Need advice on whether to choose ASN or BSN

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Hi,

I really need some advice. I just don't know what the best thing to do it. I have a BS in biology and definitely want to get into nursing. I have two children under three and really prefer an evening nursing program. The options that I am aware of are community colleges and Regis College. I actually have already been accepted to Regis for next fall, but with one major caveat.. a $65,000 price tag for just the BSN, but with the option to continue through the NP program there (which would be like $100,000). Ultimately, I would like to be an NP.

So, thats my question, do I do the Regis program being as expensive as it is, or do I get an ASN for less than $20,000?? I know there are abundant opportunities to get the BSN once you are an RN and even get into a master's program with a BS in another field and an RN. I worry that I won't get accepted into the associate programs, but at the other end of the spectrum, I worry that if I go to Regis, I'll have trouble finding a job in MA and have this outrageous loan to pay back.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post!! I appreciate any advice at all!!!!!

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Specializes in FNP.

I would definetly recommend getting your BSN. Many of the major Boston hospitals are no longer accepting nurses who graduated with an ASN. That being said, some community hospitals, rehabs, and LTC do take ASN grads. It all depends on where you want to work, but in my opinion if you get your ASN you are restricting yourself in terms of places to work.

I have talked to many nurses who got their ASN and then went back to school to get their BSN so that is an option, however, it may be easier just to do it all in one shot. Good luck!

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Specializes in OR, community nursing.

There are many factors to consider. For example: time horizon, your children's needs, your family's needs, your own goals vs family goals, and where does nursing fit into everything, etc.

I have a MS in chemistry and just finished nursing school with ASN from a community college. Since I had other careers and got degrees in prestigous colleges, I have no desire to pay more for private schools and prefer to save the money for my daughter's education and let her use the money for her choice of college.

I am in orientation with another nurse. She has 2 degrees with a BSN from Regis and BS in biology from another school. She has $100,000 in school loan and I have none. She is young and has no other depedents. She has a lot more time to pay off the debt and her BSN is important for her to persue MSN and other nursing options.

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NabiRN,

Are you making the same money as a new nurse as the girl who graduated from Regis with a BSN? Do you think I would be any less likely to find a job with an ASN rather than a BSN?

Thanks!

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Specializes in OR, community nursing.
NabiRN,

Are you making the same money as a new nurse as the girl who graduated from Regis with a BSN? Do you think I would be any less likely to find a job with an ASN rather than a BSN?

Thanks!

I don't know how much she makes. However, in most hospitals, the differential between ASN vs BSN vs MSN is not huge ... of course, salary depends on the position. In the Boston area, BSN would make a difference in getting a job faster. Having said that, experience in the area where you want to work counts even more. If you are planning to stay in nursing and pursue other options such as teaching and management, you are better off having a BSN. Since you already have a BS in biology, you may just want go for your MSN.

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At some hospitals the difference is $5/week for a diploma,ASN and BSN.

Since your goal is to be a NP, with your BS I would go the MSN route. While it expensive you will be out working as a NP quicker and you will have a better time finding a position.

If you want to get some floor experience, do the ASN, chances are you will be working in a nursing home off shift once you graduate. If that is ok with you, go that route.

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do the asn first its quicker , as far as the post before me re you working in some nursing home off shift i do not agree.... I work in an ICU at one of the largest boston hospitals and only have my asn...

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

I would look into Direct Entry Master's Programs. Typically those programs tend to offer classes in the evenings because they are designed for working adults with a career in another field. A co-worker of mine is going that route, she is working as an RN now after having finished that portion of her program, but will end up as a Geriatric NP.

Personally, I went BSN, but my situation was vastly different. I went right out of high school into nursing school & have no dependents. I chose a state college for my BSN though, so my loans are not as heavy as they would have been from a private school.

If you know now that you definitely want to be an NP, then I say check out the direct entry programs. You just have to see what is out there and what will work best for you and your family.

Best of luck!

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NurseKatie08,

Thanks for your post. Do you know where your co-worker is going to school? A direct entry route would be ideal, if it were an evening program that didn't cost so much. Believe me, I wish in many ways, I went the same route as you. Hind site is 20/20... The program at Regis is evening and a direct entry to a NP.. its just so expensive and I hate to take on that kind of debt. But, at the same time, nurses and NP's make good salaries, so maybe it is the right move and the quickest route??

Thanks!

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Specializes in Tele.

Hi Cclem1,

I had a BS in another field and went back to nursing school when my son was 6 months and daughter was 4. Nursing school was very tough especially when trying to balance studying, home life and I worked part-time about 20-hrs a week, at a local hospital as an aide.

I ended up going to Lawrence Memorial Hosptial (affiliated with Regis), which has a day and eve/weekend program. I earned my ASN through Regis, which also entitled me to a direct entry into their BSN/MSN program withouth having to apply through their regular process.

I just finished up this spring and have been working ever since. I my case I wanted the fast and most cost effective way to get my RN so I could get a job, gain some experience and have my hospital employer help out with paying the loans and tuition.

As a part-time employee at the hopsital where I worked, I was still entitled to about $1000 a yr towards school. Now at 32 hrs, I can get close to $2000/yr and they hold classes right at my hosptial towards a BSN/MSN through UMass or Regis.

Also, in my orientation there were 23 new grads with about 5-7 ASN (me) and we all were started off at the same salary with no distinction made for degrees held. My hospital bases the pay rate on years of expierence.

Hope that helps and good luck!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.
NurseKatie08,

Thanks for your post. Do you know where your co-worker is going to school? A direct entry route would be ideal, if it were an evening program that didn't cost so much. Believe me, I wish in many ways, I went the same route as you. Hind site is 20/20... The program at Regis is evening and a direct entry to a NP.. its just so expensive and I hate to take on that kind of debt. But, at the same time, nurses and NP's make good salaries, so maybe it is the right move and the quickest route??

Thanks!

My co-worker is in the Direct Entry MSN Program at Boston College. As far as I know, all of her classes are in the evening. She seems to enjoy the program.

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A_Simp,

Thanks for your response. I am in a very similar boat as you. My kids are 2.5 yrs and 7 months. Are you happy with the route that you chose? How was the Lawrence Memorial program? Are you planning on following through at Regis?

Thanks again!

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