Seeking advice, ASN or BSN

Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2017

I did the ASN route and I'm in my late 30's. To be honest, I wanted to go to school and not have a huge debt load when I was done. I took all my classes at the CC and found that we could afford it without a problem. I also won scholarships. so when I walked across the stage for pinning I owed the school nothing. To get into CC was extremely competitive, because others are looking for the cheapest option with the highest yield as well.

I am back in school for my BSN now, but this time, work is paying most of the bill for me to get the degree. I like that I did it this way, as I'm working full time and some overtime but the BSN classes are online so I can do it when I have free time. However, this being said, you need to look at your area and see if they are hiring ASN's. My area was and still is, that's why I went that route rather than jumping into a BSN. Also having no school debt to carry at my age was very important to me as well.

Good luck which ever way you choice to go! :)

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 30, 2017

I like the above post a lot and believe it to be a very balanced comment containing good points to consider. What types of jobs will be available to you as a new grad ASN in your community? Are they they types of jobs that you would be happy to have? If that is the case, there is a strong financial argument to be made that getting the ASN makes a lot of sense in your situation. However, if you would be unemployed after graduation -- or almost as bad, starting your nursing career off in a job you HATE -- then it might make the most sense in the long run to make the financial sacrifice and go right for the BSN. You'll need to do some local job market research to explore that aspect.

Another thing to consider is the quality and cost of the programs you are considering. If the local ASN program is wonderful and the local BSN program is terrible, I'd advise you to choose the wonderful ASN and then take a better BSN program online later. But if the ASN program is not well-respected and the BSN program is terrific ... well, again ... I would probably going with the quality program, the BSN. Bad education is rarely a good investment.

Finally, there is the cost factor. How much financial pain will you really have to suffer by going to the BSN program? In some areas, the ASN programs are almost as expensive the BSN ones -- when all costs are considered in the long run. If the difference is not all that much and the quality is the same ... then maybe the BSN is the way to go. But if the difference is huge, then maybe the slower, ASN route is the way to go.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

8130 · Nov 6, 2017

I agree with previous posters and am currently doing the exact same plan as poster #1. Work hard to get into the CC program, get your RN, and then have the flexibility to do the rest online. I too am in my 30s and don't have the time or money to be physically present in class for four years full time. This allows me to spend 1.5 years full time and in class, while doing the rest (BSN) online. Good luck to you!

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 6, 2017

I guess it would depend what you planned on doing in the future. This is my perspective and others may not agree, but if your plan is to work in an acute area, for example ICU or ED, it would benefit you more to get your BSN as many hospitals (and in my state ALL the hospitals) will only hire BSNs to those acute areas. If you graduate with your ASN and are only able to find a job in let's say long term care, you would find it harder to get your foot in the door in an inpatient acute facility. Each job on your resume matters as it sets the stage for your future career. Just something to think about. Also, once you graduate with an ASN, you'd also have to go back to school to get your BSN which is more expense and time. Either way you can get either option to work for you, but it's good to hear all sides of the story before you commit.