Which Is the Best Route: ADN to BSN or Straight to BSN?
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Question:
My husband is thinking of a career change and going into nursing. We’re looking at the different options available and it is a bit overwhelming. What are the advantages of doing an ADN, for example, and then earning a BSN later versus going ahead and getting a BSN right off the bat?
Answer:
You are right, there are several paths of nursing education someone can take to get his or her nursing license, so deciding which path to take depends on immediate concerns, finances, and long-term goals, as well as preference.
In your husband’s case, neither nursing school route is likely better than the other, but they both have their advantages.
If your husband gets his registered nurse (RN) license after getting his associate degree in nursing (ADN), he can start work as an RN right away and get his bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) while he is earning money as a staff nurse. Another issue to keep in mind is some hospitals and institutions will help pay for an nursing degree in exchange for an agreement to continue working there for a set amount of time. Some licensed practical nurses (LPNs) also go this route, working as an LPN while getting their RN.
Going straight for a BSN is another option that will allow your husband to get into the BSN level at work right away, perhaps giving him more job opportunities than if he had graduated with an ADN. As well, because he won’t be working as an RN, he might be able to finish his nursing degree while attending school full-time, assuming he doesn’t have to work in another field to help support the family.
Tags: ADN, associate degree in nursing, bachelor's of nursing, BSN, licensed practical nurse, LPN, nursing degree, nursing education, nursing school, online nursing school, registered nurse, registered nurse license, RN, RN license
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