Is it easier to get into an ADN program VS. a BSN program now?

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Hello,

I have been looking into nursing for some time and have found out allot of information but am confused now lol.

I would love to obtain my BSN and have a few classes from my previous school that would transfer in for the BSN program but I am hearing that getting accepted into the BSN programs is much harder than the ADN program now. Would it be easier to get accepted into the ADN Rn programs since so many hospitals are now requiring BSNs? I am working on the pre-requisites but I am not sure if I should go the community college route for ADN or try to go sttraight into a BSN program.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Also-if anyone has attended South University's BSN program I would love to hear your experience.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

you will need to look at what is required at the location and specialty of practice to determine what you will need. Depends on location. Also, you can get the ADN and go back for BSN. Overall, both are very competetive, ADN because of cost, BSN because of doors that can open depending on locale. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Every school is different. It depends on the area, and probably the price. State schools may be less expensive, but more people looking for the lower tuition fees. I'd just look at the minimum requirements of the various programs and apply to ones you'd qualify for. Make sure the school is accredited. And hope for one with good reviews. You won't get into a program you don't apply to. 10is years ago, I went 2nd degree accelerated BSN route. High tuition, huge classes, 99% NCLEX pass rate. Other people had smaller classes and better clinical experiences. But, my GPA was far from cooperative, and beggars can't be choosers.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

where I live, it is very difficult to get into ADN program. There are several pre-reqs. Most end up with 2 associate degrees.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Find out what classes you need to get into a BSN program and the classes needed for the ADN. (You typically need more classes for the BSN). If you can, work towards getting everything you need for the BSN so you have the option of applying to both ADN and BSN programs.

If you want to get in as soon as possible, get what you need for the ADN (it's usually fewer classes), then apply for the ADN when it comes around; if you don't get in immediately, just keep taking the classes you need for the BSN.

You can call the schools you're interested in and ask what will improve your chances of getting in.

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I have found both types of programs to be EXTREMELY competitive. In VA, ADN programs at community college level have guaranteed admission to universities post-graduation. It just so happens that my ADN program actually teaches the BSN students from a nearby university, so if we gain licensure and decent grades, we have a seat for us at the university to finish up 2 semesters and gain a BSN. Both ADN and BSN have similar requirements, it seems you need to look more so at the area to gauge competitiveness. If there are a ton of applicants, it's a busier area, you are going to have less spots as y'all have to compete for clinical space with other schools even. Both programs have the same subject matter and are hard. It really is up to what your portfolio looks like to a school as well as your schedule and how much money you can afford to spend!

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

In my area, the cheaper the program (community colleges) are the most competitive.

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Be careful of South University if it has multiple locations. A lot of times only some of the locations are accredited. You have to find the fine print (which to me is never a good sign).

BSN programs should be accredited by CCNE and ADN programs by ACEN. Being approved by the State's Board of Nursing isn't enough.

I search directly on the CCNE and ACEN websites for the list. It also tells you if any action has been taken against the school. Like it is accredited but with conditions and is being followed up on.

In my opinion I wouldn't risk one of those schools on the off chance that accreditation gets taken away and I'd be set to graduate from an unaccredited school.

Bottom line, make sure you do your research!

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