BSN vs. ADN + BS in other field

Nurses General Nursing

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I already have BS in a field other than nursing and I am going to be applying to nursing programs this winter so I can hopefully start in Fall 2009. I am going to apply to a ADN program, a BSN program, and a MSN program (for students who have a bachelor degrees in other fields). What I am wondering is if I would basically have the same status if I end up with my BS in another field + an ADN as someone who just has a BSN when applying for jobs. I really like the school I am doing my prereq's at (which would be the same school as the ADN program) and the cost of the ADN program is a lot less. Thanks for your thoughts.

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I really don't think your BS in an unrelated field will help you any in nursing.

And, I've never heard of a program that allows you to get a masters in nursing without any prior degrees in nursing. I've heard of RN-MSN degrees, but a BS of unrelated to MSN???

Some colleges offer a second degree BSN for students who already have a bachelors. You may want to consider that. An ADN program is good as well. ADN and BSN students take the same NCLEX, so one way or another you're an RN.

Good luck in your decision.

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Alternate-entry master's programs offer MSNs for folks with bachelor's degrees in other fields.

I think how a non-nursing bachelor's affects your nursing career depends on what your degree is in and what types of jobs are in the field (not bedside). I know someone with an ADN and a BBA who works for a law firm.

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Alternate-entry master's programs offer MSNs for folks with bachelor's degrees in other fields.

Interesting! I never knew about this!

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The reason I was thinking they would be equivalent is, from what I have hear, the nursing parts of a ADN and a BSN are essentially the same or very similar (maybe this is incorrect though). IF that is correct I don't see any difference between having a BSN or having an ADN + a BS in another field, since I would have completed the same nursing coursework and the completed same generals...

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The reason I was thinking they would be equivalent is, from what I have hear, the nursing parts of a ADN and a BSN are essentially the same or very similar (maybe this is incorrect though). IF that is correct I don't see any difference between having a BSN or having an ADN + a BS in another field, since I would have completed the same nursing coursework and the completed same generals...

You know, I'm in exactly the same situation and I've never gotten a clear answer. I think it depends on who you talk to. If it helps any, I decided on the ADN route and decide what direction (RN->BSN, MSN, other) after I've gotten a feel for the various specialities.

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Hey Daffodils711... I see it has been a few months since this was posted but just wanted to see if you decided on a path, acceptance, etc.? I have a BBA (BS equivelent) in another field as well and had actually only just recently realized that the ADN was an option for 'us' and almost gave up and considered a MS in a business related field (UGGG, just not my passion). If you don't mind- keep me posted- I eager to speak with someone at COD regarding admissions, acceptance stats, etc.

Best :)

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well i just got a letter from the adn program and i was accepted! i called the bsn program and they said they will be sending out letters this week, so i should know by next week if i got in there or not. i decided not to apply to the msn program.

a few things have changed in my life since i applied to the nursing programs and now i am having a tough time deciding what i should do. should i be happy that i have a good paying job (probably making more than most nurses make starting out) in this economy or should i go back to school? i think i would be happier with the nursing field, but i would be more secure financially in the short term if i just stuck with my current job.

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Specializes in SICU, EMS, Home Health, School Nursing.

There are a lot of schools that offer a BS-BSN degree. I know the college I went to had an accelerated program that accepted people with degrees in other fields. Essentially, they got to skip most of the gen eds and concentrate on just the nursing classes. The course was anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 years.

As for the economy question... how are things in your area? Are the hospitals around you still hiring? If nursing is something you really want to do, go for it. If you are ok where you are at right now and willing to wait the slump out, then do that. Who knows what the economy will be like in 2-4 years when you are done with school!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Nurses are the greatest possible people. Nursing is the greatest possible profession. So, naturally, I would encourage you to be a nurse. I have not always encouraged people to become nurses from other occupations, and in the past, I have actively discouraged people from coming into nursing. I did this because I believe that nursing is too great and deserves only the best possible people. But I've come to realize that nursing is transformational. You do it and it either transforms you into something great or it ruins you.

Make no mistake about it; nursing is a very hard profession. The idea of nursing is a pleasant one; the reality is something quite different.

By the way, I'm in the same boat. My B.Sc. is in Liberal Arts concentrating in psychology/sociology. I refuse to go back to school. Either they need a good bedside nurse or they don't: If they do, then my degree doesn't matter. If they don't, I'm too old to compete anyhow. But I will say this, as a former education counselor: an ADN in nursing with a B.Sc. or B.A. in another field is a far more educated person than someone with a straight BSN. I'm not suggesting BSNs are less intelligent or uneducated, but any time a person has two degrees in two different fields, they are going to be much more educated than a single degree. Case in point: an MBA and an ADN, will probably take you much further in healthcare than an MSN will.

But if you're going to go into the military, you need a BSN. If you're going to abandon nursing to assist MDs with anesthesia or medical rounds, then you're going to need a BSN.

I know I'm probably stepping on some toes here. I apologize, I'm just trying to keep it real.

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I have a BA in another field and I am finishing up my ADN this month. I have been checking out schools in my area (NYC metro) and I have found a few graduate programs that accept ADNs with a BA in another area directly into MSN programs. Two notable examples are Columbia University and Yale and I have read the catalogs of a few other that don't directly state that they will accept an ADN with a bachelors in another field but they will tell you to inquire with the nursing dept if that is your particular situation. This was Lehman College and the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

So having already completed a bachelors degree in another area does count for something.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

I have an AS in nursing and a BS in elementary/early childhood education. My mother tells me I am perfectly qualified to be a mom :chuckle I have not found that my non-nursing BS holds me back at all. In fact, it has made me more desireable in some jobs and I've made the same money as BSNs in every job I've held. I bring to the table a strong background in education, plus 31+ years of mostly bedside nursing experience. At my age (52) I would be required to go back to school for a BSN, minimum, MSN if I wanted to teach. I have no interest in supervising others or teaching nursing, so for me going back to school really wouldn't be cost effective. I'm looking down the barrel of retirement now. If my back and my feet can hold out another 10 years, I'll be very happy :nurse:

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