Go ASN or BSN first???

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If I have no prior medical experiene or background should I go with ASN first, or into the BSN.. ?

:no:I'm scared because looking at these forums most people in the BSN progrom have years experience, plus everyone knows the nursing program is INTENSE.

I am looking at cost wise too.. If I go ASN, cant a company pay for me to do my Bacholors work??

How long is the normal transition from RN to BSN??

Looking forward to hearing from you all.. Thank you!

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Specializes in no specialty! (have to graduate first!).

The transition from RN to BSN is generally one year. Maybe 1.5 years.

I live in WY and at the Univ. of Wyo., they only have a BSN program, no ASN. As part of their admissions, they require an essay describing your experience in the medical field. This will probably be true for most BSN programs. But I could be wrong, just check into which school you want to go to.

I have very little medical experience so I am entering a ASN program at a community college. At most cc's, their requirements for admissions is usually not as complicated as a BSN program. The application at my school consisted of my name and mailing address. That was it. They checked my transcripts and NET score and I got in on the first try.

Some companies will pay for you to continue your education. It just depends on the place. When you finish school, just ask your employer. Also, don't forget that you don't have to get your BSN right away. You can get your ASN and complete the BSN later or online.

Hope some of this helps. :o)

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Well, a BSN typically takes twice as long, because of the general ed requirements and all that. So if you don't want to wait 4-5 years, then do ASN. Also remember that prereq's and applying can take a while, anywhere from 1-3 years.

I don't think prior medical experience really relates to choosing ASN or BSN. I think people could go into both with no experience and come out as successful nurses.

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I am shy 3 units of an AS in Business admin.. but realized I wanted to become a nurse in the process.. I just need Chem, A&P 1&2, and Gen Bio.. before I apply.. When you say wait, can you take other classes in the nursing program, or all your pre reqs are done, you took the NET say and they sorry next year??

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You can probably take many of the pre reqs for the ASN/BSN while you wait. Just ask your counselor. You might be able to do things like Micro ,etc while you wait. Just can't do the clinicals while you wait...

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Specializes in Emergency.

I'm currently in an accelerated BSN program, and I had no prior medical experience before starting! In fact, about half of the people in my program did not have any. It really doesn't change much. We're all being taught the same stuff as though we have never been around it or seen it done before!! As far as choosing what program you do, both are great! That's definitely just a personal decision that seems like a good choice either way. Good luck!! :)

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I just graduated with my BSN and I can tell you that if that is truly what you want and you want, to have a four year college experience and a four year degree, than do that. If you want to be a nurse in 2 years than do the ADN and then continue on. I received way more financial aid through a private college in my area than I would have with a community college (check both places before ASSUMING!) and because I got my BSN I was able to get a full ride scholarship with a monthly stipend, something I had never expected! But both routes still lead to the same path...RN, so it really is a personal choice.

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if you are ready to get out and start working in the field asap, i recommend the asn program. if you do not have an immediate need i recommend the bsn program. ultimately it depends on how u want to utlilize your nursing degree. i have an associates degree in business, i got into teaching for my bachelors and decided that is not what i want to do. (i let others decide my path for me) now i have a small child and in my state many schools have the majority of their classes for nursing during the day. i am so ready to be done with school that i have decided to do the lpn to rn bridge. reason why i choose this path is because for me to complete my bsn it will take me an additional 3.5 yrs. (this includes 4 semesters of prerequites) and i need to get a degree so i can start working and then go back to finish since many offer online classes once you become a lpn.

:confused::banghead:

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also check out www.dol.gov and go to the occupational handbook... put in registered nurse or adn in the search occupational handbook field.

It will tell u almost everything about the field. I love this website!

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