ADN vs BSN...HELP!!!

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Specializes in Future: Forensic/Legal Nurse Consulting.

Alright...I'm having a serious dilemma here. I'm a senior at the University of Denver and will be graduating next spring with a BA in Molecular Biology. I'm DETERMINED to go to nursing school, but have NO CLUE what the best route is for me.

The accelerated BSN programs here are sooooo competitive and have long wait lists. It came to my attention just today that our state-wide community college system has just established an ADN program. What's the big diff between BSN and ADN if they both prepare the student for the NCLEX? If I"m planning on working full time AND going to school, is the ADN program a better fit for me? It just seems like it'd be less intensive even though it's still termed a "full load".

Part of me wants to wait a year to work and save up money and then go to a BSN program out of state...to explore my horizons per say....but that may not be an option I have due to financial issues keeping me close to home. What's my best option?

Kim

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Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

Do yourself a favor and go for the ADN. It will prepare you for the workforce much sooner. It doesn't matter if you graduate from an ADN program or BSN program, they both prepare you for the NCLEX. And unless the nursing school out of state is the best in the business, I wouldn't even consider it given the increased cost for out of state students.

If you are inclined to wait on the BSN program, by all means take whatever route is best for you. But keep in mind that you can always earn your ADN and (while working) go back for your BSN.

Best of luck

vamedic4:welcome:

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Specializes in Future: Forensic/Legal Nurse Consulting.

That's what I thought....but do institutions look down on you as far as hiring if you have your ADN vs BSN? I don't want to sound snotty....and I suppose that's why I'm scared to go for the ADN...after four years at a private $40,000/year school, it kinda rubs off on you - unfortunately!!!

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Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

No, they don't look "down" on you. The nursing department at a hospital that looks "down" on ADN nurses wouldn't last very long as a hospital...no one would work there.

Having said that, BSN nurses are in demand for administrative roles. But you have a degree in molecular biology:w00t: :w00t: wow!!!

And as I said, if you feel the need to advance your nursing education beyond the Associate Degree level, then your options are open.

But once you become an RN, whether you go ADN or BSN, your doors are wide open!!!

All the best

vamedic4

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You cannot work full time and take an accellerated BSN and sleep and maintain sanity and health.

The ADN is spread over two years and can be done while working, but not because it's easier, but because it's not at the accellerated pace. The advantage you're going to have is that you'll have the pre-reqs and co-reqs completed and can take nursing only while working.

Both BSN and ADN degrees prepare you for bedside nursing and you both take the same NCLEX, both make about the same amount of money (with a few places paying a small token for the BSN), both have the same amount of skills. It's not looked "down upon".

The BSN comes into play after experience in non-bedside positions that are BSN preferred, particularly management, but also education, case management, pharmaceuticals, safety, quality, research, etc. Plus it's the stepping stone for more advanced degrees.

Since you have to work full time, it's best to go the ADN route, or the route that gets you out making money the fastest. Although I usually recommend getting the BSN to those who have that opportunity, but not all of us have that opportunity.

Good luck!

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I think it depends on a few things (because I recently experienced the same dilemma you currently face).

1) Do you ever see yourself getting an advanced nursing degree? ie-NP/CNS/CRNA If so, you will need to decide between:

A) Do you want one REALLY tough year earning your accelerated BSN OR

B) Do you want three less-tough years earning your ADN and then your BSN

If you know that there is little chance of getting an advanced degree, don't bother with the BSN. If there is any difference in pay at ALL between the ADN or BSN, it is pretty insignificant.

I also agree with the previous poster about not going out of state. Seems like a waste of money to me.

Good luck with your decision.

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