I already have a bachelors in Exercise Science. Should I get my ADN?

ShelbyaStar · Jan 29, 2014

Hm that's kind of a tough one. I'm in a similar position (already have a BS) and am going straight BSN but that's partly because it's been a while and my credits were in danger of expiring.

Does your current university not have a nursing program, or classes that you could take for prereqs to transfer elsewhere? That sort of sounds like the simplest solution- to stay at your school. I would think you'd have quite a few done already with having a degree in exercise science. OTOH you are just now graduating so getting and ADN would be the cheapest and then you still have time to bridge into a BSN too without losing credits.

I suppose more details about the programs you're interested in will have to factor into your decision. Sometimes ADN programs have a very long waiting list where you may have to wait a year or more to get in. And accelerated programs still sometimes require prereqs and often also have very competitive GPAs. Financial aid may be another factor to consider.

TraumaSurfer · Jan 29, 2014

Do not go backwards in degrees.

Transfer those credits to a BSN or one of the few entry MSN programs.

Nursing will not care about your other degrees. The BSN is what will matter.

You also should search the legislative plans for the BSN in your state. Your state and most of the NE have been committed to raising the education standard.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2014

Hey I lived in Maine for a few years...loved it there! I did an ABSN in 2006. I had the exact same GPA (3.3) in my first degree. Most schools require a min of 3.0 on first degree. So you are good there. I would say look around at different schools and make a decision. The cool thing is even if you go somewhere else for school you can take NCLEX in Maine. I graduated in Virginia and took the NCLEX in Nebraska. The key is getting into a program...once you are in you are gold. Then it is all on you to just get the grades. You could maybe take this as a time to get away and see some other places. Places like Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, etc...all have super low costs of living and an ABSN program is so fast you wouldn't be there long. You have options. Take a little time and dial it in.

laurenroush · Jan 29, 2014

Thanks for your advice! What school did you attend in Virginia?

nekozuki, LPN · Jan 30, 2014

Since you already have a bachelors degree in the sciences, I'd recommend the ASBN. If you're planning on doing an ADN to BSN online in the future, why not simply do the BSN now? It may take even less time.

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Jan 30, 2014

Which option do you think is best?
Any advice would be great! :)

I chose option 2, got my Associates at a CC, am now in a RN-BSN program and could not be happier. I have colleagues who chose option 1 and they are grinning too, but with a LOT more in school loans.

Either way works.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 30, 2014

It all boils down to what you can afford and are willing to tolerate debt-wise, and also whether or not your local BSN programs accept 2nd Bachelor's students. ABSN programs can be quite expensive because you're likely going to be paying the full cost per unit. They're also very fast/intense so working won't be an option. Going for ADN is a valid option but you won't likely be able to get many student loans for that degree once you have your Bachelors. That was my only realistic option though. After I'm done, I still have an option to upgrade to BSN and it'll be slightly faster because of my first Bachelor's.

Good luck, and consider all your options.

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2014

It depends on the job market on your area. I live in the NYC metro area, BSN prepared nurses are definitely preferred. Base your choice on the job market for new graduate nurses in your area.