Nursing: Associates vs. BSN

[schrutefarms]

So I'm a prospective male nurse who is looking for some advice...

So here's my two options:

1: Go to a local community college and get my associates degree in nursing. The most important thing to note here is that one of my parents is a professor at this college, so my tuition would be FREE. Then try to find a job as an RN for an employer who will pay for me to get my BSN. This would make it so I have $0.00 in student loans.

2: Go straight to a 4-year college and get my BSN. Accrue student loans.

Now, I think it's important to tell you guys my ultimate career goals too. I want to go beyond a bachelors in some capacity. Probably either a family or psychiatric NP.

Thank so much for your replies!

-Dan

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

If you're single & have no kids get the BSN.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

Didn't you just post another thread asking if nursing was for you?

[RNMELLY]

Nothing beats a free education! I'd go the no cost route! You can still do a Bridge to BSN program

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

First, research the job market in the area you want to work in. Find out if job postings state BSN preferred or BSN required. Let that be an influence into which degree you apply for. Yes, a free education would be great, but if you can't get a job, it's wasted.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

I must agree with Rose_Queen. What are the requirements for new nursing hires? If your area is mostly utilizing BSN degrees as the starting point, then that's where you need to go...regardless of the free ASN degree and not find a job that you find acceptable.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am going to go against the general grain of the commentariat and suggest you take advantage of the free tuition you'll receive at your local community college.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I'd go the ADN route simply to save money but realize that there is a good chance that you may be competing to get hired and you may not get hired. Plan on going back immediately for your BSN and plan accordingly. A BSN program may only cost 10,000-20,000 which isn't a lot of school loans. It is cheaper than a new car in most cases. Mine cost about 8,000. If you keep your expenses low, then it shouldn't be a problem to pay back.

Research what schools the ADN program is partnered with. Most schools have transfer agreements.

Seek out part-time work in a hospital as soon as you can. Look at different positions and see what they require. Start making connections.

What I did was I earned experience as an RN while going back for my BSN.

[lanoneus]

Uh, yeah, free. Then you can either get a nursing job or get your EMT license and work that for a while while you do your RN to BSN online. Let's assume $40,000 a year pay for first RN job.

Two years at CC: free

Job: either as part time RN, EMT, or some other random thing: +$20,000

Same year: 1 year online BSN: Max -$20,000

Three years in: still free

Next year, BSN prepared RN: +$40,000

=4 years, you are at +40,000

4 years at regular school: -$35,000 (that's being generous, most programs cost more)

1st year as BSN prepared RN: +$40,000

so at your 5th year, you will be +$5000

And I live in an area that doesn't hire ADNs much. Took me 6 months to get a job in a nursing home. I 'll finish my BSN while I'm working and then move on.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

Yes, I would say the ADN route and then to bridge to BSN. I know in my area that there are private colleges who parents with the community colleges and offer lower tuition for those taking classes either online or via closed circuit or whatever they do now.

[RainMom]

My opinion: get the ADN for free & bridge to a BSN program (or even an MSN if that's the ultimate goal)

Just realize that you may have to look outside your area for your first RN position if you plan to work while getting the BSN.

[schrutefarms]

Thank you all so much for your replies. And the local hospitals do tend to hire ADN's...my friend who just graduated from the CC I would go to had 3 job offers when she graduated.