Asso. VS Bach in nursing, can someone please help?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

Published

I was just wondering what the difference between getting your ASSO in nursing and BACH, is there a BIG salary difference? Is there even a salary difference at all?? I heard that BSN is only if you want to do more " desky" jobs, and i also heard, just go with BSN becasue they look more professional and you have a better chance at getting a job. Is that true? I am interested in getting my ASSO in nursing, but if Back is better then i guess ill do that, but i am not into the whole "desky" job thing, so i that the only difference? whats your opinion?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.

Getting into any nursing school at all is very competitive so this may be a moot point. Since you're just talking about the money and nothing else I assume that that is why you want to be a nurse? I don't know. If you're going into it for that alone don't. It won't be enough.

If you have a genuine desire to be a nurse and the grades to get into a nursing school(there's generally a wait) I would suggest an AD first because you get the work experience started before accruing a huge college loan.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in thoracic, cardiology, ICU.

the BS gives you some extra theory and education that helps in professional practice. you learn how to look at the research and you get some more pharmacology and sciences but it depends on the program. It doesn't give you any more pay, if anything it gives you more options. It seems like larger hospitals won't hire you without a BsN. Getting a BS would be a good thing in my opinion regardless because it gives you that extra knowledge that helps in practice so if you have the oppurtunity to stick it out for the four years, I would recommend it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Getting into any nursing school at all is very competitive so this may be a moot point. Since you're just talking about the money and nothing else I assume that that is why you want to be a nurse? I don't know. If you're going into it for that alone don't. It won't be enough.

If you have a genuine desire to be a nurse and the grades to get into a nursing school(there's generally a wait) I would suggest an AD first because you get the work experience started before accruing a huge college loan.

Good luck!

No i never said i was inn it for the money, i have always wanted to be a nurse, im just simply asking whats the difference, and is there a salary difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

I have a B.S. in Education and was poised to get my BSN when I found out that, here at least, the ADN prepared nurses have an easier time getting jobs. To be clear - these are two different programs, from two different colleges - the ADN nurses are subjected (kiddingly - kind of) to almost twice as many clinical hours in the program as are the BSN.

So I'm in the middle of the ADN program - and other than the multiple 12 hour clinicals per week, it's not so bad. :)

Steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

As far as how long it takes to complete the two degrees, it is about the same. I know that it takes about 2 years to complete the prerequisite's for an associate's degree, then you have 2 more years of nursing classes/clinicals. A bachelor's degree is 4 years.

It all depends on what is more convenient for you. Is the junior college closer? Are you paying out of pocket or worried about how much you'll be spending to go to college? If so, you'll save a lot of money getting your associate's degree. Most junior colleges have a much much lower cost per credit hour. Four year universities can be very expensive.

Do you have children and need the convenience of a junior college or to take your time completing the prereq's?

When you get your RN, you are an RN no matter how you got it. If you plan to go into management once you get a little experience, then they will require (most likely) that you have a bachelors or you are in the process of getting a bachelors degree. New graduate RN's are pretty much in the same boat no matter what degree you get.

Like me, I am in ICU. I have ICU experience. My fellow nurses who have ICU experience are no better or no worse than me for having an associates or a bachelors. We're the same. I am taking my CCRN soon, now THAT will make me 'look' like a more experienced, smart, ICU nurse. Experience AFTER you get your RN is what will help you advance in your career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I see a difference between hospitals and LTC facilities. In the hospital, if you are a floor nurse, they really don't care whether you have an Associates or a Bachelor's RN. They normally don't give you a difference in pay. However, I am currently working at a Magnet facility where they do have a clinical ladder, which incorportates having a BSN into the ladder and subsequently does get you more money as a BSN.

In LTC facilities, BSN RNs are placed in charge or supervisor positions and do make more money. This has been my expierience in the places I have worked, at least. It seems that any LTC facility I went to was ready to jump at the chance for having a BSN over an RN, but it may be a regional thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

The hourly rate at my hospital is $.50 an hour more for a BSN, plus of course management mobility.

Tait

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, Tele, Peds, ER.

