sick of ADN vs BSN! like most of us have a choice anyway!

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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SORRY - i have to rant about this. I don't want to start a fight- and I'm not going to generalize about all BSN or ADN programs. They have to be evaluated individually on their own merits but....... The constant arguement over ADN vs BSN is driving me crazy!!!! People act like I've really got a choice- like I can just walk out and "get" either one. ya right.

I am a 36yo pre-nursing student at a CC (in greater OKC metro). I have a previous BS in a science. I still have pre-reqs to do and support course to finish just to be competitive. & believe me- competition is HIGH- even for the lowly ADN :uhoh3: Last semester there were 300 applicants for 50 spots. I have loved all my instructors, been impressed with the level of instruction, and feel prepared.

I have never seen an ad for a job that said "ADN need not apply"- all they ask for is the RN current license- yes, I understand that the BSN may be needed to go into higher mangement etc.

NOW, why I'm not doing the BSN. Here in OKC we have a few BSN programs at state & private universities, and even a few BS to BSN accelerated. The tuition ranges from $20,000 to over $50,000. Having loans from a previous degree & a husband that makes a good salary- I don't qualify for financial aid. SO....if anyone expects me to get that degree- hand over the $$$$$$, please. Also, the BSN programs don't accept many students- the smaller universities have only 20-50/ year and the larger major university accepts around 120/year. &That particular program had over 700 applicants last year!!!! YA I can just walk in and "get" my BSN- hahahahah

BTW- compare NCLEX pass rates

major university- 83% my CC - 87%

university#2 - 57% cc#2 - 87%

university #3 - 50% cc#3 - 82%

now, tell me- would I really want to go to a program that only 50% passed?? what good is a BSN if I can't pass boards? I realize there are many factors to it, but come on....50%!

Let me give you an eye opening fact---if OKC (local metro areas) went to "all BSN" this year and did away with ADN--they would lose 248 new nurses! (that's how many passed boards from 3 major ccs last year) WOW- you think we're short on nurses now- try cutting out all those new grads.

I'm just frustrated with the whole discussion. Like I've said, people act like all of us have EVERY option available, or that we can afford it, or that these programs are just waiting for me to come and "get" my degree.

At least around here- all the ADN/ASD are very professional, highly technical, and very competitive. There are no "waiting lists". You have to apply every semester, meet basic requirements, then compete with GPA, preference points, etc. NONE of them simply put you on a list for meeting the requirements.

It may be different in your neck of the woods, but that how it sits here.

Everyone has to make their own choice, evaluate their own needs and the programs available. I'm done- I feel better - thanks for listening:rolleyes:

IMO, It all depends on the individual and his/her long-term goals. If your goal is to be a bedside nurse, then ADN, BSN, or diploma program is fine. If your long-term goal is to get a masters degree, you should try to get into a BSN program because you can work as a bedside nurse until you decide to move further. Personally, I feel that the nursing profession should stop trying to distinguish between the 3. There should only be one program, BSN, because ultimately, we are going to complete the same classes and do the same job. If a nurse wants to move forward into a masters program, then there should be a distinction.

Hi Richele,

Wow, $175 for a 3 credit course at your CC? That is fantastic!! Here in Southern Connecticut, the fee for a 3 credit course is approx. $320. That is good but your CC really is inexpensive. The CC here charges $2600 per yr. for full-time student status of 18 credits or less, not including lab fees or books. How much is your CC for a full yr? The fee for an ADN program at a local hospital's private college is approx. $21K per yr. and you can only transfer in no more than 18 credits from any other school. The BSN program at a local private university, Fairfield Univ. charges $31K+ per yr. currently and that is NOT including the many fees involved in the Nursing program, uniforms, or books. I do hope to get accecpted into the ADN program at St. Vincent's College because I like the atmosphere, the fact that it is a Catholic based institution as well as a good hospital so much better than the other Diploma based Nursing program at Bridgeport Hospital. I just hope tht when I do end up applying in the summer or fall of 07' that I will not be in too much competition. I wish you and everyone sll the best in your studies :p

Specializes in Critical Care.

