Why is it called RN-to-BSN/MSN instead of ADN-to-BSN/MSN

Students ADN/BSN

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Why do you suppose most ADN to BSN bridge programs call themselves RN-to-BSN instead of ADN-to-BSN? I think maybe they think that sounds classier? I know, for me, it made it much harder to Google until I caught wise to the terminology.

I wonder if this has something to do with a certain amount of stigma or shame associated with going for an ADN vs a BSN. I know, for me, I have no shame or stigma in my choice to get a focused degree in what I wanted to do. It was the right choice for me, it's not something I'm doing because I'm not smart enough or can't afford a BSN. In my situation it makes sense, the reimbursement I get from my job for an ADN program will cover nearly 100% of the cost (vs half the cost for a BSN because the tuition reimbursement is set at a certain rate). And in two years when (hopefully!) I finish I'll be making much more money and will be able to afford to go to BSN if I decide that's right for me. And 2.5 years of ADN plus 2 years of BSN will cost about 15,000 dollars vs 20,000 for 4 years of BSN. Not to mention the extra income I'll be making during the two years of BSN school.

Edit: I feel silly and like I was being trite and preachy. Sorry! I just felt like unloading.

rn/writer, RN

9 Articles; 4,168 Posts

I doubt they are trying to cast any aspersions on ADN grads. My guess is that they use RN because that term includes both ADNs and diploma grads. Both are RNs and neither is a BSN.

Hope your plan works well for you.

Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

Because there are still many Diploma nurses out there, without an Associates.

I personally don't see any shame or lack of class/ prestige in have a title that is correct and inclusive.

I also have to wonder why you ponder this so......why is such a minor issue so important to you when there are many greater issues out there.

I also have to wonder why you ponder this so......why is such a minor issue so important to you when there are many greater issues out there.

Truthfully I was kind of ignorant of non-associate degree nursing diplomas, I've never encountered one so this is the first time I'm learning of it. So maybe they say that to be inclusive.

rn/writer, RN

9 Articles; 4,168 Posts

There may be exceptions, but most diploma grads received their training through hospital-affiliated programs over a three-year period. Of the three types of RN--ADN, diploma, and BSN--diploma grads traditionally have the highest number of clinical hours and over the years have been welcomed into the employment world. Sadly, there are only a handful of diploma schools still in existence. And too few new grads are being welcomed by anyone, no matter what their educational background might be.

There need be no stigma attached to an RN at any education level. We all pass the same test. And we all do what works the best for us at any given time.

Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
Truthfully I was kind of ignorant of non-associate degree nursing diplomas, I've never encountered one so this is the first time I'm learning of it. So maybe they say that to be inclusive.

About 10 years ago, roughly a third of RNs were BSN, a third were associate degree and the remaining third were Diploma. Many great Programs were diploma until the last 10 to 15 years.

decembergrad2011, BSN, RN

1 Article; 464 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.

I don't feel like you need to defend your decision to get your ADN any more than I need to defend my decision to get my BSN. I honestly couldn't care less about the qualifications behind your name as long as you are a good nurse working within your scope of practice.

As far as tuition reimbursement goes, I know that in my state the hospitals that offer contracts to students normally differentiate between the amount they pay for a BSN vs. an ADN program per credit hour. The BSN rate per credit hour is typically double the ADN rate, which reflects the difference in tuition cost. I agree that if they did not differentiate, that would be a bad deal for the BSN student.

Personally, I'm really curious as to why it is "ADN" instead of "ASN."

thatsthekeyRNC

194 Posts

Specializes in NICU.

I always thought it was RN to BSN because you have to be an RN to do this program. Having an ADN does not mean that you are an RN, you must pass the boards before you can enter an RN-BSN program.

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
I always thought it was RN to BSN because you have to be an RN to do this program. Having an ADN does not mean that you are an RN, you must pass the boards before you can enter an RN-BSN program.

While I think their main reason is to include the diploma grads ... I think this is another important aspect. They don't usually accept ADN or Diploma graduates who have not been able to pass the NCLEX.

Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

Another factor may be that the common practice in the US is to omit associates degrees from one's post-nominal letters - as such, both a diploma and an associate's nurse will style themselves as Jane Q. Public, RN, regardless of their educational background.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN

3,445 Posts

Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
Personally, I'm really curious as to why it is "ADN" instead of "ASN."

I've noticed some schools confer an AS while others confer an AAS, so perhaps ADN is an umbrella to include both types of degrees as "Associate Degree in Nursing."

I also have to wonder why you ponder this so......why is such a minor issue so important to you when there are many greater issues out there.

Curious to know what specific greater issues the OP should be concerned with. If this was important enough for them to ask, so be it. Who are we to judge? :rolleyes:

elkpark

14,633 Posts

I've noticed some schools confer an AS while others confer an AAS, so perhaps ADN is an umbrella to include both types of degrees as "Associate Degree in Nursing."

(Exactly. There's no school that actually awards an "ADN" -- it's a generic term used to refer collectively to all the associate's degrees in nursing.)

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