Help! BSN or RN?

caliotter3 · Nov 23, 2008

Your thread title is misleading. BSN refers to an education level. RN is the license. You get an RN license after completing an RN diploma program, ASN program, BSN program, or entry level MSN program. It is not RN or BSN.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2008

Be aware that 70 percent of all RNs in the U.S. are educated at the associate degree level, and the vast majority are doing just fine in their careers. If you plan to work in a hospital as a bedside nurse, a community college education and an associate degree in nursing will be more than adequate to get you there.

However, more education usually leads to greater career opportunities. Therefore, having the BSN or MSN degree will open more doors.

Woodenpug, BSN · Nov 23, 2008

One more thought to add to TheCommuter's excellent points- Because they are so much less expensive, the community college may be more difficult to enter. Check out the applicants to openings at your CC.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2008

One more thought to add to TheCommuter's excellent points- Because they are so much less expensive, the community college may be more difficult to enter. Check out the applicants to openings at your CC.

This is true. In my area, 600 to 1,000 students will typically apply for 75 available slots in the nursing programs at the local community colleges. Since the community colleges offer such affordable tuition, masses of people apply to them. Therefore, admission into many junior college nursing programs is fiercely competitive.

sunray12 · Nov 23, 2008

Time is a factor that may or may not be important to you depending on your age now and your professional goals. An accelerated BSN can be obtained in about a year. The ADN takes about twice as long to complete. If you are interested in going to the grad school level then the road to finishing grad school is significantly shorter if you start at the BSN level than if you start at the ADN level. Community college is cheaper per credit hour at in-state rates but if you are able to line up some scholarship aid then your out of pocket cost for a BSN might be significantly reduced or even come out to be the same as cc.

Hisown · Nov 30, 2008

I would say definitely go for the BSN/MSN level of education to obtain your RN. Accelerated BSN programs usually offer a solid foundation in the research aspect of nursing, and also a good foundation in management, leadership and delegation. As a BSN graduate, you would have more opportunities for advancement (especially into management) and also qualify to obtain a wider array of certifications in various fields of nursing. This is not to say at all that being educated at the ASN level is inadequate...the percentage of associates level nurses we have in teh workforce alone disproves that. Many associates level nurses, though, still do go on to get their BSNs so I would say do it now and have it under your belt :)

quiet_one · Nov 30, 2008

For me going the ADN route was necessary....it is alot cheaper. Also i know I will be able to start working and making lots more money than i am now in a shorter time :) Although, I do plan on continuing my education to the BSN level right after I graduate....just works out better for me (and it should come to about 3 years of nursing courses...instead of 4).

DJ Bertrix · Dec 3, 2008

Before applying to nursing programs, I had a BS degree. I am now finishing up my ADN program and it was a better choice for me. I saved a lot of money. Good luck!!!