ADN vs. BSN (Sigh.)
I’m inserting myself into this debate.
Keep in mind my background: I’m a second degree student in an accelerated BSN program. So yes, I have my biases.
The first point I’d like to make is that as much as I would love to see some standardization of nursing education, part of what makes this such a rich profession is the fact that there are so many ways to get in. I love that I have classmates from so many different backgrounds; if I have a question about anything not related to nursing, there is almost certainly someone in my class who is an expert in that field. I love that.
The second point I like to make, and I make this explicitly clear, is that I don’t believe that BSN nurses are “better nurses” in any way shape or form. Do I need to repeat that? I don’t believe that BSN nurses are “better nurses” in any way shape or form. Are they different nurses? Yes. Probably in the fact that as a stopping point, ADN and BSN nurses have different career goals.
WHICH IS FINE!
Ok, I’m done rationalizing myself. From this point on, no one is allowed to take offense to anything I say.
I have a blogger friend who is in the midst of her own ADN versus BSN crisis right now. And she kinda got me thinking. I imagine that since the beginning of BSN programs and then the addition of Accelerated BSN programs, this is a tipping point that every possible-nursing-student must hit, especially the non-traditional ones. I know I did, and I spent months chewing on it. I asked every person that might care, bounced ideas off my husband until we were both blue in the face, created millions of detailed and intricate spreadsheets, analyzed the cost to benefit ratio of every possible choice.
In the end, I did what was right for me and my family. And I’m pretty sure that’s what it all boils down to.
I completed my prerequisites, put myself on numerous waiting lists, and at the same time, applied for a BSN program. Ultimately, it was the BSN program that was the long shot, given their percentage of accepted students. I had decided that if I didn’t get into the BSN program, I would get my ADN and immediately do the ADN to BSN bridge program, which would lead me into a Master’s degree one or two years down the road. If I did get into the BSN program, given the fact that it was considerably more costly, I would wait a few extra years to get my Master’s degree.
For me, a Master’s degree has always been in the cards. Now, I couldn’t tell you when, or where, or what for, but it’s in my future. If you have absolutely no desire whatsoever to get a Master’s degree, then the argument could easily be made that an ADN is the better route for you. And as with my plan, even if you change your mind, an ADN is not a bad route to go.
I got lucky and got into an accelerated BSN program. I hear a lot of questions about those programs, as well. What can I say about the accelerated program? It’s perfect for me. As a rule, I tend to be incredibly fast paced. Some may call me hyperactive. I learn quickly. I bore quickly. I’ve given my life over to the nursing program. I have no children. These are all reasons why an accelerated program works well for me. (Although I have classmates with children; the two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive but I do have it easier then them.) I’ve had numerous non-accelerated friends tell me they would never want to be in an accelerated program and they think we’re all insane. Perfectly fine. Now that I’m over half-way done, I would never want to be in a traditional program. So there!
I guess what I’m saying with all this is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to nursing programs. Everything is dependant on your goals, your style, your personality, and your ability to turn your entire life over to nursing school. Can you do it? Do you want to do it? And most importantly, what do you want to do after you are a nurse? Is bedside nursing your ultimate goal or do you want to teach? Each of these questions and points are important to consider when deciding your own, individualized path to nursing.
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March 23rd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I’m doing a BSN/MSN segue program specifically for second-degree students. It’s not an accelerated bachelors program. By ADN, do you mean associate’s degree in nursing? I’m thinking that’s what you’re meaning. I, too, love the fact that nursing students can come from all kinds of backgrounds. I have a very diverse class. We all have our strong and weak points, but no two of us have the exact same perspective.
My only gripe is that I’m in a mixed group that includes half undergraduates getting their first degree. This group of students has a very different perspective from the students who were accepted to the master’s program.
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I’m doing a BSN/MSN segue program specifically for second-degree students. It’s not an accelerated bachelors program. By ADN, do you mean associate’s degree in nursing? I’m thinking that’s what you’re meaning. I, too, love the fact that nursing students can come from all kinds of backgrounds. I have a very diverse class. We all have our strong and weak points, but no two of us have the exact same perspective.
