Which program to enroll in

Hello,

I am hoping to start nursing school in the Fall. I am just wondering what the difference is between a BSN and getting your education from a Nursing School(not a college). Is one better than the other? I was looking into a Nursing School that you just get a diploma in nursing and only takes 2 years, but is the college route the better way?

[ayndim]

Hello,

I am hoping to start nursing school in the Fall. I am just wondering what the difference is between a BSN and getting your education from a Nursing School(not a college). Is one better than the other? I was looking into a Nursing School that you just get a diploma in nursing and only takes 2 years, but is the college route the better way?

I don't think one is better than the other. Which program you pick will depend what you want to do. If you plan on going into advanced nursing you will need the BSN. Also, there are some jobs that require BSN, such as workplace nursing and in my area a school nurse is required to have a BSN. Otherwise I think the ADN is fine. If you go the ADN route and later want a BSN there are many RN-BSN programs.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I would do the BSN if I had to do it over again.

[RedSox33RN]

I have a close friend who is a Diploma nurse. She has been one for over 20 years, but the only problem she is finding now, is that she wants to get her BSN, and a lot of the programs require a degree (at least around here). She could easily get it with a few more courses, but then she would get her AD, and have to take the rest to get her BSN.

There aren't any Diploma nursing programs around here anymore. The last program ended in 1985. I think they're good if you know you don't want to continue your degree, but if you are, go for the AD or BSN.

[memphispanda, RN]

Most diploma programs are accepted by schools with Bachelor's programs if you wish to later choose that route. Most RN-BSN programs require an RN to go through them, not an ADN. You may want to look into what schools around you require. I went through a diploma program because they have the best reputation in my area.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Even though the nursing school states "2 years" that is not how long it takes. The 2 years starts AFTER you complete prequesites. By the time you do it all you could be nearly finished, of finished, with a BSN. I did the ADN route, then got my BSN later, but I did not save time or money. The only advantage was that I was able to earn more per hour while working on my BSN. Consider also that you might be closing doors or opportunity without a BSN as most facilities require a degree in order to advance. You might not want that now, but it could be a blessing later. Our facility also pays BSN $1/hr more (>$2000 year).