RE: The ADN/BSN debate: in my opinion and based on my experience on this site, it is the 2nd biggest debate at allnurses next to why nurses can't organize and stand together very well.

Here's my take on it without getting into the nuts and bolts of the actual debate: The ANA is supposed to be our voice. The whole ADN/BSN debate was started by the ANA in 1965. The only reason it's even an issue is because of ANA and ivory-towered non-entrenched academics.

In my opinion, the very people who complain most about nurses not standing together are the ones who are creating the biggest wedges out of wholecloth.

If the ANA wasn't creating this division AKA debate, it wouldn't be taking place. Most of you readily admit that it's not a major issue in your workplace, and to the extent that it is an issue, it's an issue that would have no basis in fact outside the ANA's misguided position statement.

No wonder the ANA has such a low membership. Our "organization" is the biggest disorganizer of nurses out there.

Being a BSN is a great thing. All you BSNs out there, I say, MORE POWER TO YOU. You go, girl (or guy)! I'll even submit as fact that the BSN programs prepare you better (slightly) than ADN for management. That being said, the ADN programs tend to prepare nurses for 'life in the trenches' just as well as the BSN programs. And they are much more accessible than the BSN programs. How much more? Twice as much - 60% of RNs out there are graduating from ADN programs vs. 30% BSN vs 10% Diploma.

Do I feel less of a nurse or just a 'technical' nurse with my ADN? Nope. Does it offend me to be told that my degree and level of skill is what holds back nursing? Absolutely, primarily because it's insulting and inaccurate. But, that's not my biggest beef about the ADN/BSN debate. My biggest beef is that the unity so many nurses crave is directly attacked just by having that debate. In the name of 'advancing' our profession by advocating for 'minimum entry levels', we are creating the very divisions that ensure that nursing never 'advances' as professionals.

The 'power of professionalism' will only come about by displaying real power and not by just passing some perceived educational touchstone.

~faith.

well said---thanks!

I'm going to do some more research into the issue and when/where it all came about. I mean, the ADN/ASN programs are big and strong over here- they're not going anywhere. AND really, how could any place afford to require all BSNs?? in 04 the local universities turned out 109 bsn grads who became licensed- not too many. only licensed nurses can work as RNs

I'm sorry, I do not think considering NCLEX pass rates to be petty. Any program, ADN or BSN, MUST maintain a certain level of pass rate or face suspension. Like I said, what good is any degree without a license? And if only half your grads are passing, maybe your program needs to be re-evaluated???

& it wasn't the only thing I considered when choosing a program. My CC has a mini-hospital where every detail of the clinical setting is simulated. Students spend many hours there before ever going into a real situation. I feel good about having this hands-on experience. Also, I visited many campuses and found this one to be very adult friendly. I've met all sorts of people, ages, cultures.

I looked at the BS to BSN but decided on this program due to my own needs and feelings. I'm not trying to be ugly about BSNs at all. If you have the opportunity- go for it! I just want the ADN to be recognized as a professional, skilled, very valuable degree as well.

Hi Richele,

Wow, $175 for a 3 credit course at your CC? That is fantastic!! Here in Southern Connecticut, the fee for a 3 credit course is approx. $320. That is good but your CC really is inexpensive. The CC here charges $2600 per yr. for full-time student status of 18 credits or less, not including lab fees or books. How much is your CC for a full yr? The fee for an ADN program at a local hospital's private college is approx. $21K per yr. and you can only transfer in no more than 18 credits from any other school. The BSN program at a local private university, Fairfield Univ. charges $31K+ per yr. currently and that is NOT including the many fees involved in the Nursing program, uniforms, or books. I do hope to get accecpted into the ADN program at St. Vincent's College because I like the atmosphere, the fact that it is a Catholic based institution as well as a good hospital so much better than the other Diploma based Nursing program at Bridgeport Hospital. I just hope tht when I do end up applying in the summer or fall of 07' that I will not be in too much competition. I wish you and everyone sll the best in your studies :p

Yeah, I thought the $175 was stunningly cheap, too! My CC here in NY gets $100 per credit hour, plus of course fees, technology fees, fees for fees . So a 3-credit course will cost about $350 (for part-time), and then add in the books. Full-time here is 12 credits or more per semester. SUNY schools just raised tuition (again) so I *think* full-time is now $1600 per semester plus all the fees (or pretty darned close anyway). I see they also raised the fees slightly (according to my lovely bill that arrived yesterday!). So a year's tuition, starting in the fall, would be $3200 plus $30 tech fee for each class plus all the other fees they throw in, plus (little thing here) BOOKS!

Around here, community college / ADN is the only way to go. There is a 4-year university program about 45 minutes from my home (vs 25 to CC), but I don't see the sense in it for now. My CC boasts a VERY high pass rate on NCLEX, 100% employment after graduation, and a reputation as about the toughest program in the state, so....I'm satisfied. There are other CC's to travel to (if you get booted from this one!) but their board passage isn't as good, nor is the academic reputation. So, I'll stick with my ADN (I hope!) and plan -- if all goes well -- to graduate in May :)

Cheap? I'd be bummed if I had to pay that much. Our community college has has had a well respected NLN accredited nursing ADN program for over 30 years. We have a 100% pass rate on the boards for at least the last 5 years and our tuition was $15 per credit hour when I went :) I think they may have raised it to around $25 though. Oh, and I qualified for a Board of Governor Fee Waiver so I didn't even have to pay that. I just paid for books.

I'm getting my BSN online from a small NLN accredited institution, it is going to be $200 per class plus $93 per credit hour because I have to pay an out of state tuition. That is the cheapest I found and I think that is outrageously expensive!

Melissa

Hi Richele,

Wow, $175 for a 3 credit course at your CC? That is fantastic!! Here in Southern Connecticut, the fee for a 3 credit course is approx. $320. That is good but your CC really is inexpensive. The CC here charges $2600 per yr. for full-time student status of 18 credits or less, not including lab fees or books. How much is your CC for a full yr? The fee for an ADN program at a local hospital's private college is approx. $21K per yr. and you can only transfer in no more than 18 credits from any other school. The BSN program at a local private university, Fairfield Univ. charges $31K+ per yr. currently and that is NOT including the many fees involved in the Nursing program, uniforms, or books. I do hope to get accecpted into the ADN program at St. Vincent's College because I like the atmosphere, the fact that it is a Catholic based institution as well as a good hospital so much better than the other Diploma based Nursing program at Bridgeport Hospital. I just hope tht when I do end up applying in the summer or fall of 07' that I will not be in too much competition. I wish you and everyone sll the best in your studies :p

Hi Melissa,

Wherever your CC is I am shocked they charge so little for each credit! Paying $75 for a 3 credit course is unheard of! Where are you from? Here in Connecticut all of the CC & public universities have increased fees for the fall. If you want to obtain a BSN say from Southern CT State Univ. you will pay $6000 per yr. not including fees & books. What you are paying online is probably very similiar to what SCSU charges to attend regular classes which is really a fair amt. considering what the private Univ. charge. But I know going back to college in today's world has gotten to be a burden financially for many and there is so much debt from borrowing it is amazing. I know that when I start the actual Nursing courses at St. Vincent's I'll be paying upwards of $430 or so per credit :crying2: But what can you do? I look so forward to helping people attain a healthier lifestyle that the $$$ I'll be paying for my education will be well worth it in the end :)

I wish everyone the best in their futures!

Susan

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
SORRY - i have to rant about this. I don't want to start a fight- and I'm not going to generalize about all BSN or ADN programs. They have to be evaluated individually on their own merits but....... The constant arguement over ADN vs BSN is driving me crazy!!!! People act like I've really got a choice- like I can just walk out and "get" either one. ya right.

I am a 36yo pre-nursing student at a CC (in greater OKC metro). I have a previous BS in a science. I still have pre-reqs to do and support course to finish just to be competitive. & believe me- competition is HIGH- even for the lowly ADN :uhoh3: Last semester there were 300 applicants for 50 spots. I have loved all my instructors, been impressed with the level of instruction, and feel prepared.

I have never seen an ad for a job that said "ADN need not apply"- all they ask for is the RN current license- yes, I understand that the BSN may be needed to go into higher mangement etc.

NOW, why I'm not doing the BSN. Here in OKC we have a few BSN programs at state & private universities, and even a few BS to BSN accelerated. The tuition ranges from $20,000 to over $50,000. Having loans from a previous degree & a husband that makes a good salary- I don't qualify for financial aid. SO....if anyone expects me to get that degree- hand over the $$$$$$, please. Also, the BSN programs don't accept many students- the smaller universities have only 20-50/ year and the larger major university accepts around 120/year. &That particular program had over 700 applicants last year!!!! YA I can just walk in and "get" my BSN- hahahahah

BTW- compare NCLEX pass rates

major university- 83% my CC - 87%

university#2 - 57% cc#2 - 87%

university #3 - 50% cc#3 - 82%

now, tell me- would I really want to go to a program that only 50% passed?? what good is a BSN if I can't pass boards? I realize there are many factors to it, but come on....50%!

Let me give you an eye opening fact---if OKC (local metro areas) went to "all BSN" this year and did away with ADN--they would lose 248 new nurses! (that's how many passed boards from 3 major ccs last year) WOW- you think we're short on nurses now- try cutting out all those new grads.

I'm just frustrated with the whole discussion. Like I've said, people act like all of us have EVERY option available, or that we can afford it, or that these programs are just waiting for me to come and "get" my degree.

At least around here- all the ADN/ASD are very professional, highly technical, and very competitive. There are no "waiting lists". You have to apply every semester, meet basic requirements, then compete with GPA, preference points, etc. NONE of them simply put you on a list for meeting the requirements.

It may be different in your neck of the woods, but that how it sits here.

Everyone has to make their own choice, evaluate their own needs and the programs available. I'm done- I feel better - thanks for listening:rolleyes:

I totally understand you sis :p

I'm glad that you got it out of your system.

Have a good day,

Jessica

I am in the San Diego area, I went to Palomar College - they have a great nursing program but I hear now their waiting list is 6-8 semesters!! I only waited two. http://www.palomar.edu/health/nursing.htm

Here is where I have decided to go online - unless my hospital decides to have an RN-BSN program onsite, which I guess they are considering. If anyone is interested in the RN-BSN program online, I recommend this small university, they are NLN accredited, comparatively cheap and they've been so nice and friendly when speaking or e-mailing with them.

http://www.opsu.edu/science/nurse/nursehome.htm

Melissa

I am applying to

Hi Melissa,

Wherever your CC is I am shocked they charge so little for each credit! Paying $75 for a 3 credit course is unheard of! Where are you from? Here in Connecticut all of the CC & public universities have increased fees for the fall. If you want to obtain a BSN say from Southern CT State Univ. you will pay $6000 per yr. not including fees & books. What you are paying online is probably very similiar to what SCSU charges to attend regular classes which is really a fair amt. considering what the private Univ. charge. But I know going back to college in today's world has gotten to be a burden financially for many and there is so much debt from borrowing it is amazing. I know that when I start the actual Nursing courses at St. Vincent's I'll be paying upwards of $430 or so per credit :crying2: But what can you do? I look so forward to helping people attain a healthier lifestyle that the $$$ I'll be paying for my education will be well worth it in the end :)

I wish everyone the best in their futures!

Susan

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.

Sure we all have the choice...we choose ADN or BSN for varied reasons. I haven't felt it was worth it for me to keep going, am happy with the ADN, but if my needs change, I'll go for it. After all, I was happy with the LPN for years!

I'm new to all of this so I'm a little afraid of sounding simple or stupid but I was under the impression that if I signed a contract to work for a hospital for a specified time that they would pay for my school. Do I need to change my plans?

I have currently made the decision between ADN vs. BSN being that I finish my prerqs at the end of next month (5 weeks of A&P II and Im done!!! :balloons: ). I decided to go for the ADN. As others have said no matter which degree you have, for an entry level RN position you will basically get paid the same. The BSN, as was said already, is good for mamagement positions. I do plan to get my future employer to pay for my RN-BSN program that I plan on pursuing after my ADN, just in case I need to go into management or teaching in the far future. Im only 20 and I know that things happen so I wanna prepare myself and have something to "fall back on".

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