My only gripe is that I’m in a mixed group that includes half undergraduates getting their first degree. This group of students has a very different perspective from the students who were accepted to the master’s program.
March 24th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Caroline, you’ve opened a can of worms! But seriously, I think every second-degree potential nurse has probably had this discussion with her/himself. I’m having it as I type, as a matter of fact. I’ve applied to two ADN programs and a post-bac program (similar to an accelerated), and I’m constantly playing the “if I get in here, then I’ll do this…” game. I think you bring up an excellent, excellent point that I wish more nursing program information sessions would address–ultimately, you need to do what’s right for you and your life situation.
I think a benefit to the ADN is that you get out and get working sooner–at least in my area. If I start out with a 2-year, I fully intend to get my BSN. But why not work at the same time, and have my employer pay for it? That’s my justification, anyway.
And with the rise of the whole DNP thing… it seems most MSN programs are going away in my area. There was a cool RN to MSN program for “academically proficient” RNs. They would speed you through the BSN-completion portion, and then put you into the MSN program. But the school has discontinued the program, in light of the DNP.
So many potential paths–the great thing about nursing!
Good luck with the rest of your semester, and any upcoming interviews!
March 24th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Always interesting to get different perspectives on this debate. As a second career student myself I went through a similar decision-making process and ended up doing the direct-entry master’s route. I, too, am fairly certain that I would’ve been bored in a traditional program. Not a knock on anyone else, just a comment on my own learning preferences. You’ve given me some food for thought for a post of my own on this.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Four years to get the ADN where I was situated (2 year waiting list for the 2 year program) or get the BSN in one year. I agree with you, no one way is better that the other. You have to apply yourself regardless. I am thankful that we get (at least) twice as many clinical hours in the accelerated program students. Six months into the program and I am practically guaranteed a job on the unit I am assigned. We have a 1-on-1 preceptorship for the year but still do 4 to 5 day rotations on other units. The ADN and traditional students that come around are worthless and I mean that from the standpoint of not having the gumption to jump in and try and learn something. They seem hesitant when it comes to making some of the minimal decisions required in patient care. Autonomy and confidence levels are significantly different but those things can be developed. We 2nd degree students are driven individuals and realize the learning will fall on our shoulders. By goodness, I am going to get in the middle of stuff to learn if given the opportunity.
March 27th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I can’t help but applaud “murse c” for making such bold and fantastical comments about ADN students. However, your comments couldn’t be more wrong. I am currently in an ADN program and most of my cohort, myself included, already have bachelors and masters degrees in other fields. For many of us, nursing is a second career or, simply, a change of passion. Many of us also have plans to pursue advancement in nursing as well. There are many hospitals that offer RN to MSN programs if you have a bachelors degree in another field. My cohorts are extremely hard working and we do our best everyday to learn all we can about the discipline. If I could make a suggestion, you might want to reconsider making blank statements like “ADN nurses are ‘worthless’ or [their] autonomy levels are significantly different’ on blogs that are posted on the world wide web. People will begin to think you are mean.
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:44 am
I started out my nursing education in a BSN program, but for a variety of reasons - not the least of which being that as a BSN nurse, I’m a CNA until I’m suddenly an RN, meaning less experience and less money - I ended up leaving that program and entering an ADN program. This helped me to become an RN sooner than I otherwise would have, helped me get a more practical education, and helped me earn more money and support my family by being an LPN first. I have no regrets.
Though I do plan to continue on to a BSN and eventually a Master’s Degree.
-Braden-
20 out of 10 Blog
April 4th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I basically went into nursing with the same thoughts as you did. “I’ll apply at all of my local colleges (ADN and BSN) and whoever picks me up first is the route I’ll go.”
In my case, it took 2 years to be given a spot in the ADN program which is where I am now. I have always planned to get my BSN and then my masters in nurse anesthesia but this was the best starting point for ME.
Newly divorced, with children, I wanted to get in as quickly as possible so I could get my foot in the door so to speak and move along from there.
Like you said, what is best for each individual is what’s important.
