Finished Pre-Nursing, Need help on ADN or BSN??

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I need some input...

I am in the process of applying into Georgia Perimeter College's ADN program. While waiting to see if I'm accepted, i'm thinking of taking Micro, Chem II & Statistics. That way, when I'm ready to bridge over to BSN, I'll have knocked out these classes. Can someone please advice if this is a good idea?

Also, there is a lot of chatter out there about the ADN program being phased out. Now I'm confused whether to wait and just go for the BSN. My issue is that I am strapped for money and under time constraints. Another thing was that since I have never worked in a healthcare field, I thought it may have been a good idea to go the ADN route first, that way, I can get an entry level job while going for the BSN. Any input will be appreciated.

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Well, I would take the three classes you listed and if you do not get in the fall, then you would be eligible to apply to most BSN programs too.

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I choose an ADN over a BSN initially for one reason. The school I choose starts with the ADN and as long as you have a 3.3 GPA in nursing school you are automatically accepted into their BSN program. The BSN program is 100% online so I can work as an RN while I am continuing school. Are ADNs being hired in your area? I would say it would all boil down to whether you can find a job as an ADN

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Specializes in Hospice.

I don't think ADNs are being phased out. I certainly hope not, as I am in the ADN program and hope to be working while getting my BSN online.

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With so many nursing students already unemployed and more graduating all of the time, BSN seems to have an advantage in the job market. In saying that, I think it really depends on the area you live in and if you are willing to move for a job. If you can do the BSN, then you may have an easier time finding a job, but either way it really comes down to the people you know and impress.

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It depends on where you live. I live in a highly educated area with multiple cities around. So yes, ADNs are being phased out. But by you this may not be the case. I would call hospitals around you & ask if they are still hiring ADN nurses.

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Microbiology was required for every associate degree and diploma nursing program that I looked at. (Pennsylvania still has diploma schools, and they require just as much if not more college than associate degree RN.)

Statistics will be a bonus on your transcript. Take it. It's something that you can possibly use on the job, and a class that employers like to see.

Chem II, I don't know why that would be needed because most BS RN degrees that I'm familiar with only require one semester of chemistry. Some even have a special chemistry for nurses course. Many associate degrees that I looked into would accept high school chem and general biology, and only required microbiology and A&P I and II as college courses.

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I`m not to sure about the differences in Georgia but I`m in Texas and from all the colleges I have looked at (In Texas) I noticed that if I were to get my ADN first then bridge to BSN, I`d actually be spending more money. Also, I don't believe that ADN`s are being phased out. I have looked into it and it seems like they aren't getting promoted as quick or as much as BSN`S. So personally I would choose the BSN. It is less money in the long wrong plus a bit more thorough schooling.

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I would stil apply to as many schools as you cam like Gwinnett tech too. And in the spring take classes to be ready for your Bsn bridge v

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Microbiology is def a good choice. All Sciences must be completed. I think taking Stats is a great idea; take as many prereq's as possible at a community college. I did, I took all of them at GPC and Stats and Chem 2 is on the list of most BSN programs I've looked at in Georgia. You're on the right track IMO!! Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

ADNs are not being "phased out" in terms of nursing licensure/practice. However, hospitals (acute care) in most parts of the country are following the IOM 2010 recommendations to achieve an 80% BSN staff. This is because of some very important research findings that higher percentages of BSN RNs have a significant positive effect on patient outcomes in acute care. This research has not been replicated in non-acute care, so there has not yet been a recommendation to make the same changes in those areas. You can review the IOM report here - The Future of Nursing: Focus on Education - Institute of Medicine

I am sure that ADN nurses will continue to find acute care employment in many areas of the country that do not have an adequate supply of BSN grads. Of course, ADN nurses will also continue to be vitally important in non-acute care environments.

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Oh wow, which campus? I'm taking prerequisites now at the Clarkston Campus. I plan on taking the TEAS in November. I have a couple nurse friends in the area who think that I can still get a job with an ADN. I was actually talking to one of them the other day and she was saying that no many hospitals in Atlanta have Magnet status. Still I'm a little worried. I plan on ultimately getting my BSN but I want to do whatever it takes to get a job once I graduate.

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