Rn-bsn question which college type?

Students Pre-Nursing

Published

I already have my bachelors. I've completed my masters coursework even. Now I'm changing paths to nursing. Both previous degrees were science degrees.

I have a few classes to take like human growth and development, general psychology, pharmacology, and a&p 2 to take other than the 4 core nursing classes. If I do this, obtain my adn in nursing and pass the nclex; would I not be considered RN-bsn or would I need to do another type of study program? Would I have to bridge even though I have a bachelor degree already? The local college with the accelerated bsn program hasn't been helpful. Just pushy to come here and take xxxxxxxxx classes. The community college would be free thanks to my act score and I can continue to work until I became overwhelmed or needed to quit. The other program is day only, farther away and I would have to pay for everything thanks to my education status. No more state funds available to me. What would you do?

Specializes in Aesthetics, Med/Surg, Outpatient.

I'd say, start at the CC and do your pre-reqs (ya gotta do it either way)... while u do that, you could:

A) Stay there, get ADN and call it a day

B) Do pre-reqs (make sure they are transferrable and equivalent) then transfer as a RN-BSN (if u want your bachelors)

While you do pre-reqs, take this time to really get to know the local college... Hospitals are beginning to prefer BSN grads, so to make it worth your while, get the pre-reqs cheaper at the CC and then bridge for the BSN to lighten your tuition...

Whatever you do, all the best!

Specializes in Aesthetics, Med/Surg, Outpatient.

C) Graduate from CC ADN and transfer as a RN-BSN

Specializes in ED.

If you go with the community college, you will still have an Associates Degree in nursing, you get the RN-BSN after than when you take the bridge program. I did see somewhere there was a bridge program for those who have a non nursing Bachelors degree.

elkpark

14,633 Posts

You would be an RN with an ADN and a BA/BS in another field. The BSN is a batchelor's of science in nursing. Once you are licensed, it would be entirely up to you whether you wanted to complete a BSN degree or make do with a BA/BS in another field. Some employers consider an RN with a different BA/BS to be the equivalent of someone with a BSN, some don't. You could complete the ADN programm, get licensed, and start working, and you could always complete a BSN at some point in the future if you decide you really want or need to.

hodgieRN

643 Posts

Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

One of the reasons why some employers don't consider RN's with BS in another field a BSN is because of the classes specifically offered to BSN students. The main classes are leadership/management, nursing research, staff development, and maybe ethical/legal. Some ADN programs may offer some of these courses, but the leadership/management is the big the one with BSN programs (at least where I live). However, your course load maybe a lot different with accelerated programs...I don't know.

I am pretty sure you would still have to bridge for your BSN despite having a prior bachelors. That's because you would have to take the above named courses. Remember that a BSN is a bachelor of science that is specifically designed for the nursing field (obviously), but the point is a BSN is given to RN's who have taken specific classes in the college of nursing. Without getting a bachelors from the college of nursing, an employer could say it's not a BSN because you haven't taken leadership/management classes.

Lots of nurses get their ADN and then work while going to school for their BSN. If you are working for the hospital while getting your BSN, the hospital will give you tuition reimbursement and it's practically free. You just have to sign a contract to work at the hospital for 1-2 yrs after graduation.

Do what's best for you. Weigh the importance of money, time, access, and your goals.

Stephalump

2,723 Posts

Specializes in Forensic Psych.

ADN + BA/BS = ADN

You can't be granted a bachelors degree in a field without fulfilling all of the requirements for the degree - including upper level courses. Much like if you had a bachelor's in psychology. You can't go back to school and get your associates in business and be considered to hold a BBA.

If you have to, go for the ADN and work on the BSN later. If you're lucky you may be able to find an employer who will pay for it :)

LifeIsGood76

132 Posts

Why don't you look into an Entry Level Master's degree program? These programs admit students with Bachelors degrees in other fields besides nursing, and when you are finished you will have your RN and MSN. You might as well try that since you already have your BA. I'm not sure where you live, but I know here in California they have numerous schools that offer this program. Good luck!

+ Add a Comment