I also agree that making sweeping generalizations about ADN (or any other group) is wrong. I so happen to be middle-aged (ARGH, that sounds awful but I’m certainly no spring chicken) and I find that within my program that there are those students, like myself, who jump in whenever given the opportunity and others who do not. Whether they don’t jump in due to having no gumption or whether it’s because they just feel intimidated….I don’t know.
My belief, from personal experience, is that it seems like the younger students are the ones who are less likely to just jump in (not making a sweeping generalization here just a personal opinion based on watching) and the older students or students who are in nursing as a change of career move are just that……older ..and therefore have more self confidence when it comes to “jumping in” and making decisions.
Great post and a good debate. I think that the bottom line is that it doesn’t matter how you get into nursing as long as you’re doing it for the right reasons.
April 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
To Laura:
I never said ‘all’ ADN students. I guess I should have clarified that for some reason, some of the ADN students that come to our unit appear terrified and unsure of themselves, especially when they are about to graduate. And I did say that “no one way (of achieving your degree) is better that the other. “
April 27th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Interesting discussion. . .I found it through “googling” ADN vs BSN along with a host of other similar sites & blogs. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree and have applied & been accepted into a Master of Social Work program but my interests lie strongly in health care, preventative health, health advocacy, and the expansion of mental health & social services in primary care settings (especially those that serve the elderly whose suicide rates are climbing & a scary percentage of them visit the primary care provider one month before completing or attempting suicide). So I am on the brink of turning down my admission to graduate school & pursuing a 2nd degree in nursing (which was initally my declared major as an undergrad) with the ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practioner. I would have to take out a private loan at the 2 yr college for the program but I don’t have the credit history for that. I could return to my alma mater and complete the 2nd degree BSN option. . .but it would take 2 1/2 to 3 years and add to my mounting student debt. Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I made the decision to change careers about 9 months ago. I have a BA in Biology. So when I investigated what more I might need to take to enter a nursing program, I discovered that all I needed was A&P II and Lifespan Development - 7 hours - to get into a local ADN program. I took the NET test and scored very high. I applied for the program and was not accepted. Why? Because there were over 300 applications for the 30 seats available in the upcoming class. THAT IS RIDICULOUS!!!! And what do they tell you when you go to find out what you can do to improve your standing??? They tell you to just apply again next semester. Pardon me, but THAT’S B___S___!
So I started evaluating my options. Late one night, I happened upon the website for a BSN program at a local private University and discovered that there was still two weeks before their application deadline. I further discovered that if you are qualified, they accept you - period. Yes, it is $510.00 per credit hour. But how much is 6 months of my life worth? PLUS, it’s a BSN program. The only difference is that the BSN program requires that I take pathophysiology this summer - BIG DEAL!!!
After going through what I just described, I now wonder why anybody would waste their time applying and reapplying to an ADN program offering little or no promise of if or when they MIGHT get in.
So the BSN program is four months longer. And it is a bit more expensive. But it offers a DEGREE, not just a certificate. I say degree because it enables you to earn degrees beyond it without having to take an additional year to “patch” it before moving on to, say, an MSN.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
BSN2010, I agree with your comments but an Associate’s Degree in Nursing is just that not a certificate & in many cases one can enter an MSN program without having to complete bridge courses if she has a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. Some schools offer entry level MSN programs, like Vanderbilit University’s School of Nursing & Loyola University-New Orleans’ School of Nursing 8-(neither of which are in my area unfortunately).
For those who must choose between a ADN/ASN or BSN the BSN does offer more flexibility & opportunity for growth. . .
Best wishes for success in the BSN program BSN 2010!
July 18th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I have been reading all comments and really would like to know the schools that offer accelerated BSN programs in New Orleans. The only one that I came across is William Carey in New Orleans (once pre-req’s are complete); other programs are ASN. I do have a BS and 2 Master’s in other fields, so am hoping to make a quick and smooth transition. Any help is greatly appreciated.
