Non-nursing Bachelors to ADN

Published

Hello.

I am graduating with my bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration. I am considering entering either a entry level MSN program or possibly an accelerated BSN program.

But...

Would going to an Associates Degree in Nursing a bad idea? I want to get started working asap, and I think that getting into a ADN program will allow me to start working faster once I receive my RN licensure, while continuing school and receiving a BSN. Is that a bad idea?

Opinions, comments, remarks, suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this and help me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would check the job market in your area first. How well are ADNs getting hired? More and more places are requiring BSNs. Also, an ADN may not necessarily be quicker. Second degree BSN programs vary in length, some at 13 months but generally not more than 21 months. The pre-reqs are what might take you a bit to do. Some schools (especially religious based ones) require lots of pre-reqs, others require just the basics (Micro, AP1&2, Nutrition, Human Development, possibly statistics, possibly chem). ADN programs also tend to be highly competitive due to their lowered cost so it may even be easier to get into a BSN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

I'd look at an ABSN program pretty closely... while an ELM program basically brings you to a BSN equivalent, employers may be looking primarily at BSN. Since you already have a Bachelor's, a 2nd Bachelor's should be pretty quick, and an ABSN should be faster than most, but it'll not be easy to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

PP's are all correct - great advice. In addition, I would urge caution regarding entry-level Master's programs for a couple of reasons. First of all, you may run into real problems with licensure in other states because of criteria based on more traditional models. Secondly, hiring managers in my part of the country have become increasingly reluctant to hire ELM grads because of negative experiences; specifically, lack of clinical preparation and poor enculturation into the work environment and heirarchy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So my best bet is to get into a ABSN program? Okay I'll look into that. The only reason why I'm reluctant in applying is because the closest ABSN program is about 70 mins away from me. There are schools like Concordia and Loma Linda but my VA fee waiver benefits does not cover private schools.

What would you suggest as a plan B instead of going into a ABSN program? Should I consider an ADN degree and continue to receive my bachelors while I work.... or should I enter a Entry level MSN program. I've heard mixed opinions on both, so the more opinions I get the better. Thank you everyone for your input. It really helps a lot!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well a ABSN program would probably be the shortest time but given you have a BS/BA already, a BSN program will probably take just as much time as an ADN program. I'd look at all your options. And even apply to multiple. Whichever school accepts you would be the way to go :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're right. I'll just apply and see which ones accept me and decide from there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The other thing to consider, if you're wanting to go further in your education, is that many master's programs will accept you if you have an ADN + BA/BS- so you might be able to go straight from ADN to master's level coursework with no stop for finishing the BSN. That's only helpful if you were looking past the BSN, but it's something to think about.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've actually also considered that. Receive my BS in Health Care Admin, complete my ADN, and enter a MSN or Health Care Management/MSN Dual Masters program. I should check if the schools I'm looking at will allow that. Thanks for your help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion