Which degree do I do?

CharmedJ7 · Dec 1, 2008

I'm graduating this year with a non-nursing bachelors and I'm also looking into nursing. I don't know about the difference between pay rate for ADN and BSN but I think you are overlooking a very good alternate option - getting a second degree accelerated BSN. Since you've already done a bachelors you don't have to retake non-nursing courses (hence should really not be 4 years). The shortest programs are about a year, but even at the longest they only tend to be 2 years which I believe is the same length as an ADN. There are tons of programs out there, a decent starting list can be found here: http://www.allnursingschools.com/featured/accelerated-bsn/

It seems to me, from trolling this forum and other resources, that there are definitely advantages to having a BSN, both professionally and pay-wise as well as in terms of flexibility in the future (for example, it's easier to go onto a MSN). The advantage of ADN may be that it's often easier to get in (though sometimes this is not true and sometimes there are waiting lists) and it's usually cheaper.

Good luck whatever you decide!

godbless-yute · Dec 2, 2008

I have a non-nursing B.S., and I'm currently in a BSN program. You do not have to repeat the general ed. classes that you took as part of your previous degree. you would only have to take the two years of nursing courses, which is the same amount of time you would have to be in an ADN program. ADN are usually at community colleges and thus cheaper and have more people applying (less likely to get in on first try). The reason I decided to do the BSN is because I don't plan to be a bedside nurse for my entire career (not that theres anything wrong with it). I want to go on to a MSN, and I aslo want to get into administration positions and even faculty positions, all of which having a BSN would be a benefit. The decision all depends on what you have planned for your career. Even though in the begining the pay may not be that much different, higher lever positions require higher level degrees.

picurn10 · Dec 2, 2008

I also have a degree in psychology. I looked into the accelerated BSN and ADN options. Honestly, as a single mom I felt like I just couldn't swing the pace. They told me it was pretty much impossible to work and do it, and with a small child I really didn't want him in daycare as long as clinicals and things required. Basically both programs were 2 12-hr clinicals per week as well as 3 full class days. The ADN program is 9mo, and the BSN is 14mo (straight through, no summers or long winter breaks or anything). There is also a program in my area (which I'm considering) that allows you to get your LPN and then bridge in 2 semesters to a full BSN. I actually decided to get my LPN first (because it gives me my choice of all three local ADN programs) and I will graduate in June and go straight to RN in August with just 2 semesters to earn my ADN. For me this was the best option because I can work/get paid as a LPN while in RN school.

You'll have to check for the specifics in your area, but I know in this part of the country pay differential for BSN vs. ADN is a measly $1/hr :down: So, for me it wasn't worth the extra time/energy to go for the BSN. The only difference between being a BSN vs. ADN in terms of work is just that the BSN is the one chosen for things like Charge Nurse and more of a administrative role. Since I'm not interested in that, and just want to do patient care at this point, I'm getting my ADN. Maybe it sound bad, but I don't want the added responsibility of having a BSN.

The great thing is that there are tons of programs where you can get an part-time accelerated BSN after earning your ADN. In my area several schools offer a BSN that only requires one weekend a month for 9mo to complete :up: so should I desire my BSN in the future I'll probably go that way.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2008

Ok! Here's the situation.
I have a Bachelor's degree from a 4 year college in Psychology. I want to now get a Nursing Degree. Do I go for a ADN or a BSN? To me, it would be pointless to get a BSN because...why would I go back to college for 4 more years, when I could get a ADN and still be a RN? Do people really do that? Is there a difference in wages for ADN and BSN degrees? Do more people hire BSN's? On some of these posts I have seen that people with BSN degrees are more well-rounded. How would that be the case if I have a bachelors degree already. Basically, for 2 years, they are taking basic classes that I have already taken, right? Am I correct? I'm confused of how I would benefit from repeating these classes or going to school for 2 more years than needed. Can I still get the same kinds of jobs as someone with a BSN if I have a college degree and a ADN, or am I limited to only working for lower wages, and limited facilities because of my degree? Please help!

I am in similar circumstances... you have four major routes:

1. ADN: low cost, fairly quick (some feel that it's hard to get into... if you are competitive its not an issue unless your schools base admission based on a wait list, so check your area)

2. BSN: after pre-reqs you can sometimes do the last 2 years of the BSN

3. Accelerated BSN: they have accelerated BSN and accelerated BSN for 2nd degree students - which is generally more expensive, but can be completed in 11-16 months thus giving you quicker route to earning back your expense.

4. entry level masters or doctorate in nuring practice: depending on the program you will walk away an RN with a CNL or CNS or NP focus after 2.5-3 years..depending on the program.

I would recommend the ADN as it's cheap, 2 years, and will get you to becoming an RN... There is almost no advantage in getting a BSN if you have a previous degree unless you want to serve in the military as it's required (or a masters in nursing)... now if you don't plan on getting a masters in the future perhaps a BSN now is a good route, but if you plan on going back to school there are PLENTY of ADN to MSN programs for those wtih a prior bachelors... don't be misguided thinking that the BSN is the only logical choice as it's really not that cut and dry. A RN with an ADN is just like an RN with a BSN until years down the road when a management job might lean towads the BSN... that is from people in the working world. It's a bit counter intuititive since you'd be going 'back' to getting an ADN.. but think of it as becoming an RN cheaper/faster in order to progress to your masters or doctorate.. my 2cents. :twocents:

here is a good link to accelerated BSNs

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/AcceleratedProg.htm

miseje · Dec 2, 2008

Oh that helps alot! I live on Hilton Head Island and the only place to get a nursing degree is a community college (which offers an ADN) so I really didn't have a choice (if I wanted to stay here). At USCB, they offer a Master Degree in Nursing. So, my options are slim. But, it's good to know you can still get a BSN if needed pretty easily!

miseje · Dec 2, 2008

That's wonderful to hear! I have been accepted to a school that offers an ADN, but begin to hear the route I was headed was not what I intended. I DO want to get a masters at some point so I'm glad to know there are options for people getting an ADN degree. You were very helpful! I feel much better about my decision!