associates vs bachelors. specialization hassle?

Nurses Career Support

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i was wondering if i go for the associates, i would still be qualified to go into specialization's like anesthesiology. i just started thinking about becoming a nurse, being male and the like has made me (or my dad) think nothing of it. but now that i see i really might want to become one, i just want some advice on to whether i can get into the same specialization's with an associates as to that of a bachelor's. are there any limitations between the two. i hear the pay is not far off...so i just want to see what the true advantages towards going through the four year would bring.

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Specializes in General (OB, Peds, med-surg, etc...).

First off, in order qualify for a CRNA program, you must have a Bachelor's degree. You can still become a CRNA if you get your associate's degree, but you must attend an RN-BSN program to be eligible for a CRNA program. Most importantly, you must have at least a 3.5 GPA, and at least 1 year experience in the ICU. These programs are very competitive, so anything that may give you an advantage over other applicants, such as a 3.7 rather than a 3.5 GPA, or 3 years vs. 1 year experience will help.

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thank you, that definitely makes sense. with how many specialization's and career choices there is in nursing, its definitely something i can grow into. i'm only 20 so i have some maturing to do, so i think its best for me to go through the associates for now. its those pre req's that get me

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oh that was supposed to be a smiley face

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

That's your choice and its great that your looking into nursing as a career. I will say that some of the bigger name hospitals in big cities may not be willing to hire an ADN nurse even if you did your clinicals there. I was looking at positions at hospitals in Boston and New York City and many positions listed BSN only (4 Year Bachelors Degree). I am not saying the BSN is better then the ADN but it is a higher degree and there are some positions that require you have a BSN and it will allow you more room to advance in the field. You should look at both an ADN and a BSN before selecting a program which you want to enroll.

!Chris :specs:

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