Is it better to get an ADN or BSN?

[Irena67]

If I am not planning on pursuing a higher career (i.e. NP or PA) what are the costs and benefits of each degree? I know that the salaries are similar but do they vary by years of experience? Are there any other differences?

[beingthankful]

Which one is "better" is dependent on your personal situation in my opinion. If you have the time & inclination go for your BSN. If you want a faster economical start go with ADN. Good luck on your decision!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Which track is "better" does depend a lot upon various factors. These are things such as your local job market, the theory/clinical experiences provided by the school, and the education you possess upon entry into a program. I'm an ER nurse, approaching the end of my first year on the job. I was hired as a new grad into the ER and I'm doing reasonably well. I still have much to learn over the course of the next couple years, but I've gotten through the initial steep learning curve. I have an ADN.

I also have a Bachelors in Sports Med and I'm a Paramedic. Honestly, the Sports Med program was far more rigorous than nursing school ever was, and since I have a Bachelors, any program I entered would have been "core" program anyway. BSN would have been more expensive but "just" a 2 year program. What am I "missing"? Not much really. Some leadership that's specific to nursing, public health nursing, and a specialized nursing research course. I have been incorporating EBP into the care provided regardless of field, so that's not a nursing only thing. I know how to do and read the research. So, the reality is that I'm not truly missing much.

Why the above? Those things were all factors in deciding which track you should take. In my case, the BSN track through the local university wasn't an option at the time as the university was closed to 2nd Bachelors students in any field at the time I was ready to enter nursing school.

As to the job market? Well, in my area BSN is very much preferred. I had to look far and wide to get a job in my preferred field. That's key. Most of my classmates did find jobs locally and are doing well, mostly in their preferred fields too. It just took them a little longer than their BSN counterparts.

Your area is likely different from mine and will likely have different factors that push for one degree vs another as a preferred initial degree. No matter which way you go, you should always strive to improve your education, not just in nursing, but in other fields as well. Well-rounded also means "very versatile."

[ORNerd, BSN, RN]

Where I used to live, I was able to get a job at a level I trauma center, teaching hospital, etc. with my ADN. However, it was at a slightly lower wage than new hires with their BSN. I completed my BSN and got a new job in a new state, similar hospital. This one does hire ADN grads as well but only under the agreement that a BSN will be completed within a specified time frame.

Like others have said, it depends on your area. Job opportunities for ADN grads are becoming more linited, sadly.