BSN right away OR community college RN, then BSN

[mmoorevirrey]

Hey everyone,

Is it best to go get your BSN straight out of high school or to go to a community college to get my ADN then get my BSN through a bridge program? I'm wondering what is the best option considering both money and time. In your guys' opinion, which is better and why?

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

A lot depends on where you geographically want to work as well as what type of facility. For example, if you initially don't want to work in a hospital, then typically you don't need a BSN. If you do want to work in a hospital setting (at least to start), then is the geography in your favor? I.e. in the geographical area where I live, diploma and associate degree RN's are still hired as long as they will commit to have their BSN within 5 years or less.

Typically, a AD is very economical; and then you have a choice of online BSN degrees that can also be very economical.

[WCSU1987]

Say a state BSN program, especially for a highschool grad. Not sure about competitiveness of the programs where you live. The ADN programs in my state are the toughest programs to be accepted in, 4.0 Pre Req GPA and 85 or above on the TEAS (Preferably 90 or above). There are so many people applying for the ADN due to it being a cheaper alternative for very limited numbers. Basically the top 50% are selected, 10% of slots are left open for LPNs, and 10% sometimes are left open for preferred employers. The rest is all by lottery and then wait listed, which has dwindled from 3 years to about a year 1/2 wait. With the State BSN only need a 70 or higher on the TEAS and a 3.0 preferably on your PreReqs.

[bear94, BSN, RN]

Where I live, it takes a whole four years to get an ADN from the surrounding community colleges, and also a whole four years to get a BSN (unless you do some community college courses through out high school)... So, in central Illinois, it's kind of silly to get an ADN over a BSN since they both require the same amount of time and both have nearly identical pre reqs (I graduated from a bachelors program and my pre reqs were the same exact pre reqs the community college across town required). The only difference between an ADN and a BSN (where I live anyways) is that BSN students learn how to do research. Research courses are omitted in the ADN programs here; thus, most hospitals in the area are starting to push for BSN prepared nurses over ADN nurses. But if you are in a rural area, it doesn't really matter too much. However, I really think if you have the option right now, you should go for the BSN degree right away. Look at your local schools NCLEX pass rates. Any school you look at should happily tell you what their previous year's NCLEX pass rate was. A lot of people I know settled for an ADN degree because they didn't get into a bachelor's program- and they would have done a lot to jump right into a bachelors program instead of going to school for a whole four years for the same license, but a lesser degree. If finances are something you're worried about- it may or may not be cheaper to get your ADN then bridge. That will vary greatly from region to region. Good luck, and I hope you make the best decision for yourself!

[alexaway]

This may seem petty but I truly wanted a real college experience so I think the straight to bsn worked very great for me straight out of high school

That is not at all petty! It is an extremely valid thing to desire! :)