4 year vs 2 year

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  1. Which nursing track do you recommend?

    • 1
      Traditional 4 year track for BSN
    • 4
      Obtaining 2 year degree and attending school while working towards BSN

5 members have participated

I am currently working towards transferring to a 4 year college to get my BSN and I don't have any other degree so it would be the traditional track.

I was wondering opinions on whether its best to do the traditional 4 year track or to do a 2 year track so that you can start working sooner and then go back to school to finish up your BSN. I read that many nurses do the latter so that their jobs benefits will pay for school. I've also heard that it helps to get your feet wet sooner rather than later because it can be overwhelming.

Opinions?

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I am about the start my second year of an ASN program and love it! I plan on continuing on to get my BSN while working. I have heard from so many nurses that you only learn a fraction of what you need to know in school and learn everything else out on the floor. I know I personally learn better hands-on and on the clinical floor. Plus, many hospitals in my area will help pay for continuing education.

Best of luck!

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I am deciding to pursue my ADN and start in a few weeks. I chose this route because it is SO much cheaper, you finish quicker, can start working, and I can complete my BSN while my job pays for it. It's a win-win!! If you haven't completed pre-reqs yet, you may have to do so before you begin an ADN program but not before you begin a BSN program (at least in my state). So that is something to think about.

Also, in an ADN program, you are paying for two years of schooling while your job pays for your 1 year BSN program instead of you paying for a four year BSN program yourself. These days, I encourage students to attempt to graduate with the least amount of student loans possible. I am already knee deep in it from my previous bachelor's degree (63K!). So take it from me and go the cheaper route. You won't regret it.

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This is definitely something I've been considering! I would love to start working and not have a mound of debt! lol that's basically the dream =D I don't have any previous debt but it is already mind blowing seeing the amount rise each semester. Thank you for responding though! The more I hear from you guys the more I am starting to rethink it and go into an ADN program first!

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Absolutely. Do your research! Look at hospitals in the area that you would consider working in and see what their tuition repayment is like. All of the hospitals in my area pay for their nurses to pursue their BSN. Also, scholarships! I landed a scholarship through a local hospital that pays for literally everything. You can get through it nearly debt-free if you work to find resources. Good luck!! You'll do great. :)

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This is definitely dependent on your area. I know in the area I live in, most hospitals are requiring a BSN for new hires (I live in large metro area in the Northeast). If you don't mind working outside of the hospital setting (such as an LTC setting), then getting your BSN first doesn't matter as much.

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