Time requirements - Assoc. vs. Bachelors?

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Let's see if I can ask this question so that it makes sense......

I'm not sure what to do, so would like advice ......

I just got my acceptance letter to an ADN program this fall - Yeah! But I am also contemplating applying to a bachelors program for next year (next spring) instead. My main concern with this is that I'm wondering if I would be able to swing the bachelors program as much as the ADN program, as it looks like to me as I read their program, that the ADN program is 9 credit hours per semester and the bachelors one is 17 credit hours per quarter (& those hours are AFTER all the general ed & pre-reqs are out of the way). And I have to work while going to school - although only part-time - but I will have to work. So, I'm thinking the bachelors program will take ALOT more time than the ADN one....Is that the case when comparing these credit hours? Also, I have found out that the bachelors program has a higher passing rate of the NCLEX & the students learn more clinically than the ADN program. BUT, I already have my acceptance letter to the ADN program - I would have to apply to the Bachelors one & hope I get in & the bachelors one will take me longer & I'm not getting any younger.

Any thoughts? Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Psych.

I decided to go with an ADN program. It was definitely a case of a bird in the hand. The sooner you graduate, the sooner you get clinical experience that comes with a paycheck! I don't know if that factors into your planning, but it did mine. :) My bachelor's prereqs are complete so I can move up whenever I feel like it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I am in a slightly different spot. I was going to go for my ASN because of time too. It was going to be 5 quarters to get it after all the pre-reqs done, which would be after summer). However, I happened to have 27 credits from 20 years ago but thought they were totally useless, they weren't. I was able to use them towards my BSN. I just had to take 1 extra semester of pre-reqs and cram in 2 extra classes. The BSN is also only 2 quarters longer (total=7quarters) than the ASN program (5 quarters) (and the extra pre-req semester) and that's it. I was concerned about the cost afterwards to get the BSN, it is cheaper for me to do it this way than get the ASN and the rest afterward. go figure.

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why do you want your bsn? Is there something career wise you want to do, that you can only do with a BSN? I found for myself, that I was only wanting the BSN for the prestige of it, and that it won't help me with the career plans I have right now. When I learned that it only pays an extra $1-2/hr more in my area, I realized it just wasn't worth the extra time. I'm a single mom, about to be 30 and I need a solid income asap. I do plan to eventually get my NP, but not until my little boy is in school full time. So for me, it just makes a whole lot more sense to get started working now. Plus, there are tons of online programs and programs that take 1 day week for two semesters to earn a BSN once you have your RN done, so I think I'll be taking advantage of something like that when the time comes! Good luck to you!

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For me I'm getting my ADN first, I'll graduate in December 2010 as an RN, then take an online program and get my BSN. To me it makes more sense especially because I went through a program with my high school where they paid for 18 credits at the local Technical College while I was a senior. So, I'll be 21 and graduating.

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I don't know where you live, so this might be different around your area

but i'm from LA, and MANY RN/CNA/even nursing student themselves have been telling me that ADN prepares your better clinical wise, you get a lot more hands on practice. I am in a BSN program, but its only because I was still on the waiting list for the college when I was accepted. and I kinda regret it I should've just wait one more semester. BSN focuse more on therory/management.. at least my school does.

I really wish i went to a ADN first and come back for the BSN. Plus it saves money!! =)

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