Degree differences??

[mtmustoe]

Hey! I, like many am considering a return to school given the economic situation. Fortunately I have been in a career that chose me rather than one I chose so I would like to go into Nursing as it is something I have always had an interest in. What I would like to know is . . what is the difference between the Associate and Bachelors degree program? Either way my understanding is that you are an RN. One school I am looking at offers basically a two and a half year program which graduates you as an RN and another two and a half year program which also graduates you as an RN but is designed to transfer into the University system so you can get your BS. Also . . how do you specialize in Nursing? How educationally could you go into Pediatrics vs. Emergency Room or just a floor nurse? Need to have answers on this so I can determine what the best educational course would be. Thanks.

[OldSquidNewNurse]

Hey! I, like many am considering a return to school given the economic situation. Fortunately I have been in a career that chose me rather than one I chose so I would like to go into Nursing as it is something I have always had an interest in. What I would like to know is . . what is the difference between the Associate and Bachelors degree program? Either way my understanding is that you are an RN. One school I am looking at offers basically a two and a half year program which graduates you as an RN and another two and a half year program which also graduates you as an RN but is designed to transfer into the University system so you can get your BS. Also . . how do you specialize in Nursing? How educationally could you go into Pediatrics vs. Emergency Room or just a floor nurse? Need to have answers on this so I can determine what the best educational course would be. Thanks.

If you search around this site, there's been a few threads about this. A RN is and RN regardless of degree. However, there is a difference between an ADN and BSN. Most government positions perfer a BSN over an ADN and there are jobs in the private sector that are also this way. BSN's are also promoted to management positions. Keep in mind that there are good and bad ADN's and BSN's out there just like any other job. Most entry level nurses are trained at the ADN level, with many going on to get a BSN.

Best of Luck!

[mtmustoe]

So getting the Associate degree is definately a valid option to get your foot in the door and then pursue the BSN after right?

[Robert F]

Absolutely. In most cases, an RN, AAS along with the appropriate extra general education courses will allow you to enter a 1 year program to transition into your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Furthermore, one can also go for one year; get his/her LPN license and then transition into an associates degree program in nursing, receiving credit for the first didactic year and subsequently bridging into the latter part of the nursing curriculum.

[cassioo]

A BSN progrom ads in all of the humanities that other 4 yr degrees do as well as the nursing management and community health and more critical care then the ADN has...you can also go straight to MSN from BSN programs.

As far as specialization that more OJT. You get a little of everything in the basic ADN or BSN program then you decide what you like and find a job in that area. Some hospitals will only hire for speciality floors after a year or so experience in med/surg but more and more they will hire a new grad. A good way to get your foot in the dorr is work as a student nurse, extern or nurse assist (whatever they are called where you are). If your foot is already in the door at a hospital it's easier to transfer to a RN job after graduation.

[Grandma-RN]

If I may, if it is going to take you more than 2 years to get your pre-reqs out of the way and then the 2 year for the RN-AAS program, which is mostly 5 semester, if you can afford it, you can go ahead and get your BSN.

Each individual and school time frame is a little different.

For me, I am now in an RN-BSN program. It took me 4 years to get an RN-AAS. Just a thought to ponder.

[RNCMSN]

I'm going to chime in here because I can. Obtaining your 2 yr. degree, or Associates in Nursing allows you to sit for boards and obtain your RN licensure. This will enable you to work as a nurse. What specialty you choose is entirely up to you. Often times students are drawn to the area that they are currently studying. Such as during a peds rotation a student may feel that is their thing but then during critical care decide that's what they want to do. While others know from day one what they want to do. The thing to keep in mind is that you can do anything once you are done. You can even have dual specialties or switch from one to another.
Now, the BSN is advantageous and may even be mandatory for advancement or even for certain positions. Your education here becomes broader. It goes beyond the anatomy and physiology of normal vs. disease processes. You will begin to understand more about the business of nursing, leadership and such.
One can work as an RN with an associates, then continue your education. I personally feel this works well for the student that needs to work (make money) as quickly as possible.
I could go on and on. Please do ask questions. I would be happy to help as I am sure others here are too. Nursing education is one of my things. :-)