should I get an ADN, ABSN or MSN in Nursing?

[Wrestler133, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am graduating college in a few months with a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences with a focus on Physical Therapy. I was going to apply to Physical Therapy school last fall, but had a change of heart an decided to go into Nursing after a friend of mine talked to me about it and shadowed her around her work. I really liked the profession and pretty much have every prerequisite covered. Some questions I have though is what route should I take and what difference it would make? There are tons of ADN Programs at the community colleges in my area, a few Accelerated BSN (Northridge) programs in Southern Cali and some Masters in Entry Level Nursing programs down in Southern Cali as well (UCLA, CSULA, Long Beach), what I was wondering is what would be the advantages of getting an Accelerated BSN or an MSN compared to getting an ADN in the long run or if it doesn't really make a difference?

[pixiestudent2]

i do the aBSN, more oppurtunitys and from what i read on these boards California is exptremely competitive and tough for new grads finding a job, so you want as much as an advantage as possible? just curious as to why you no longer wish to carry on with PT. i was consider becoming a PTA if i couldnt get into nursing school for what ever reason.

[nguyminh]

It seems to me BSN is the way to go. With a BSN, you can be a nurse, then if you find you want to go further, like CRNA or NP, then its just one step away. But with an ADN, you would still need to go through the RN-BSN route, then into the graduate level for an advanced degree. But if you're set on being just an RN, then save money and just grab the ADN I suppose.

[Griffin123]

as far as the MSN question: It really depends on what type of nursing you want to do.

as far as the question in general: Search the internet like a mad man. Many programs offer accelerated BSN's (some require you get your ADN first). I have even seen ADN to MSN accelerated programs specifically designed for people who already have a 4 year degree. There's definitely opportunities out there for you.

[ixchel]

It seems to me if you already have an undergraduate degree, you'd be selling yourself short to go with an ADN. The way the programs are structured here, the only difference between ADN and BSN is all of the undergraduate coursework that has nothing to do with nursing-- the gen eds. I'd go with BSN, and then MSN if it's in your scope of interest to keep going.