ADN or BSN? You Can Do Both

It's easy to think of nursing education as two separate choices: ADN or BSN.

But choosing the ADN route doesn't mean you're giving up the option of earning your BSN.

You can start with an ADN and continue toward your bachelor's degree through two common pathways.

1. Concurrent enrollment

Some universities allow ADN students to begin taking BSN courses while they're still enrolled in their ADN program, sometimes as early as the first semester.

This means you can start working toward your BSN before you graduate from your ADN program.

If this pathway interests you, check whether the ADN programs you're considering have a concurrent enrollment pathway with a university.

2. RN-to-BSN

Another option is to complete your ADN, graduate, pass the NCLEX, and then enroll in an RN-to-BSN program to complete your bachelor's degree.

The difference between these pathways is how and when you complete the BSN. You may begin BSN coursework while completing your ADN through concurrent enrollment, or continue through an RN-to-BSN program after becoming an RN.

What to compare

These pathways differ from school to school. When comparing ADN programs, check:

• Which universities partner with the ADN program
• When BSN coursework begins
• Whether there is a separate application or admission process
• Which general education courses still need to be completed
• Course format, workload, cost, and financial aid

The right option depends on your timeline, workload, and the partnerships available through the ADN programs on your list.