursing my MSN to become a nurse practitioner. Many of the accelerated programs are 1 year, while some are a little bit longer (15-16 months).

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

BS + ASN does not = BSN.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

Yes, you need a BSN even if you have an ASN and a PhD in something.

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