Which degree is right for me?

memphispanda, RN · Feb 25, 2003

Originally posted by kernst
Put another way, does BS Psychology + MS Social Work + Associates in Nursing = Bachelors in Nursing?

Most places, that math doesn't work. The BSN requires a couple of nursing classes that the ADN doesn't. (usually).

I am also one that had to fight this battle because I also have a BA in another area. You may want to see what time frame each school will give you. For me, the BSN programs were just going to take too long. They didn't want to transfer several of my classes, and required additional non-nursing classes. I did a lot of research before making my choice. I talked to 2 MSN programs here, and they both told me to get my RN any way I wanted, and I could go straight into an MSN program without stopping for a BSn along the way--they said I might have to take a couple of additional courses, but no more than 3.

Anyway, your experience may vary greatly from mine! I would start out by contacting every school in your area that you would consider, and get information from them about their requirements. Then you would at least know more what you have to work with.

studentdeb · Feb 25, 2003

Kernst - I sent you a pm.

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Mar 23, 2003

I graduated from an ADN program. I had a BA in psychology before going to nursing school. I checked out the BSN programs in my area (since the overall number of credit hours I needed would have been about even). However, the BSN programs where I lived expected me to be available all hours of the day and part of the evening, and I was locked into a 8-5 Monday-Friday job that I could not leave out of financial necessity. A community college in my area had just started a night nursing program, which was a perfect fit. My nursing courses and prerequisites were all available after I got off work (although I did have to adjust my work hours the last semester to accommodate two days of 3-11 clinicals).

There isn't a straight answer to this question. If all other things are equal, go for the BSN. It doesn't hurt to have all the education you can get. However, there may be other factors in your situation (as there were in mine) that make ADN the path of choice. My degree has not held me back (all but two of the jobs I have held in my career, including the first one, have been charge positions). There aren't many diploma (hospital) programs left, so you might be hard pressed to find one.

And to answer a question posed above, an ADN plus a bachelor's in another field is not considered equivalent to a BSN. Employers who require a BSN will not talk to me.

Best of luck in your decision.

KristinWW · Jun 20, 2003

1 BS Business + 1 MA Psych = no job for me :)

I was choosing between an accelerated BSN, BSN, and ADN when I began my quest, and was in the same dilemma. It depends what you're priorities are. For me it was to graduate asap, which meant the accelerated even though the accelerated was the most $$$ by far! I also applied to everything granting a sheepskin - one school JUST BEGAN evaluating my transcripts after two months - go figure.