Nurse school advice - ADN or BSN?

suzanne4, RN · Dec 5, 2005

If you already have a Bachelor's degree, why are you so focused on getting a BSN? It really isn't needed. If you decide to pursue a MSN later, there are many programs that will accept you.

I would focus on getting the RN after your name, which ever is the easier route for you to take.:)

BrieRN07 · Dec 5, 2005

Does anyone know what is better? To get an ADN or just get a BSN? I already have a Bachelors degree in Education but I want to go to nursing school. I got accepted into TWU - but I have to take 16 hrs of science pre-reqs to get into nursing school. And I was told that I need at least a 3.7 gpa to get in. Is getting a ADN better and then going to TWU for a BSN a good idea? I am a stay at mommy and I don't have time to go as a fulltime student. I am afraid that if I go to TWU and take the 16 hrs of classes that I won't get in nursing school - I don't think that I can realistically get an almost 4.0 gpa when I am raising an infant/toddler at home...Anyone know what I mean? It's a catch 22 - get a ADN and then get the BSN - which would be easier for me and my family. Or bust my rear and hope that TWU Nursing program will accept me after taking 16 hrs of their pre reqs.

It really depends on if you would like to be more than just a staff nurse. The BSN is always good if you would like to eventually take a management position. TWU is a great school, in fact I checked in their nursing school as well, but for me I am going to ADN route then RN-BSN probably at UTA b/c they have a part-time program. All community colleges, and Universities in the DFW area are extremely competitive, so not being accepted is a huge possibility. I will tell you that I heardly hear of people applying to TWU's program though...most people that go the University route attend UTA or Baylor. Who knows... that just might work in your favor!! Well, what ever you decide...good luck and God Bless!!

MMARN, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2005

Is TWU the best route for you? Many of us, I include myself b/c I'm also in this boat, are taking the ADN-RN-BSN route. Is TWU closer to where you live? Is there a community college with a more linient GPA for you? Do a little bit of research and see which school fits you and your family best. Good luck and God bless!!!!

txranchgirl · Dec 6, 2005

The junior college is closer to where I live than TWU. Driving to TWU would be close to an hour from my home. The only problem is that the junior college doesn't have night classes which works wells for my family. I don't want to put my baby in daycare yet. So I think I will wait until she is a little older for now. I think I am going to do the ADN route. I think it fits better for me. Thanks for the advice :)

sapphirediamond · Dec 6, 2005

I'll have my ADN in May. My mom wants me to get my BSN and I probably will eventually. I figure right now though that I am young (21) and I want to make sure I like the work before I waste time getting a bachelors degree in a career that I won't pursue. Nurses have a high drop out rate. So far though, I'm loving nurse. That's just what I want to do and my circumstances.

Nutmeg5575 · Dec 6, 2005

Most colleges have really good RN to BSN or MS programs too. After you get your ADN if you really like it you can get your BSN in a year, and online. That is most likely what I am going to do. ADN and BSN make the same starting pay, but if you want to get promotions later and eventually not work bedside care anymore you will need more education.

CapeCoralNurse2be · Dec 7, 2005

I'm a stay at home mom of 2 kids. A 3 yr old and a 7 year old. I know what you're going through. I debated the same thing. I ended up started at the Community College in my area this past fall, and am finishing up 3 classes that I was able to take via telecourse from home, which helped me post pone day care for my youngest. Starting in January I'll be putting him in day care to start on campus classes.

I decided to go the ADN route first and get my BSN after I finish. I'm going this route for a number of reasons.

1) The tuition for ADN is a lot less

2) I can start working in 2 yrs rather than 4

3) I can pay for the first 2 years and get tuition reimbursments through an employer for the RN-BSN program after I start working

4) RN-BSN can be done online so I don't have to worry about school interferring with job or family. (of course studying interfers, but I'm referring to having to physically go to classes)

5) lastly... there is always that possability that I'll get into the profession and decide it's not for me.... better to find that out after 2 years of school, than to invest in 4 years! I don't see that happening, as I've been in various medical position for years prior to staying home with the kids, but one never knows.

It's just what I feel makes the most amount of sense for me and my family situation.

Good Luck to you!

txstudentnurse · Dec 8, 2005

I live in the DFW area as well and actually I graduated from TWU with a BS in psychology. I am also a stay at home mom so it would have been nearly impossible for me to attend day classes full time for nursing. Have you checked out the eline nursing program? Del Mar College and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi offer the program and you can get either an ADN or BSN online. You will just need to complete the clinicals in your area. I will be starting the eline program in January through Texas A&M University Corpus Christi so let me know if you need more information.

It really doesn't matter if you get the ADN or BSN but when I looked at programs in the DFW area I was surprised to find that the ADN program were even more competitive than the BSN programs. I think someone mentioned that some of the programs were only accepting students with GPAs in the range of 3.8-4.0. Collin County Community College used to offer the ADN program at night but I think they have ended that program. In the DFW area there are virtually no nursing programs with flexible hours.

Anyway, I decided to go for the BSN even though I already have a bachelor's degree because I want to eventually become either an NP or PA and also because it was quicker for me to get into the BSN program rather than the ADN program. Also, don't be scared by the prerequisites that programs require. Talk to the advisors to find out what you need. I found that some of my older classes were accepted.

Good luck!

http://www.eline.tamucc.edu/index.htm