Is an associates degree enough for me ?

Natingale, EdD, RN · May 22, 2008

Basically youre going to be starting from scratch, look into the curriculum and see what classes you already have under your belt. There are some people with a Masters degree, that went to an ADN program at a CC. Once you have an ADN its only another 15 months lets say, for an accelerated program i think.

love184em · May 22, 2008

I would say it's up to you if you want advance in nursing. Yes an assiciate degree is enough for you but if you want to specialize in a field of nursing such as surgery you need to advance. I would say go to CC and 4 year schools show your degree as well as a transcript and see where you need to begin. There are some schools such as SUNY Downstate that has an accelerated B.S nursing program (15 months about) where if you have a B.S or B.A in another field and you taken a certain amount of pre-nursing courses then you would have a Bachelor's in nursing.

neeniebean · May 22, 2008

You may not necessarily need to go for your BSN. I have my ADN and a BA in another area, and i can go for my Masters- i just have to submit a portfolio. You can always contact an admissions rep for an MSN program and ask them, because it may vary depending on the Bachelors degree that you have.

twinmommaRN08 · May 23, 2008

Having a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing is great, it'll open doors to a wide array of opportunities in administration and specialty areas. Do you need a BSN as an entry level nurse? IMO, no. You've already paid for one bachelor's degree. Why do it again? CC is less expensive, the pay difference between BSN and ADN *RNs* isn't substantial, and you can gain experience as an RN on the floor and have the hospital pay a portion, if not all, of your tuition while you further your education.

Besides, the school with the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for 2007 was LaGuardia Community College (my school *hint hint*). So if it isn't clear already. . .I'm biased and think you should really consider getting your associate's first.

Btw, I regret going to LIU for a year and a half and the student loans. I'm going to transfer those credits towards my BSN though.

Tormander · May 23, 2008

Thanks a lot for the response everybody...I'm really eager to start the program right away and most of the nursing programs starts in the fall. As of right now, I am going to apply to Nassau community college for the spring 09 and if I don't get in ill apply again in fall 09 to more schools.