I need advice on which program to pursue

[serenityangel]

I am torn between pursuing a BSN or ADN. As it stands right now, I can apply to enter the ADN program in Fall 2011 or the BSN program in Spring 2012.

ADN Pros:

-Start and graduate sooner

-Cheaper

-Less pre-reqs

-ADN program is considered one of the best, is not the best program in my site

ADN Cons:

-Will need to go to an RN-to-BSN program

BSN Pros:

-Graduate with a BSN (want to pursue Master's eventually and being the first person in my family to go to college a Bachelor's would mean a lot to me)

BSN Cons:

-More pre-reqs to complete

-More expensive

-Graduate six months later

I keep going back and forth. So if any of you have some advice, I would very much appreciate it.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You make a point of saying that the ADN program has an excellent reputation. What kind of program is it? Is it an old program? Is it a state-run college or is it a fairly new "for profit" school run by a company motivated more by profit than service to the community?

How good is the BSN program? You don't say. Is it well-respected? What kind of program is it? Is it a state-run program that exists to provide service to the community ... a private school that serves a particular faith group ... "for profit"? ... etc. Would you be able to get sufficient financial aid so that you wouldn't have to get bigger student loans than you can comfortably afford to pay?

What is the job market like in your area? In some places, ADN's are having trouble getting hired into the more prestigous hospitals or on some of the most popular units. In other places, that is not a big issue. What is the situation in your area -- at the specific hospitals where you might like to work?

These are the kinds of questions I would ask myself to help make that decision. You need to get a clear picture of the quality of both schools, the expenses, and the local job market before you can figure out which would be best for you. A poor quality BSN that costs a fortune would not be a good choice. A cheaper ADN from a well-respected community college would be a better start to your career. However a BSN from a good school with a generous financial aid package might be worth the extra investment up front.

Does that help you figure things out a little bit?

[bonn_bai]

Great reply by llg.

I would say take the most practical route, whatever that is. For me, that's ADN first, then ADN-BSN. The ADN is vastly cheaper and the program where I live is good. It puts me working as a nurse a lot sooner. I need to work full-time and I'm paying everything out-of-pocket. Don't let your dream of a BSN override your practicality - if you can save lots of money getting an ADN first, do that. Why saddle yourself with more debt? You have to pay it back with interest when you are trying to buy cars and houses and have a life! :)

That said, consider that if you get the ADN you are likely to be working as a newbie nurse when you are pursuing your ADN-BSN. That may be tough. You may defer starting the ADN-BSN program if your job is stressful, and that will push back your ultimate goal of a Master's. In your post you said it will only take you an extra six months to get a BSN - that's nothing to have a BSN, and the BSN will give you more opportunity straight out of the gate.

So, haha, two seemingly conflicting points! Again though, do what is most practical for you based on your situation and whether or not you need/want to be working sooner and can handle school and work.

[mariposabella]

Well you can get your ADN, find a job, and then do an rn-bsn program online from a university/college in your state. But then again the BSN program is only 6 months longer, I say go for the BSN, but thats just me.

[Jessicaeileen]

I am in the same situation as you. I am torn between the ADN and BSN.

I am more than likely going to apply to both, since there both competitive.

Honestly the deceision is up to you. I still am torn.

But I have heard that the ADN program(where i live) is all hands on. And the BSN is more book work. Now I don't know if thats true or not.

You'll make a good choice either way.

[serenityangel]

Thank you all for replies. I'm still a little torn, but I'm leaning more towards the ADN program. It is with my local community college. It's been a round for years. In fact, my boyfriend's mother went there when we were in middle school. I also like that part of the curriculum is a pediatrics class. Thanks again for the advice. :)

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Definitely look in to your local job market. The community college near me has an excellent reputation, is an NLN Center for Excellence, but in my area many hospitals are requiring a BSN for new grads so grads from the community college are struggling even more than the rest of us in finding jobs.

[caliotter3]

Apply to the associate's program first. If not accepted there, then apply to the BSN program. If neither accept you, look at other programs or actions you can take to make your record more desirable.