Trying to decide....Accelerated BSN or Tech School ADN?

[rachelly0724]

Hello,

As of Feb 2010 I'll have finished courses to obtain my bachelors. Unfortunately, a little late in the game, I've decided that I want to go into healthcare, leaving business. Whyyyyyy could I have not made this decision sooner.....oh boy..

Anyway - at this point, I'm too close to completing requirements for the bachelors to just stop. I've tried to educate myself as much as I can about diff schools in the area (NE Wisconsin) as well as nursing in general. I'm strongly drawn to getting the BSN, although from what I understand in our area it doesn't appear to make much difference in pay, or likelihood to get hired. I have seen however that a lot of other facilities across the country have "BSN Preferred" on job postings....so I'm not sure if maybe the writing's on the wall and it will become a requirement?

Given that I'll have my bachelors and this will be a 2nd degree for me, I liek the idea of an accelerated BSN program - and have been looking into the one offered at a private college - I knew it was expensive, but last week learned HOW expensive. Upside though is that given the time I've already spent getting my bachelors (I work full time, and am going in the evenings) I'd like to get through and out of school as soon as possible, additionally I'd have the BSN which could potentially open doors for me down the road, without having to go back to school later.

The other option I'm exploring is going to a technical college - I've spoken with advisors from both schools and I'd need to pick up just about the same classes for pre-reqs...naturally though the TC costs a considerable amount less. The downside is that after pre-reqs I'd be waiting probably 1-2 years to get in, plus the 2 years to get through the program - and then would need to return to school if I wanted to get my BSN later.

I guess I'm just tossing this out there for any opinions....looking at raw numbers, it's about a $25K difference to go to the private college and get the BSN (15 months) as opposed to going to the tech and getting a BSN later. We're not wealthy by any means, if we were, I'd go for the BSN immediately - but it's the financial aspect that's getting to me.

Any insight that you could provide would be greatly appreciated....:redpinkhe

thank you!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I'd go straight into the accelerated BSN, or even a bachelor's to MSN. The money is no different but that's not the only point to knowing more. You will advance more quickly with the BSN. Many more doors will open with it.

[rachelly0724]

Thanks Sue!

[Busia]

There's not much difference in pay or hiring, but there is a big difference as to what types of jobs you can get with a BSN. What area are you interested in? Anything that is more nurse educating/more time spent in the desk/administrative type nursing jobs are going to usually want a BSN. If you're not interested in those types of jobs, save yourself money and go to the tech, but if you think somewhere down the line you might want a position like that, go for the BSN. I know in my western WI county, as well as my hometown area in central WI, any school nursing, county jobs, ect all require a BSN.

[mks1014]

rachelly0724,

I've been going through this discussion in my head for a few weeks now. I'm wondering why we wouldn't be able to get certain jobs if we already have a BS degree. I get it is not a BS in nursing, but it is a BS degree. We would have an ADN and a BS in another field, which to me sounds like a great combo. Anyway, I'm just thinking outloud :wink2:.

michelle

[jmh02s]

rachelly0724,

Hi there, writing from FL. Down here, pay differences btw ADN & BSN are about $1.00/hr difference in favor of the BSN, but like the other posters mentioned, it depends what you want to do with it. If you're looking to pursue your Master's degree, the BSN is a much smarter move ... otherwise you're going down a couple rungs on the ladder to have to climb up again (if that analogy makes sense). I'm struggling to figure out how to pay as well ... and I feel some of your pain, I graduated with a BS in Business, and now am having to take on absurd debt to pursue my Nursing degree ... very frustrating, but I believe these walls were put up to show us how badly we want it. Good luck!