I currently have an Associate Degree in Business and Bachelor's degree in Nutrition. I was on the pre-med path for a bit, but decided not to go to med school. I currently have 75k of student loan debt, none of which is from private loans. I got accepted into both BSN and ASN nursing programs. I'd like to work in Emergency Medicine as a nurse primarily. I'm currently working as an EMT for ambulance companies. I'd like to eventually advance education to the DNP.
Any help is appreciated in making a decision. Comparing the two programs
BSN accelerated vs ASN nursing programs
Length
Both start in the Fall of this year.
BSN is 16 months straight with a full-time course load (18 credits per semester)
ASN is 24 months part-time (9-12 credits per semester) with all your college breaks. (I have many of the classes already)
I could work earlier with the BSN.
Cost
The BSN is considerably more expensive. 36 grand total tuition. With an additional credits required, I'm concerned I'd have to take out additional loans also to help pay for expenses. I'm already in significant debt. Funding this would all have to come from private loans also, which I don't like
The ASN is CHEAP in comparison. Along with scholarships, I plan on paying out of pocket. . Fall semester runs around $3500. I can also continue to work full-time with benefits working in EMS. I'd have to reduce to part-time to attend the BSN program.
It seems like this really is the deal breaker. Ultimately a RN is an RN. From what I hear, many companies would help pay for a transitional BSN also in trade for a commitment for years worked for them.
I understand that ultimately most dnp programs require the BSN.
I hear that certain hospitals won't hire BSNs on these boards, but it doesn't seem like that is the case locally here. It seems like all I'd achieve with pursuing the BSN is paying more for my education ultimately.
The ASN program here has a good reputation for educating nurses.
I say go ADN vs BSN... thats what I did and saved over 35k by going to my local ADN program then onto UTA. RN-BSN was done in a year and few months so it was well worth it; not to mention the fact that I worked as an RN the entire time and had no clinicals or group work. I would say though, if time permits, look into an ABSN for a good comparison... All the best!!
besaangel, ASN, BSN, MSN, CNA, RN, APRN, NP
430 Posts
I say go ADN vs BSN... thats what I did and saved over 35k by going to my local ADN program then onto UTA. RN-BSN was done in a year and few months so it was well worth it; not to mention the fact that I worked as an RN the entire time and had no clinicals or group work. I would say though, if time permits, look into an ABSN for a good comparison... All the best!!