Get ASN and immediately after, BSN or Straight to BSN?

Devon Rex, ADN, BSN · Jan 17, 2017

Hello!

There really is no right or wrong answer to your question. I went for my ASN and immediately enrolled for my BSN. I did it separately mostly because the university from where I got my ASN had no waiting list to get into the program... but it was very expensive. Thus I switched to a State sponsored College to get my BSN.

Time is not an issue in my book. I figured time is going to go by me no matter what I do (school or not) and I see my journey in nursing as that... a journey. It's not a competition against anyone. I am one who has to take my time to study and digest information. It's the only way I feel more confident about my new skills and knowledge. But everyone is different... hence, back to my first line of this post.

Whatever you do... keep moving forward! Cheers!

rachaelofcourse · Jan 17, 2017

Your geographic location should factor into your decision. For instance, here in AZ, you'd have a much easier time getting a job after graduation if you had a BSN. ADN grads still get jobs, but out here, managers like to see the BSN title. I know other parts of the country ADNs get hired very quickly - even before graduating. Look at the job market in your area and see what they prefer.

LouisPaz96 · Jan 18, 2017

I live in the Atlanta area, so alot of room for possible jobs, as there are several healthcare facilities within 10 miles of my home (And several more out of it), but currently I have finished my application for my C.C. ASN program and now I wait until their decision. However, there is another school that I will apply too that can finish me with a BSN. As I WILL have to work during the program, and I hear that BSN programs tend to be more work heavy than ASN programs, would it be the best idea?

In addition, in GA, we have the hope scholarship so it pays for roughly 84% of overall tuition, fees, etc. but the cut off point is at 127 credit hours (Equivalent of a 4 year degree). Considering if I decide to go straight to the BSN program, I will have to fork over whatever the cost is for my last year, but in the ASN program, I will be able to obtain my ASN and be able to enter to work force (After the NCLEX of course) and then transfer into a RN-BSN program, with hopefully some form of assistance, but all-in-all, I plan on going immediately for my BSN afterwards.

callinshotz, LVN, RN · Jan 18, 2017

You won't be able to work during either. I mean you can but it will be challenging..I hear. The beauty in nursing is that there is more than one way to make it to your goal. You have to figure out what route that is. If time is an issue do the ASN and the RN-BSN. Good Luck!!!

caliotter3 · Jan 18, 2017

Save time and money, effort by going straight for BSN if possible. Say you attend both programs. One requires one set of texts, the other has some different required texts. With the cost of nursing textbooks, you would want to save money here if possible. Just buy one set that lasts you through the entire program. Probably other associated costs where you could find savings.

If you attend the BSN program from the get-go, you get the familiarity factor in your favor, clinical facilities, instructors, etc. With either program, though, you can make connections for your first job at your clinical sites.

Quality of instruction: In my area, an ASN program had a better reputation for high quality nursing instruction, but I chose the BSN program, because I wanted to get it out of the way and I knew I would have better chances for good jobs with the BSN (a difference though, back in those days there was no such thing as an RN to BSN program that is all, or primarily, online. Internet not in use back then).

As for the 127 unit cut off: My BSN program was only 120 or so semester units, so I don't see that you would have that problem as long as you are careful about how many units you take throughout, whether at CC or the university.

Lots of things to consider, but usually as a rule of thumb, you want to go straight through to reach your minimum education goal in one effort. If you pause with an ASN, things can happen, and ......

LouisPaz96 · Jan 18, 2017

Yeah the thing is the BSN program (GSU - Main campus) is, I believe a minimum of 123ish credit hours, but in addition to HOPE, I get federal aid and as a result: All my tuition+fees are paid, along with money for BOTH semesters, and get financial aid refunds backs, so at my C.C, I know I could get the ASN with little to no cost to my personal wallet. However, with the BSN, considering it is a 4 year, it will still pay for 84% of tuition and etc. but I am not too sure if I can get away with the "little to no cost" to my personal wallet like at my C.C. I know BSN programs are more expensive which is also a factor that plays into deciding which one to go to.

Also... since you already have your BSN, how is the program in regards to working at the same time..? I heard its extremely difficult because an ASN programs is usually 7-10hours /semester but BSN is on average 11-13 hours/semester. Sorry for so many questions but I literally put myself through school, so help from my parents (Besides using their information for FASFA) is non-existent.

caliotter3 · Jan 18, 2017

I have given this advice before: If you HAVE to work (or even if you just choose to work), while attending nursing school, DO NOT inform the nursing school staff. There is a story behind that warning that pertains to my personal experience, as well as the personal experience of a former colleague, as well as others I have met along the way.

Working while in school is a matter of juggling your schedule as well as your personal energy. As long as you remain healthy, it can be done. Many have succeeded, where others have bit the dust when an insurmountable problem, or problems, presented themselves. Nursing school admins/instructors are notorious to be unforgiving toward those who do not drop everything for nursing school. They just do not want to hear it. Speak about your personal situation and you are likely to regret it. Just a word to the wise.

LouisPaz96 · Jan 18, 2017

Really? I don't have a family or kids (Making my situation better than roughly 50% of those attending school) but I do have a car and insurance, etc I have to pay for, and although its not extremely hefty, I still need money to pay bills so I will HAVE to work. I'm concerned that in the BSN if the workload is completely overwhelming to have a job on the side.

callinshotz, LVN, RN · Jan 18, 2017

Sometimes in life you have to either get on the boat or miss it. People have done it. You will not be the first or last to hold a job while going to nursing school. Find a slow desk job that allows you to study while you attend school. Do whatever you have to do to get to your destination. Can you get rid of the car and take the bus? Can you work the weekends to cover your bills? Like I said, get on the boat or miss it.

JessieMari · Jan 18, 2017

There's no right or wrong answer, you have to really weigh what works for you. I'm 33 and did a complete career change after 3 degrees in my field. I chose to go the ADN route even though I could've definitely gotten into an accelerated BSN program (I have multiple reasons). The benefit to doing ADN/ASN is that you finish in 2 years with the opportunity to pass NCLEX and go to work. The benefit there (coming from someone working 50+ hrs a week/5 days a week) is that most nursing schedules are 2/3 split or 36 hrs weekly full-time. That leaves time to focus on BSN or any other upper level degree work and the flexibility to do so. Now, if you're not worried about having to work full-time soon and can dedicate 3 full years to school, go that route. Either one will get you to where you need to be. Just ask yourself how soon do you want to go to work! Good luck OP!

LouisPaz96 · Jan 18, 2017

Just recently got the car because I needed transportation back and too, in addition, I already work weekends and such, usually nights however. I dedicate times to school and work, but idk, it's just alot to weigh to decide these new few years.