Getting my ADN before BSN?

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So I have a friend who just got accepted into the nursing program at Merced College and I'm absolutely upset for not applying when I could have. I have a higher GPA than she does and got a higher teas score, so if I could get in next year should I just get my ADN first and then get my BSN if I wanted to? It's likely that I have a higher chance of getting my ADN first before BSN, since there's many things I still need to do to fix my application to increase my chances of getting in to get my BSN.

My original intention was to get my BSN, but I don't think that's going to work out. Any advice? Financial aid is definitely something I need to consider.

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Go for the ADN. It's cheaper to get your ADN and then bridge, and you get to work a year sooner. It makes the most financial sense even if you live in an area where your work opportunities could be limited until you get your BSN

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I recommend going for the ADN, then letting an employer pay some of the tab while working toward the BSN. It might take you a little longer, but life is not a race. In the meantime, look at the

prerequisites you need prior to taking nursing courses. No reason you can't get basics out of the way.

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Definitely ADN. That is the route I am going for multiple reasons. It is cheaper, there are less classes involved which equals less money, and my employer will pay for me to get my BSN once I have my ADN.

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I am leaning towards the BSN myself. I mean it will all depend on what I can afford and how much financial aid. The driving point for me is the changing market around where I live BSNs are the requirement and nursing homes are either over staffed with nurse's with associates degrees or just don't have the money to hire nurse's, ha.

I already have a bachelor's degree it's maybe $10K more than the accelerated, looking to pay $35K total. It's about $20K for a CC degree so $15K more. My employer so far if I stick at 24 hour's pays for $3500 a year of my education. Also guaranteed a job if I pass the program and pass my NCLEX.

Also the BSN program supposedly, just rumors, where I live is less competitive, but will see come February eek!

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Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

ADN all the way! You will be happy that you will minimal to no loan since everything at a community college is relatively cheap. Of the 20ish new grad cohorts I started at work with this past fall, about 4 or 5 of us had 0 loan because we had an ADN/came from a community college. Everyone else was talking about loans and having to pay it off. I intend to get my BSN so I'll eventually have to pay too, but it's nice to NOT have a loan with interest. Plus, by the time I start my BSN, I won't even have to pull out a loan.

The main downside of having an ADN is that we don't have the flexibility of moving around in positions outside the hospital as a BSN would have (I am already looking to work outside the hospital but I need to get my BSN first). In the end, all it matters if having RN behind your name :)

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Dr Office/Clinic.

Get your ADN get a job at a hospital for a year & then apply for the hospital tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement program to help you pay for your BSN [emoji106]🏽

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Not sure where you guys are all from the techs and nurses share the same amount of reimbursement money. It's pretty sweet.

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