What would You do? ASN or BSN?

U.S.A. Indiana

Published

To make a long story short, I'm looking for a career change. I've always been drawn to the medical field. Well, I went to college and majored in biology (pre-med) for 3 years, and changed to communications my Senior year. I regret it everyday. I've been working in marketing for about 5 years, but it's just not my passion.

I have been contemplating getting into the nursing profession for a long time now, and I feel like it's time for me to DO IT!

So, what would you do? I've had a friend that's a nurse that said don't bother doing the BSN program (I could do the accelerated 2 year option) but to just get an Associates so I could get my RN and start working. What would you do?

There are so many options and with cost and everything, I'm just so confused!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia: Peds, General, ENT, Trauma.

ASN vs BSN can really depend on a lot of factors. First the initial jobs are about the same, with little to no difference in pay.

If you need to work soon, then ASN is the way to go. If you think you may want to get an advanced degree someday and can wait to work, I would get the BSN right away. Perhaps you already have several classes under your belt with the three years of pre-med.

Hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Hi!

I would look carefully into the pre-reqs required for the various programs out there. It took me 4 years to complete my ASN because I had to have all of my pre-reqs done before getting into the program. After getting into the program it was another 2 years full-time.

You may have alot of the pre-reqs done which would mean you could essentially get right into a program and go full-time for 2 years. From new nurses that I work with right now it seems kind of competetive. Many say they need a 3.5 or above to get in and all pre-reqs done.

Also, some universities are doing away with the ASN and only offering the BSN. I am currently completing my BSN at Purdue and they are phasing out the 2 year program.

Careerwise, ADN's are generally staff nurses. Some move into other areas such as management but I see more and more postings requiring a BSN to get into anything other than staffing at a hospital. If you eventually want to be an NP, Nurse Educator, or Clin Spec you will need a masters as well. The nursing field is huge and their are alot of options. It really depends on what you want to get out of it.

Look at the career sections in hospital websites and see what the job requirements are for the nursing positions you may be interested in. Also, look at college websites and see what the admission criteria are. How old can your bio and chem classes be? Would you have to retake them? Do they start classes in Fall & Spring? If it is only fall you may have to wait a year to get in. Talk to some admission counslers after you get your transcripts together. I know Ivy Tech still does the 2 year program.

When I first started in Nursing I just wanted to staff. I didn't mind working off shifts, weekends or the occassional holiday. It worked well for my family's schedule. Now after giving up many weekends, holidays, and family/friend events I am completing my BSN so I can go for my MSN and work in education. I really want to work during the day and have the weekends and holidays off.

This is my personal preference. Those off shifts worked out well for babysitting and working around my husbands schedule for years. Now that the kids are a little older I would like to be home more in the evening and on the weekends.

It sounds like you are doing a good job on your research. I wish you good luck in all of your future endeavors

Sincerely,

Hrtnurse14:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment