Accelerated better option?

[loosemoose]

Hello all, I just wanted to get some input. I have about two routes I'm thinking about. These are estimates so I'll do my best! Please advise and give input. Thank you in advance!

1. ADN to BSN- About $12,000-$15,000 in loans. It would take about exactly 12 months after option number two.

2. Accelerated BSN that would be a year earlier costing around $42,000 in loans.

*I am living with my parents so I was thinking of option two just because I could put most of my future salary towards repaying loans in large amounts.

[theRNJedi]

Are you currently an RN? The reason I ask is because most accelerated BSN programs are pre-licensure programs for degreed non-nursing people who want to fast track into a nursing career. The programs are intense and usually 12-18 months. Traditionally, an ADN-BSN is a post-licensure program for current licensed nurses who want to earn a bachelors in nursing. They are not apples to apples and the way I'm interpreting your question is that you are comparing the two; and they are totally different curriculums.

However, assuming you're an RN and your question stands...then both options you've listed earn you the same degree, a BSN. So purely based on that fact, the cheaper one is the smartest choice. Why would you pay over 25K more for the same degree? So the difference may come down to the 'fit' and of your schedule and personal preferences for program details and how you 'value' the perks and advantages of each program. For example, if getting done with your BSN a year sooner has comparable value of tens of thousands of dollars then yeah, maybe the accelerated BSN is an option for you. Also consider, most BSN programs are extremely dense with content and you may not be able to work full time through the entire program (some students pull it off, but's it's brutal). An ADN-BSN program can be accelerated or not...so those programs vary widely with varying range of course and program lengths. You didn't even get into the notion if these programs are online or brick&mortar...or if you are working while in school; and what your personal flexibility and 'bandwidth' is to accommodate a school load. All those details matter in regards to choosing a program and how you want to pace yourself to have a quality experience.

The market of nursing programs has exploded in recent years and you have lots of options of schools, schedules, and degrees...it can be overwhelming...but I encourage you to shop around.

BTW...not sure what your nursing ambitions are but I encourage ADN nurses going back to school to consider a RN-MSN program. As a profession nursing is evolving and BSN and MSN degrees have become the new minimum for many health orgs. If you perceive you will ever want a leadership role or advanced practice, then I would highly consider an RN-MSN.

Good luck

-theRNjedi

[Double Dunker]

Yes, what Jedi said. I did an accelerated program as I already had a bachelor's in another field. My understanding (please correct me if I'm wrong) is that an ADN gets you the nursing education without all of the fluff classes that come with the BSN ie English, history, etc. The accelerated programs skip the fluff as the students already have it, and focus on the nursing part. So, I *think* the two programs - ADN to BSN, and accelerated BSN - are complete opposites.