July 20th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Dear LeavingCorptoRN,
I, too have investigated the programs available in New Orleans and I found that The LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans has an accelerated BSN program. It’s been a while since I looked at the site but I think it took about 2 years (including prereqs). I suggest that you call them and explain your unique situation and see if any of the course work you have completed will satisfy the pre-reqs. As for the ADN program, Our Lady of the Lake offered the ASN/ADN that can be completed in one year—if all the pre-reqs are met. They have an agreement with Tulane University Medical Center that allows students to complete the accelerated, 2nd degree ASN/ADN cost free if they agree to work for Tulane for 2 years. The training is said to be excellent and the program combines lots of practical, clinical experience in addition to the course work through out the program. After graduation you are placed with a preceptor and undergo training in various areas.Then you choose your specialty. Loyola has a MSN for ADNs and it offers (I think) the option to train to prepare for work as an advanced practice nurse, nurse practicioner, or a concentration in health systems management.
The options are there you just have to investigate them carefully & try calling the schools. Ask to speak with former & current students to gain a more well rounded perspective.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:19 am
I came across this blog on google.
Its a nice one and a real eye opener for me cos i just made up my mind about enrolling for the accelerated BSN instead of the ADN.
So i am all out to start my prereqs next week-Hoping for the best! so i can put in an application 2009. But like sm1 sd earlier I have no credit history and I am just worried if eventually accepted it”ll cost a firtune! But why not try first? Theres no harm in that and I hear some employers can loan U ur school fees just that U av to work for them for sm specified time after u gradute. Its a nice blog-hoping to readmore interesting stuff from here.
August 13th, 2008 at 11:38 am
@Dami: Welcome to Brain Scramble. Hopefully you can find something worthwhile here.
Good luck with the whole nursing school process, and a process it is, indeed! We’ve all been there, or currently ARE there, so keep us posted on your journey!
September 8th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Anyone considering returning to school for their RN degree needs to keep in mind what their career goals are and time and money they want to invest in getting that degree. My ASN degree has served me well for over twenty-years in that it enabled me to raise two boys and send them to private school, including high school. At the time I had another degree in an unrelated field at the BS level and had limited funds. For many years I was not particularly interested in going on for advanced nursing education. My boys grew up, I no longer had to face life as a single parent, I re-married and have someone to assist me with the care of my mother. Our family life expectancy is into our 80’s and 90’s and facing 20 or 30 more years doing floor nursing of one type or another was no longer apealing. I am enrolled in an online RN/BSN program and will be going on for my masters, despite working for an employer that offers no tuition reimbersement. It can be done.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I read further down into some of the other comments and was appauled with mursec’s comments. My experience as an ASN grad from the beginning was that of finding BSN grads track record for passing nursing boards less successful than ASN grads, when they graduate they often need more clinical guidance from LPN and ASN grad RN’s. My own school of nursing records reflected these issues. Our BSN grads had a lower percentage passing rate than our ASN grads. There is something to be said for taking nursing boards before getting into nursing research and management courses just as there is something to be said for returning online for some of these degrees after having practiced for sometime especially if the nurse has a mixture of woek experience in hospital, extended care, homecare, and perhaps hospice settings.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
@Ann Lee: I love your enthusiasm, thanks for sharing it with us. I think one of the greatest things about nursing is the variety of people and the diversity of backgrounds from which they come. Also interesting to me is the change in career ideals as we age and experience more; you are clearly a case in point, as are many other nurses who eventually do decide to further their education. Thanks for sharing your thoughts; stop by again soon!
October 28th, 2008 at 3:38 am
My return for my BSN thus far has been easier than my previous years in school. I am never at a loss for what to write or for an example to draw from. I think sometimes employers who can only say their associate and diploma nurses are good nurses when they express an interest in obtaining the next degree are not doing enough to encourage tham to return to school. Encouraging them to explore options for return and where to find that information might be a better approach; let them decide if it is worth the time and effort for what they are wanting to do.
March 28th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
As an undergraduate first degree nursing student in my senior year, I feel a strong desire to speak my piece. I must commend any nursing student, despite age, or previous job or degrees earned, on their passion to work in such an unglorified field.
I feel a bit discouraged that this blog is even occurring, a bit more that I am helping it to continue. Nursing students should not judge their peers. For the work that we all go through despite program differences, we are all essentially here for the same reasons, one would hope.
