Second degree BSN vs RN

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 13, 2011

I'll use myself as an example as I'm considering a similar educational path as you. I have a Bachelor of Science degree. I'm entering an ADN program. When I finish, I will be a BS, RN but NOT a BSN. I will have the option to go to a BSN program, take approximately 6 classes and be awarded a BSN. At that point, I could be BSN, BS, RN. Another option I have is to take about 3-4 courses and enter a MSN program.

It wasn't until recently that Sacramento State University began accepting 2nd Bachelor's students, so a BSN wasn't even an option by going through them. Had I known that they were going to once again accept 2nd Bachelor's students, I might very well have decided to attempt entry to their BSN program as for me, it would have been basically a 2 year program. CSUS or one of the ADN programs here would have taken the same amount of time.

If I wanted to go NP here, I could literally just finish the ADN program, take the 3-4 courses I'd need, and apply to the UC Davis/CSUS FNP program almost directly. If I was able to take those courses prior to finishing my ADN, I'd be able to almost apply to the FNP program directly. They don't care if I'd have a BSN as long as I'd have a similar preparation as a BSN prepared student. I may actually take the courses to enter an MSN program, apply to an MSN Program (haven't decided which one), and still take the courses to finish-out a BSN in the meantime.

So, it's very much possible to enter a NP program after getting an ADN/RN as long as you meet the entry requirements that the NP program wants.

I still have a long way to go before I get to that point, but I'm doing what I must to set the conditions so that I have the option of pursuing that education should I desire to.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 13, 2011

Whether it would be be best for you to get an ADN now and later go for ADN to MSN degree later ... or to get the BSN now ... or go to a direct entry MSN program now .... depends a lot on your preferences and you local job market and available schools.

In some cities, the "best" employers are hiring very few new grad ADN's. If that's the case in your area, you might regret starting your nursing career with an ADN. In other cities, new grad ADN's are finding decent employment: and can use that as a good stepping stone to higher education with the employer helping to pay for the ongoing education. What is the situation in your city? That's the question.

You also need to consider that most major schools are switching their nurse practitioner programs from MSN programs to DNP programs. While there are lots of ADN -to- MSN programs, there aren't so many ADN-DNP programs. If you want to be a NP and start with an ADN, you may well have to make that a 3-step process .... ADN - BSN- DNP. One of the other options (starting with a BSN or starting with an MSN) might be more efficient.

As you can see, there are lots of choices. There is no one, right way to do it. A lot depends on your local school resources, your local job market, the resources (money, time, energy, and talent) you have available to invest in your education, and your personal preferences. Do you need to stay where you are or are you free to move to another part of the country? Do you already have a large student loan from your original college degree? Do you have the energy, talent, and desire to go to a very challenging, advanced program (that might get you where you want to be faster -- but be more difficult)? What is the job market in your town for ADN graduates? etc. etc. etc.

Work on answering those questions one by one. As you get the answers to those questions, some possible paths will start to appear more of a fit for you than others. Some possibilities will be eliminated as not being practical for you. Gradually, you'll start to narrow down the choices to the one that will fit your needs best.

Good luck!