RN Diploma vs. ADN

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Hi all,

I'm currently finishing up my pre-req's at BCCC for the RN program. I'm hoping of getting into the program for fall of 2013. After reading many of the threads I've decided that it'd be smart to have plan B. I need to go step by step, so a BSN right now is not in the picture (once I graduate as an RN I'll be quickly enrolling into the BSN program). So I've been looking at other ADN programs, which are only held in Community Colleges. I ran across Holy Name Medical Center School of Nursing. After calling to see how many credits they would transfer I learned that I'd graduate with an RN diploma.

She explained I can get licensed once completing the program after taking the NCLEX-RN, which is what I'd have to do as an ADN grad. and like the ADN grad option I'd be able to go towards my BSN. So my question is, what is the difference? Work wise, and getting into a BSN program.

Any advice would be great!!!

THANKS!

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For one thing, cost is different. An ADN is the best bargain, because community college credits will pretty much always be cheaper than credits from a private non-profit institution, like a diploma nursing school attached to a hospital. If the non-nursing academic requirements for this program are basically the same as for the ADN, and the credits will transfer into an RN-BSN program, then there isn't much difference at all.

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It has always been my understanding that historically diploma programs provided more clinical hours.

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Do not go the Diploma route. Right now, ADNs are really struggling to find jobs in NJ - I believe those with a Diploma will struggle even more. I would do the ADN and then BSN - or better yet, BSN to start.

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