I completely understand the debate in progress, and I even understand the original blog. It must be a difficult decision deciding where, when, and for how long you should go back to school if your heart so desires. Whatever the program choice you make, just assure that it is right for you. However, there should be no attacks on other programs. Our peers in programs across the country with different backgrounds and degrees earned will inevitably be our co-workers in the future.
So I beg, whether the comments are intentional or non, support nursing programs and nurses desite the differences between us all. And my small contribution towards this blog is to please continue your education as much as possible. With the high expectations of nurses in todays world, the more extesive our education, the more we can keep up with our other highly educated professional peers and care for our patients with a higher standard of care.
Whether or not the time is right to continue your education now, consider doing so in the future. We need to go beyond standards and realize our patients need us, and this includes our complex thinking skills, procedural knowledge, and nursing compassion all in one compact RN licensed individual.
June 23rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
well said Migas…i like your comment. We should promote nursing profession and not attack on each other!!!!
August 1st, 2009 at 4:43 am
I believe you have choose the career path that is right for you. Having a B.S. degree, and exceeding the criteria for the BSN programs in my area, it was surprising when I was’nt able to get in and at the last minute I applied to an ADN program and was accepted. I went back and forth in mind thinking maybe I should wait util a BSN program accepts me, but growing up my uncle would always say “WAIT broke the wagon” and my take from this is it’s not what you have, but what you do with it that makes a difference.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 am
I may be late to this debate, however I am inclined to comment. I am a current student graduating from an ASN program in Dec.09. What puzzles me is that I keep seeing “it only takes 2 years to complete an ASN program”. Maybe for some, but personally for me, I took 2 years worth of Pre Reqs (pre-nursing a.s) before getting into the two year program. That’s neither here nor there. The reason I choose the 2 year program was because I wanted to be working sooner, and it was much much cheaper…Also the school was noted as having the highest pass rate on NCLEX first time (in the state..bsn or asn programs)…not too mention that they generally accept 100 students where other schools range from 40-75. That being said, once ur accepted the work load is exteme (which I am sure ALL nursng programs are) requiring much more clinical hours than other schools..I think only nurses and nursing students can relate to our educational experience (i.e. torture). I have NO DESIRE to go into management EVER, however, I would like to purse a career in Nurse Anesthesia. So A BSN is the inevitable for me…(which I always new I would further my eduation) I am commeting because this happens to be a topic for us at the moment…I’ve seen where blogs say ASN programs don’t touch on management and leadership and only take 2 years..(not true) unless it is your second major and that major was a science major..u will be taking at least a years worth of classs before getting in..like the blogger above..she had to take A &P and Human Growth Development….We have a semester devoted to Leadership and Mangement and Community health..so just sme clarity. I say choose what’s best for you..ur finances, and your goal…and go wherever your accepted (if the school is reputable)!!! Getting in ANYWHERE is very competitive Im sure!
April 24th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Hi All,
My fiance and I will both graduate May, 2011, get married in June, and then have to report to his post in July (we won’t find out where that is until 6 months before!!). I know I want to pursue a career in nursing I am just having a ridiculously hard time trying to figure out what plan, an ADN or an Accelerated BSN, is best especially given the fact that having a military lifestyle kind of limits my options for schools 
. Any advice would be so appreciated!! 
I need help!! My fiance is in the Military and currently completeing his time at USMA West Point in New York. I on the other hand am finishing up (1 year left!) at the Univeristy of North Texas. I will graduate will a BA in General Studeies & I already know that I want to pursue a career in Nursing, I just have a peculiar situation
April 24th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Hi,Katt:
First of all congratulations on your upcoming graduation & nuptials (!!). . .and knowing what you want to do! Based on your concerns (i.e. having a military life style, limited options, etc.) I would like to recommend a flexible, accelerated BSN online option that is an accredited and offered by a landbased university. I highly recommend that you pursue a BSN because it will give you greater opportunity and position you for completing your MSN, PhD if you so chose. University of Wisconsin Oskosh developed this program in 2003-so it has traction & a 7 yr history! It will allow you to complete your clinicals in your community. I hope this helps!
Here is the link to the program’s site:
http://www.uwosh.edu/con/undergraduate-bsn/accelerated-online-bachelors-to-bsn/
Best wishes on all your future endeavors!
LaTonya