Is an associate's degree in nursing worth it?

Question

I have been debating between going into law vs. going into nursing since I hate my current major and don't want to get stuck as someone's desk assistant as my career.  I worked as a lifeguard for years and loved helping people during emergencies, so I'm looking into what I'd have to do to get a career in nursing.

Next spring, I will be graduating with my BA in sociology.  Since I only have 30hrs left and only 9hr left in the major, I'm getting the degree regardless.  It's silly at this point not to finish.  The benefit to getting the associate's is that I already have the prerequisite's done, and all but one of the general education requirements completed.  So, while it would still take 4 semesters to complete the program, I wouldn't have to take as many classes each semester since I've already taken some of them.  Which also means spending less money for tuition (which would already be a 1/3 of the cost of BSN programs in my area).  Also, in order to apply for the BSN, I need about 12hrs of prerequisites, which wouldn't count toward my current degree, and would require an extra semester of coursework after my BA.  I know you have to spend money to make money, but I'd like to keep costs down as much as possible if the payoff is about the same.

While the associate's looks appealing, I was wondering if it would limit my career in any way.  It's an approved program and NOT online, but are employers willing to hire someone with just a associate's (I would have a BA, just not BSN)?  Would I still be able to work in a hospital?  Is there a drastic pay difference?

Take A Test! · Accepted Answer

Well, it's helpful that you hold a BA in another field. And the hiring preference for BSNs is really a regional thing right now. I mean, sure, a potential employer will always "prefer" someone who has a higher degree in nursing, but they cannot always hold out for BSN grads, and ADN grads that stand out in some way have just as good a chance at getting a job in most places (or at least where I live). 

Is the BSN program you're looking into an accelerated BSN program for people, like you, who already hold a previous BA/BS degree? It might be more affordable than you think, if you can find a program like this nearby. 

But at any rate, if you only get the ADN, money won't be such a big deal if you choose to remain a staff nurse. My hospital only pays BSN nurses $1.50 more per hour above the ADNs when you are a staff nurse. The pay differences happen because BSN nurses are more qualified to advance out of direct patient care and into leadership and management and other misc. supervisory positions. With those kinds of positions, the BSN really does make a difference, and the BA in sociology won't be of much help at all. 

You could get your ADN, then find a job at an employer that offers tuition assistance and then return to complete your BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program - which can be easily completed online from regular, credible state and public colleges/universities. That's what I did.

Lisa · Answer

It really depends on where you want to work.  Scope out the job requirements for your area on Monster.com or other websites.  Where I live, a BSN doesn't mean a hill of beans.  Nobody here has a BSN.  Other places, it's required.

Something else to look into is scholarships for nursing students.  Many will pay for you to study to be an RN, but they won't pay for RN to BSN programs.  Talk to a local college rep about the requirements.  If your area is going to require a BSN, then by all means get it.

One thing that i would strongly recommend is that you don't take the shortcut accelerated BSN that dismisses a lot of prerequisite classes.  I also have a BS in another field and the requirements are much different.  My BS in education did NOTHING to prepare me for nursing.  Take the required A&P, nutrition, etc.  You will need it for your core classes.  Attend as if you didn't already have a BA degree - you won't regret it.

Is an associate's degree in nursing worth it?

2 Answers