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Should I go for associates or a bachelors in nursing?

I'm going to school for nursing and there are two options an associates degree(RN) or a bachelors degree(BSN). I'd be making more money and have more responsibility with having my bachelors but with an associates I'd be doing almost the same thing but with less schooling and less student debt. #nursing

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Jordan’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Hi Alysa,


Glad to hear your a pursuing the nursing industry! It's great that you are considering these two different tracks. I've picked out some advice for you that I think would be helpful in your decision:


http://careervillage.org/questions/1083/when-becoming-a-nurse-which-degree-is-better-to-get-first-msn-or-bsn

http://careervillage.org/questions/1016/what-is-the-difference-between-a-certified-nurse-and-nurse-practioner

http://careervillage.org/questions/674/what-steps-do-you-need-to-take-to-become-a-registered-nurse


Hope this is helpful!

Jordan
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Rosie’s Answer

Ultimately the choice is yours. I can only share my experiences with that said I have an associate and I've been fortunate enough to advance into management. In today's market it's not always about the degree but the experience you bring to the table.

I will say though that many hospitals do require BSNs due to magnet status. Another thing to consider is the amount of time and the price. If you have a family a shorter less expensive program may work for you. I went from an LPN program to a bridge ADN program. This was 1 year and a total of $2300. I wouldn't have done it any other way to be honest.


Rosie recommends the following next steps:

Research both ADN and BSN programs. Weigh out the pros and cons to each program.
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Tanya’s Answer

Actually, you are not quite correct in your statement. Both degrees take the same NCLEX, and both work in the same role. Some positions will require a bachelors, such as community health, and school nursing (but even that varies by location). There is not a large wage difference between the two. Some hospitals it is as low as 25 cents. I myself started out with an associates degree and had no difficulty securing positions in both the hospital, and private practice. I made the same as bachelor nurses and we completed the same jobs. Assignments are not divided based on associate degree vs bachelor degree. An RN is an RN. Some Magnet hospitals are required to maintain a certain ratio of BSN nurses, so those positions may be harder to get with an associates, but again, I never had a problem.


If you are concerned about the cost of schooling, I would recommend an associate degree first, then you can return for a bachelors, which can be completed online at many good accredited schools. You can even complete an RN-MSN at your leisure online after you are working as a nurse.

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