RN or BSN?

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Which degree is more valuable when it comes to aquiring an MSN degree later on? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Nursing Education.

The RN isn't a degree, it is your nursing license.

That being said, the 3 pathways to getting an RN are diploma program, Associated degree, and Bachelor's degree (BSN).

In order to get an MSN, you HAVE to have a Bachelor's degree. But there is a wide variety of programs available to choose from. For example, there are a bunch of different routes to get there. You could:

-Get your BSN straight off the bat, then attend a traditional MSN program.

-Get your diploma OR ADN, then do an RN to BSN bridge program, then attend a traditional MSN program.

-Get your diploma OR ADN, then find an RN or MSN program that allows you to earn your BSN and then your MSN.

-You can also do a "direct entry" program where usually get a Bachelors degree in something other than Nursing, then enter a nursing program that allows you to get your BSN (and RN) on your way to earning your MSN.

One of the great things about nursing is how flexible it is!! One of the downsides is that it sure can get confusing :uhoh3:

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I'm at 2 year school right now and have 39 credits. Should I work towards transfering to a four year school and forget about the RN program at my school?

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Specializes in Nursing Education.

That's a pretty big decision, since it sounds like you already have quite a few credits. If you're pretty confident that you want to get your MSN someday, then I would recommend checking the schools in your area to see which ones offer MSN, and see which types of MSN programs they have available. That may help you make your decision.

Once you get your RN, there are also quite a few online BSN and MSN programs that you could consider, but those tend to be more expensive than traditional colleges.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
I'm at 2 year school right now and have 39 credits. Should I work towards transfering to a four year school and forget about the RN program at my school?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both routes. I suggest you look at a school to which you could transfer. See if the nursing program has an ADN to BSN option (for the future) and see credits you have taken will transfer either now or later. Then apply at both places. If you get into one program and not the other, your decision is clear. If you get into both, see which one is least expensive AND takes the least amount of time. Because of long waitlists at some schools and the sheer number of pre-reqs, most people don't finish an ADN in two years. If you're going to invest at least three years or more in school and you know you eventually want a BSN, why not go for it right away?

I got my BSN a couple of years after I finished my ADN. The advantage was that the hospital at which I was working had a tuition reimbursement policy so my out-of-pocket expenses were mostly just books and supplies. I went through my program when there wasn't a separate track for RN to BSN students at my school but that was almost thirty years ago and there are many more alternatives now. Had the option existed then, I might have considered an ADN to MSN track but those just weren't around back in the day.

I felt that I got a great education at both levels, ADN and BSN, but I also felt cheated out of some of the humanities courses and the whole "college experience". I was only twenty when I finished my AD program and just shy of my 23rd birthday when I got my BSN.

One huge advantage to getting the BSN now is that you may have an edge on the competition for a job. Many facilities prefer to hire BSN graduates---maybe in part because they're less likely to have to pay for tuition reimbursement. Speaking of which, some places have cut tuition reimbursement benefits so you can't always count on that being available should you go for the ADN now and want a BSN or MSN later.

I don't mean to sound wishy-washy on this issue but I do want to present you with both sides. It is a tough and confusing decision when there are so many different options.

Good luck in whatever you decide and do keep us posted!

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Specializes in Nursing Education.

One huge advantage to getting the BSN now is that you may have an edge on the competition for a job. Many facilities prefer to hire BSN graduates---maybe in part because they're less likely to have to pay for tuition reimbursement.

I would also add that it really depends on what area you're in as to whether hospitals prefer BSNs, or don't care. If you have any magnet hospitals, or hospitals seeking magnet status in the near future in your area than they will definitely be preferring a BSN because the education level of nurses is one of the things considered when awarding magnet status.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Definitely the BSN. You need your BSN to get your MSN, so if you plan on getting your MSN, definitely go to the BSN. A lot of places are now making a BSN a minimum requirement to work there. It seems like diploma programs/ADN's are being phased out.

And you are an RN regardless if you have your diploma/ADN/BSN. What differentiates the ADN from the BSN is not only the extra year of school but you also learn about theory with your BSN. There are probably other things, too.

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BSN is more valuable not only as an RN but when you want to get your Master's. If 2 new grads are applying for the same job and one has an ADN and the other a BSN, there's a pretty good chance they will go for the BSN over the ADN (if all other qualifications are the same.)

Also, any form of higher education is going to help you in the MSN program.

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