No difference in pay

In practice, it'll only affect you if you wanna get up into management and all, then you may wanna go the BSN route

Its true some hospitals prefer BSNs, but once you get experience under your belt, you're just as valuable

I'm working at one right now that usually prefers BSNs... but I've got 2 years of experience in my field, I had no problem getting hired (I'm an ADN nurse if you haven't figured that out yet). I mean seriously, theres such a freakin shortage right now, hospitals can only be so picky. Get your degree, get your RN, get your certifications (BLS, ACLS, TNCC, PALS, whatever) and get a job wherever you can find it... once you get those first couple years under your belt, you're set. My ADN hasn't held me back at all. Then later on think about that Bachelors degree, I will one of these days. It looks good on the resume. And even though its not a huge difference right now, it very well might become more valuable in the future. It keeps doors open.

Overall, I think the biggest advantage to the ADN route is just how much time and money you save! 3 years vs. 4, and half the tuition of a university BSN program....for the same RN certification!

I was an RN by the time I was 21 and didn't have nearly the loans other new grads did from the BSN program...we were all hired together, same pay, same job, same experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Get your bachelors. I was in an ADN program but hated it so much in the beginning. To me, once I got into the bachelors I understood more. I felt the adn program was more hands on and the theory was not as slow and understood. The bachelors focuses more on theory. They won't let you touch a patient if you don't know why you are doing what you are doing. I think ADN nurses are great but I think having a BSN is better just in case you think you don't like nursing one day....alot of other careers out there will hire you for your bachelors degree. Plus you can move into management or other choices. Trust...more options with a BSN.Don't listen to others who have an ADN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care, Primary care NP, QI, Nsg Adm.

"Desky jobs"; interesting concept!

The trend is towards the BSN. I have posted this before, but many nurses know about the study that concludes that BSN nurses are better than ADN (and diplomas) secondary to 'more highly' evolved (my words) critical thinking skills. This is controversial and only a point some believe about the BSN superiority. With that said, we don't know what directions we will take in the future. What I have learned over the past couple of years is that from my perspective it is better to start at the highest entry level point that is feasible.

I'm a diploma grad from years back and have traveled several professional highways as many others have done as well. My nursing training was very much oriented towards the technical components of nursing and my critical thinking skills have developed along the way, as an NP and now as a nursing director. Also, impacted by my current graduate studies and self study as well.

I sit at my desk and work, alot of work and I round regularly as well, check files, talk to patients, etc. There are many BSN, MSN and PHds in the clinical areas so 'desky jobs' is not an apt description of the benefits of a BSN.

An ADN is great if your need to finish faster, get to work and desire to take on less debt. You may be able to complete the BSN with financial support from an employer however, once the dust (or mushroom cloud) of the current recession settles, this might change. If you can do a BSN, then get it done then use your time for graduate education if you are not concerned about the 'desky' thing by that time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg; Telemetry; School Nurse pk-8.

As mentioned earlier, you usually complete 1-2 years of pre-req's (depending on if you have previous credits within the past 5 years which can transfer) and then 2 years in the nursing program for an ASN degree. The BSN is 4 years and includes core degree classes, in-depth pharm class, nursing research, community nursing, etc. The clinical hours are the same for either an ASN program or a BSN program (set by the BON in your state).

ASN programs at community colleges tend to be less expensive, but (at least in my area) have long waiting lists. Some almost 2 years, and by lottery at that! You might find that although a BSN takes longer to complete "on paper", in reality you finish sooner in the BSN program.

A few more things to consider as you make your decision:

Check the BON in your state. Choose a program which has a high pass rate for NCLEX.

Check the hospitals where you think you would like to work. In my area, community hospitals will hire ASNs and BSNs, but the large in-town hospitals will only accept BSNs for their prestigious New Grad Programs. If an opportunity such as this is one you think you would want, prepare now. http://www2.massgeneral.org/pcs/ccpd/cpd_orient_newgrad.asp

Lastly, although nursing management careers usually require a BSN, it is not the only area for which a BSN is required for New Grad entry. Others include research, education, informatics, public health, and in my area of the country school nursing.

So, to wrap up this rather long post, a little research on the job market in your area along with finances, NCLEX pass rates, and some thought on where/how you want to practice will help you make the best decision for YOU.

Best Wishes!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment