Junior college or University? Which path is better?

[ACNH_PRN, BSN, RN]

I am an aspiring nurse in my senior year of high school and I have two options:

Attending a local junior college and then transferring to a university to get my RN to BSN or going straight into university to get my BSN

Which option is the better option?

Do employers look differently at these two paths to obtaining a BSN degree?

Thank you for reading and/or commenting :)

[Cruz.Cookie, BSN, RN]

Employers do not look differently just as long as it's accredited. There is no "better" way...it's just up to you and what path is more fitted for you to follow. A university will be much more larger and expensive than a junior college. If you're able to learn in an environment with 200 kids and the teacher is teaching with a microphone in a stadium and not get lost in it all then university. Plus the university way is faster to get your BSN as most hospitals want your BSN straight out the gate. However, if you're like me and work and learn more efficiently in a smaller space with maybe 50-60 students then a community college is best for you. Although you only get your ADN you can always bridge over to get your BSN online or in class. Even the hospital (that accepts ADNs) will help pay for the continuing education. At the end of the day it's what's fitted for your path. You can always apply to both as well.

[Cruz.Cookie, BSN, RN]

And FYI you should put soon to be nurse or something else in your title because you didn't earn the degree and pass the boards to call yourself RN in the title. Just saying, the nurses who are actually nurses here will be mad about that one. Good luck !!

[joseyjo]

My opinion is that it is "best" to go to a junior college, then transfer to a respected BSN program, even go straight for your BSN. It is MUCH less expensive that way, and your degree will be from the BSN program so that is what employers will see. I chose a good, but very inexpensive community college for my first 2 years and was able to finish them with no debt at all. The first semester was covered by financial aid, and after that the college itself gave me a full ride (books and all) for having a 4.0. I didn't have any trouble getting into one of the most sought after BSN programs in our state, and took all of my cred with no problem. I have had no trouble keeping up with the university educated peers in my class. Good luck!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Which is best depends on your circumstances -- and your mid-range goals. The answer is not the same for everybody.

For some people, going straight into a BSN program is the best thing to do. If they graduate from a reputable school in 4 years, they are in the best position to get a good job at a good hospital that will provide them with opportunities for further development and career opportunities at the age of 22. Some people really want the "full university experience" with the major resources that such campuses have to offer -- research faculty, university-level libraries, opportunities to work with graduate-level faculty, college social life and cultural activities, possibilities for double-majors, etc. Most Community Colleges can't offer those things. Also, getting your BSN at 22 ... and following up with an MSN or DNP while you are still in your 20's sets you up for top-level jobs with better hours, pay, and working conditions before you have children to worry about.

Also, if you graduate with an ADN first -- you may or may not be able to get a good job, depending on where you live. In some areas, new ADN grads have very few opportunities. In other regions, it's not so bad.

If you take a slower route and get an ADN first, you may be still finishing up that BSN in your mid-late 20's ... and then be a staff nurse at the same time ... or going to school, trying to work, and raise children at the same time. That is a stressful overload of commitments. Sometimes, the quicker route is better so that schooling and entry-level jobs are out of the way before you have kids. Getting the BSN early is great for ambitious people who want to be out of entry-level positions in their early 30's.

[ACNH_PRN, BSN, RN]

If you take a slower route and get an ADN first, you may be still finishing up that BSN in your mid-late 20's ...

How can this be true if I am able to transfer to a 4 year university after getting my ADN to get my BSN? If I start college when I'm 18, and I attend community college for 2 years and then transfer to a 4 year university, wouldn't I be around 22 when I graduate with a bachelors degree?