3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
ADN programs often admit students with an overall high school GPA between 2.5 and 2.75, while BSN degrees require at least a 3.0 GPA. More selective undergraduate programs may require GPAs of 3.25 or higher. Nursing schools often ask for an essay describing educational and career goals.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING (ADN)
An ADN degree is an typically a two-year program, that you can earn in order to pursue a registered nurse (RN) designation and work in healthcare. ADN programs provide you with the basic skills needed as a nurse, such as administering patient care.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE NURSING (BSN)
A BSN degree is a bachelor’s degree, typically a four-year program, that is a step higher than an ADN degree. Registered nurses with this degree not only go to school longer, but they also gain a more in-depth education compared to those with an ADN degree. This can lead to better work situations and advancement opportunities throughout your career.
When deciding whether to earn an ADN or BSN, you should weigh the advantages that each degree offers. Although you will not be in school as long while earning an ADN, nursing careers are more limited with this degree. Choosing between an ADN and BSN degree also involves thinking about the kind of nursing career you want to build. A BSN degree provides you with more employment opportunities, as well as a chance to earn a higher salary. With a BSN degree, you will also be able to provide a wider range of healthcare to patients. If you are looking for a more challenging nursing career or a career that is more complex, a BSN degree might be the better option for you Ryan.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING (ADN)
An ADN degree is an typically a two-year program, that you can earn in order to pursue a registered nurse (RN) designation and work in healthcare. ADN programs provide you with the basic skills needed as a nurse, such as administering patient care.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE NURSING (BSN)
A BSN degree is a bachelor’s degree, typically a four-year program, that is a step higher than an ADN degree. Registered nurses with this degree not only go to school longer, but they also gain a more in-depth education compared to those with an ADN degree. This can lead to better work situations and advancement opportunities throughout your career.
When deciding whether to earn an ADN or BSN, you should weigh the advantages that each degree offers. Although you will not be in school as long while earning an ADN, nursing careers are more limited with this degree. Choosing between an ADN and BSN degree also involves thinking about the kind of nursing career you want to build. A BSN degree provides you with more employment opportunities, as well as a chance to earn a higher salary. With a BSN degree, you will also be able to provide a wider range of healthcare to patients. If you are looking for a more challenging nursing career or a career that is more complex, a BSN degree might be the better option for you Ryan.
Updated
Martin’s Answer
That's a great question! Every school has its own unique GPA requirements for their programs, so it can vary quite a bit. If your high school GPA isn't as high as you'd like, don't worry! You can take some relevant college classes over the summer to show you're up for the challenge. Keep in mind, nursing school is pretty competitive right now, so try to engage in other activities too. This will show that you can succeed not only in the program but also in other areas, helping to shape you into a well-rounded individual.
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Ryan,
I advise against joining an Associate Degree Nursing program because your employer might not recognize your ADN status unless you're also pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. I speak from experience, having graduated from a diploma nursing program and quickly returning to earn my bachelor's degree.
As Registered Nurses, we enjoy a substantial income, which could possibly lessen your drive or divert your attention from enrolling in a BSN program.
Here are the requirements for admission into the University of Illinois at Chicago nursing school, one of my alma maters:
"Transfer Admission
All students admitted to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must have completed 57 credit hours of college-level coursework, hence, all admissions are considered as transfer admissions.
Learn about courses required before admission. →
Admission into the traditional BSN program is only in the fall semester and is highly competitive. To be fully considered, you must meet the following minimum admission criteria:
- 2.75/4.00 cumulative transfer GPA
- 2.50/4.00 natural science GPA
- Completion of two of the four prerequisite science courses by the application deadline
International applicants may need to provide additional documentation. Please check the Office of Admissions International Student Admission Requirements page for more information.
Transfer Tool
We suggest using Transferology, an online tool that shows program requirements, course equivalencies, and how the courses you have taken or plan to take transfer to the UIC College of Nursing."
Getting into U of I is challenging and the coursework is demanding. It's one of the top nursing schools in the country.
I used to be part of the faculty at Rush University College of Nursing. Students are admitted at the graduate level as there's no bachelor's program. It's highly ranked nationally, with a strong focus on science and math/statistics. The science courses must be recent (5-7 years depending on the nursing school) to be accepted, otherwise, they need to be retaken.
I advise against joining an Associate Degree Nursing program because your employer might not recognize your ADN status unless you're also pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. I speak from experience, having graduated from a diploma nursing program and quickly returning to earn my bachelor's degree.
As Registered Nurses, we enjoy a substantial income, which could possibly lessen your drive or divert your attention from enrolling in a BSN program.
Here are the requirements for admission into the University of Illinois at Chicago nursing school, one of my alma maters:
"Transfer Admission
All students admitted to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must have completed 57 credit hours of college-level coursework, hence, all admissions are considered as transfer admissions.
Learn about courses required before admission. →
Admission into the traditional BSN program is only in the fall semester and is highly competitive. To be fully considered, you must meet the following minimum admission criteria:
- 2.75/4.00 cumulative transfer GPA
- 2.50/4.00 natural science GPA
- Completion of two of the four prerequisite science courses by the application deadline
International applicants may need to provide additional documentation. Please check the Office of Admissions International Student Admission Requirements page for more information.
Transfer Tool
We suggest using Transferology, an online tool that shows program requirements, course equivalencies, and how the courses you have taken or plan to take transfer to the UIC College of Nursing."
Getting into U of I is challenging and the coursework is demanding. It's one of the top nursing schools in the country.
I used to be part of the faculty at Rush University College of Nursing. Students are admitted at the graduate level as there's no bachelor's program. It's highly ranked nationally, with a strong focus on science and math/statistics. The science courses must be recent (5-7 years depending on the nursing school) to be accepted, otherwise, they need to be retaken.