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Some places require a BSN to apply, I am in an ADN program but have a BS in another health related science field. I have taken a full year of Chem, Calculus, Physics, and Organic Chem for my previous degree. I have looked into getting a BSN but most colleges will transfer a limited amount of credits and require a certain amount of "residence credits" meaning they will make me retake classes I have already taken, which I was told is a money thing for each college. It seems sort of silly to retake NON nursing classes to get a BSN, when I already have taken all of the classes for my previous Bachelors. Would you still consider me, or would you disregard me due to the lack of BSN?

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
I have looked into getting a BSN but most colleges will transfer a limited amount of credits and require a certain amount of "residence credits" meaning they will make me retake classes I have already taken, which I was told is a money thing for each college.

It is also a matter of quality control. Otherwise I could hypothetically take a bunch of classes at an inferior college, take the last three hours that I needed at Harvard and claim a Harvard degree. Every college requires a minimum number of credit hours from that institution to get a degree from there.

I am in a situation similar to yours. I have an ADN and a BA in another field of study. I don't qualify for positions that require a BSN.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Unfortunately, in most cases, a BSN is a BSN. Some places of employment may be different as far as hiring for some entry level jobs, but some jobs require BSN, and that is where there would be the sticking point. I hope this answers your question.

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Specializes in CT-ICU, ER, Surgical.

I agree with the above replies, and let me say that I am in a similar situation as yourself. I got a BS degree in molecular biology (including tradiotional university classes including: bio, chem, physics, organic chem, genetics, a&p, micro, pharm) and then went back to school for a nursing "certificate" program. I have absolutely NO intention of ever going back for a "BSN". At least here in Connecticut, a BSN does not get any additional pay or recognition. I am however considering going back to school for advance practice in the future, but a BSN is not required. One can simply go on to a masters or doctoral program.

I would apply for jobs that requested a BSN and simply have confidence and try to sell yourself as the best fit for the job. Some institutions will hire you, some may not... More important than your degree is your experience and personality. Good luck to you!

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At least here in Connecticut, a BSN does not get any additional pay or recognition.

Depends on where you work. I'm from CT and where I work BSNs do make more. $0.50 more.

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If the employer requires a BSN to apply that is what they want. You are right, it is a money thing for the school. Just retake the courses and get the BSN if you intend to remain in nursing.

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If the employer requires a BSN to apply that is what they want. You are right, it is a money thing for the school. Just retake the courses and get the BSN if you intend to remain in nursing.

I don't think I will go that route. It seems to defy common sense that retaking non Nursing classes that I have already taken will somehow make me more suitable for a nursing position. I think I am probably going to just apply as an ADN with an explanation if they ask. There are not many that require a BSN, just a few I have run across, so I thought I would ask. Most just say "Prefer BSN" I am an adult student, and after leaving a full time job to go back to nursing school, I am ready to work and get some real nursing experience. I think that would be better for me in the long run. I don't think this is going to be a huge issue, I was just curious what people think.

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I don't know where you live but around here, unless you have a BSN, you won't get much of a job if any at all. I work at 2 hospitals in CT, one in the ED and one in Med/Surg. Both have hired new grads, but they won't even interview someone who doesn't have a BSN. They don't care if you have a Bachelors in something else or not. They either want experienced RNs or RNs with a BSN.

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I don't think I will go that route. It seems to defy common sense that retaking non Nursing classes that I have already taken will somehow make me more suitable for a nursing position.

There is specific nursing content in BSN programs that is not included in ADN programs. That's why so many places do not consider ADN + other BA/BS to be the equivalent of a BSN. Most BSN completion programs are set up with the assumption that students are working full-time, and are fairly "user friendly." However, everyone makes her/his own choice about this.

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I am in the exact same boat as you. I have a science degree and am pursuing my ADN. I currently work full time and chose the ADN program b/c it was the only one that offered a nights and weekends option. After looking at the RN-BSN programs in my area, it was 3 different classes - Health assesment, evidence-based practice, and community nursing - online!! Really? With all of the other stuff I have under my belt, these 3 classes matter that much?? I could see if they offered a significant amount of clinical experience, but they don't. I too plan to bypass the BSN and go straight for my MSN. I don't need another bachelor's as I have been fully educated from an outstanding university. I can pick up those super important classes on my way to my MSN. Truthfully, I never believed I would have a problem until I started reading these boards. For each person that says you have to have a BSN, there is another right behind him/her saying no you don't. For each person that says ADNs can't get jobs b/c they don't have a BSN, there are loads of ADN's telling you that they aren't having any problems. For each person that says other degrees don't count, someone else is saying yes they do!! I even read a thread where someone said that she works for a hospital that says "BSN only" and the latest group of new hires was composed mostly of ADNs!! Each region, city, hospital, floor, and hiring manager is different. Every single nurse I have talked to both socially and in my clinicals say that this is the same story that has been going back and forth for years and will continue to go back and forth for many years to come!! My ADN program has a 100% NCLEX pass rate whereas the 3 BSN programs here are at 86-90%. I think that speaks volumes, personally. Also, I have met several new grad nurses from my ADN program working at my clinical sites. I have yet to meet any new grad BSNs. I am NOT saying there aren't many out there because I am sure there are plenty, more so even. It just reinforces, to me at least, that there will be opportunities available to me when my time comes!

I think you have to take the path that works best for you and just have faith that everything will work out. I would encourage you to talk with the nurses/nurse managers at your clinical sites. They will have more insight for your area. This may also help you make contacts for the future.

My philosophy is and always will be - take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt!!:p

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

Have you considered the online RN-BSN programs. Most will accept all your credits.

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I recruit for temporary rn case managers in Illinois. We are more concerned with the experience than whether they have an ADN or BSN.

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