Schooling Decisions

[steenerweiner]

I am currently a 21 year old male CNA in Wisconsin, and I am going to a four year school to get my BSN. I transferred from a different school after a year, but I still have 3.5 years left. I am looking into getting my ADN at a tech school that would only take about 2 years for multiple reasons. I'm not a fan of the school I'm going to, and I also don't enjoy the area that I live in. If I went the ADN route, it would be easier for me to move out of the area into some place I would be happier living at. Either route I go, I want to finish my BSN. If I get my ADN, then I would immediately get my BSN while I started working as an RN. Not only do I want to get my BSN, but I am entertaining the idea of working to get my MSN or DPN in the future. With all of this in mind, I am wondering if going the ADN to BSN route would not be as beneficial as receiving my BSN from a typical four year college. I'm not sure if that would affect my ability to gain entrance to any MSN/DPN programs. Overall, I want to go the ADN to BSN route to cut down on time until I can start working as a RN and have more ability to move out of where I am now, but I don't want to compromise the chances of getting into a graduates program to become an NP if that is what I want to do in the future. Thanks for your time!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to Student Discussions

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Many people start working as RNs with ADN preparation, it's fine! That is why there are so many RN-to-BSN programs out there. The only caveat is that some areas have an abundance of BSN-prepared nurses, and may exhibit a hiring preference for them (so it might be a little difficult in some areas to get hired with an ADN). I would look around at where you want to live/work and see what the hiring climate is like. With flexibility in location, you shouldn't have a problem and you'll probably save money in the long run if you attend a community college; a tech school might be more expensive, and you'll need to make sure it has proper accreditation (program and regional) to make sure you can continue your education.

[forevernursem]

Hello! I'm in an ADN program right now. You sound just like me because I want to get my BSN, then go for my MSN or DNP. I'm in Michigan, one thing to keep in mind here is that hospitals hire ADNs, but have to get your BSN within a certain amount of time (usually 3 years). The BSN program I'm going to attend is a 12 month program at a university. You can find many 1 year or under RN to BSN programs, so you can go for your masters right away. Just do some google searching about the area you're in or want to move to, and see the requirements and how the job market is there. Wish you the best with your studying! :)