RN with Associates degree vs RN with BS

pricklypear · May 26, 2005

You're right! The topic has been discussed.

Basically (my take on it)

1. You probably won't make more money just out of college

2. With a BSN, you do have more opportunity for advancement as some positions require it.

3. You will have the opportunity to make more money down the line because of the greater potential to advance.

4. If your ultimate goal is to become a NP or midwife, get your BSN now and out of the way. That will be one less thing you will have to take care of before starting graduate school.

5. I don't know what is meant by "the nurse does more as a nurse," but both an ADN and BSN have the same license and same scope of practice.

Hope that helps. Try a search for more ideas!

Jen

nursejennie76 · May 26, 2005

Personally I think that if you need money now the faster rout is your ASN and then you can fast track to your BSN while working as a RN. The scope of practice does not differ between the degree's, ASN's and BSN's have the same license and take the same exam to become licensed. The BSN curriculum I believe gears you toward managment positions, but the money issue for a new grad is no different from the start. I am a single mother also and I got my LPN, started working as a nurse, then got my ASN, and will work on my BSN even though I am happy with my current job and because of my previous nursing experience I am making more as a new ASN grad then the BSN grads that are starting with me?? Make the best decision for you, just thought I would share my experience. Jen

redwinggirlie · May 26, 2005

Get your RN by ADN then let your employer pay for the BSN if you need it to get to your final destination. Most employers will and have a program to get you there.

Jen2 · May 27, 2005

Get your RN by ADN then let your employer pay for the BSN if you need it to get to your final destination. Most employers will and have a program to get you there.

This us what I am doing. I just graduated with my ADN, because I needed to start working ASAP. While I am working as a RN my employer will pay for my BSN which is only going to take me two more semesters to achieve. Therefore I will be getting a BSN in 3 years and only have two years worth of loans to repay. Do what works for you.

suzanne4, RN · May 27, 2005

Hello. I'm new to this site. I believe this topic has been posted and discussed before. I'm a student with a Bachelor's degree going to a community college for my prerequisites. I basically have only Anat. & Phys and Microbiology to take now and then I'll start nursing school. My question is what is the difference between taking a nursing program at a community college and at a college. Academically and professionally, what is the difference between graduating with an Associates degree as an RN and graduating with a Baccalareate degree as an RN? I was told that you make more money graduating from a college; that there is more opportunity; and the nurse does more as a nurse. I'm a single mother so I want to and need to maximize the amount of money I can make. Also, perhaps down the road I will become a midwife or NP. Thank you

You already have a Bachelor's degree, there is no reason that you need another. If you want to go on in schooling, there are many programs that will take you into a MSN program.............without the BSN.

Most hospitals that want a nurse to have a BSN are very happy to accept a BS plus RN. :)

(p.s. I have never had a problem doing anything that I have wanted to do.)