Should i go for 2 year or 4 year degree? help

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2009

If you want CRNA bite the bullet and get the BSN - 4 years.

O'Ryan · Oct 14, 2009

If you want CRNA bite the bullet and get the BSN - 4 years.

thats how i feel. But if i obtain a 2 year degree i can start racking up valuable work experience much earlier...but that would cause me to work full time while obtaining my bachelors..this would make things rougher.

If I can obtain a BSN in 36 months (does this exist?) that would only be one more year than an associate, this situation would be ideal. If i go for a 48 month BSN i wouldnt be able to start racking experience until i'm 27...

ARM05 · Oct 14, 2009

O'Ryan - Emory University (GA) started an accel BSN prog that starts Summer 2010 that transitions into a masters program right after (3-5 semesters). The BSN is 4 semesters, and the program is for those with a degree already in another field. This program is brand new, and I came across it by accident (stopped looking after going to another school).

I said all of this to say, have you checked out the schools in your area recently? (If not - willing to move to GA? :)

There have been some changes to atleast 3 schools in the area that I can think of. It may pay to do some reseach in your area even if you have looked at those schools before.

O'Ryan · Oct 14, 2009

i dont have a degree currently. i dont intend to continue with accounting. I'm only 60 credits in with only two accounting courses done anyway...

GeneralJinjur · Oct 15, 2009

i dont have a degree currently. i dont intend to continue with accounting. I'm only 60 credits in with only two accounting courses done anyway...

I'd go for the BSN because you're young and some of the credits may transfer to the BSN program. The ADN prereqs are more focused and may not match up to the general education you've already completed. I also think you ought to consider career testing, shadowing a nurse, etc. to make sure this is the right move for you. I had toyed with the idea of pursuing a CRNA until I completed my OR rotation. That is so not the environment for me! I'm very happy with nursing multiple, awake patients.

O'Ryan · Oct 15, 2009

I'd go for the BSN because you're young and some of the credits may transfer to the BSN program. The ADN prereqs are more focused and may not match up to the general education you've already completed. I also think you ought to consider career testing, shadowing a nurse, etc. to make sure this is the right move for you. I had toyed with the idea of pursuing a CRNA until I completed my OR rotation. That is so not the environment for me! I'm very happy with nursing multiple, awake patients.

I'll definitely look into shadowing a nurse. I dont think i need career testing, i know nurses in real life, and i've also been thinking about going into this field for a long time now.

I'm definitely leaning toward the BSN more and more...still not certain though

cingle · Oct 15, 2009

From the research I've done regarding ADN programs (I'm in an MSN program) it's not realistic any longer to be able to finish one in 24 months (like many associate degrees might be able to). With all the elements that have been added over the years to meet minimal competency for NCLEX-RN, the ADN program normally requires 3 years rather than 2. BSN programs can usually be completed in 4 calendar years.

Knowing all that, it seems silly to me that those who have the choice would go with ADN. I know many of us don't have the choice if a university is not in reach geographically and one cannot move away from home. In that case the ADN seems like a good way to get the foot in the door.

Rednights · Oct 15, 2009

If there's nothing stopping you, BSN.

morningland · Oct 15, 2009

I am going to a 2-yr community college to get my RN and then my school helps me transfer over to a university to get my BSN. It's actually a better education for me (my CC offers WAY more clinical hours then my university) and I am saving at least 20-30K in the process!