RN: Hospital Diploma Program vs BSN ??

[FillyGal]

Hi All,

I am looking for some much needed insight.

Because I already have a BA, I have the option of going the route of an accelerated BSN program to obtain my RN at the cost of over $30k. I can also go the route of a hospital diploma program for much less than 1/2 the amount. It seems to me that, aside from the VERY high cost, the BSN does not offer the same amount of clinical experience as the diploma based program.

My question is, how marketable would I be with just a hospital based RN ? I was looking at Monster.com and a lot of jobs wanted at least an ADN (plus experience). I just don't want to come out and not be able to find work.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

You will be just as marketable as a Diploma RN as an ADN or BSN for entry level positions. Don't worry about that, because you will have passed NCLEX and be an RN. Diploma RNs are an oddity these days so many recruiters forget to mention them in job postings, but the key is you will have the RN.

Most accellerated programs have 20 clinical hours a week, so by the end you will have lots of clinical time. But the Dipoloma programs are well known for having the most clinical hours of any program.

I would consider two things. One is that the accellerated program will put you into the workforce quicker, so you'll begin making the RN salary and can begin paying the $30,000 off as much as two years sooner (aren't diploma programs 3 years?). Also, for long term marketability the BSN will give you more options later on down the line in areas away from the bedside (for instance in management, community healthy, research, quality, education, etc. etc.) who knows what you're going to want to be doing in 20 years.

It's a tough decision and $30,000 is an obscene amount of money. Good luck in whatever you do.

[FillyGal]

Thanks for the fast and thoughtful reply, Tweety :-) Actually it's only a year longer than the accelerated program. Between the 30k plus living expenses, I just don't know how I would manage as I am in my 40s with a big overhead. If I were 23 and living at home, it might be a different story. Thanks again! :-)

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the fast and thoughtful reply, Tweety :-) Actually it's only a year longer than the accelerated program. Between the 30k plus living expenses, I just don't know how I would manage as I am in my 40s with a big overhead. If I were 23 and living at home, it might be a different story. Thanks again! :-)

Well if you can't afford it, you can't afford it. I wasn't clear that you had your mind made up 100% already. Again, don't worry about being marketable. Hospitals are looking for RN's, either ADNs, Diploma's or BSNs, it doesn't matter to them.

[rninme]

Hi FillyGal

Diploma RN here . I had no problem what so ever finding a job when I graduated...no one in my graduating class did. Tweety is right, once you pass NCLEX you are an RN no matter where you went to school.

[gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP]

And you already have a BS so that shouldnt hold you back from attending grad school later if you like or from seeking management type positions.

Sounds like a plan if you ask me!

[suzy253, RN]

Hiya FillyGal.....another diploma grad here and proud of it (graduated 5/06)