I'm very confused!!!!

A school that does not offer a college degree in their nursing program (typically an A.S.--Associate of Science) is not a college and therefore confers a diploma only upon its graduates. These schools are reducing in number, to be sure, but there are some very active ones left. If accredited, you can expect a solid clinical nursing education, a chance to sit for the NCLEX-RN (licensing test) but NOT a college degree.

An ADN is, in fact, an Associate Degree in Nursing, so it is therefore only available from a college or university, not a diploma school.

A BSN is a Bachelor of Science/Nursing degree, and can be obtained after one has an ADN or a diploma only, either way. It can be had after one is already licensed as an RN or you can enroll in a BSN program and then take the NCLEX after graduation.

However, if you have a diploma, not an ADN, you will still have to take all the college courses needed to bring you up to the BS level. In this day and age, it only makes sense to me if your goal is BSN to not go the diploma route at all, and enroll in a college from the get-go.

so....wondering if the OP is still confused, or lost :)

I shudder when I hear the phrase "I need money fast" from new nurses.

Yep, made me blink long and hard at this one too.

Having 3 kids and being the main provider, yes I am looking for the quickest way possible for me to start my career. I want to become a nurse as a passion, but I'm not going to be naive about the benefits of becoming one as well.

I shudder when I hear the phrase "I need money fast" from new nurses.

Well, sorry but the reality is that if you already have a family, it is very difficult to get through 4 years of school before you can sit for the boards. I am glad I did my ASN first, because I definitely needed the money, and fast! lol.

I do understand your point, and I definitely agree that a diploma is NOT the way to go if you want to further your education.

Nursing diplomas are awarded by non-college institutions. In my state, there are still two diploma programs that are administered by hospitals. While you may be permitted to sit for the NCLEX exam after the completion of your diploma, do not expect any academic credit to transfer from a hospital-based training program to a college or university. If you intend to pursue a BSN or higher degree, then I would recommend pursuing an associate's degree.

I think what others have said here is valuable. A diploma can only get you so far and may not actually be worth the time if what you want is a BSN. You'll have to put in the time for the diploma, then put in all the time for GE courses and the core major courses. An ADN can get you further along than the diploma.

But if the diploma route is what you end up going with, please make sure that the school is approved by the BRN and will allow you to sit for the NCLEX. I've seen some students go to schools that were nothing more than a scam.