Is an RN degree from a University any better than one from a community college?
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Hi, i am an R.N. You can go to a community college and get an associates degree in nursing...then take state board exams to be an RN. You can then work as an R.N. However, many states and employers now prefer (and some REQUIRE) a bachelor's (4 yr. degree). Also, your promotion opportunities and job opportunities are limited with only the 2 yr degree. What many people do , is get the 2 yr degree and start working, then they qualify for tuition reimbursement from their employer. Many employers offer this. .. especially large hospitals. Then, you can register at a nearby university and transfer your credits. Most universities have a 2 yr program that picks up where the associates degree left off. You can go to university part time until you complete your 4 yr degree. I have known many nurses who have done this. like I said, many places are now requiring you to have or be working on your 4 yr. degree. You need to talk to the 2 yr. school and make sure they have a good working relationship with a nearby university and that their credits will transfer. Most community colleges do this. You will find tha 4 yr. degree to be very beneficial to your career. I hope you are able to make a good educational plan and work things out well.
Yes, most of the time at the university level it is a BSN rather than an RN, though alot of people take the RN test while their still in school so that they can get some experience .
The community college RN degree includes an Associate of Science degree while the university program requires 4 years and earns you a Bachelor of Science Degree. It depends if you want to work bedside nursing or qualify for supervisory roles in nursing.
the only other factor I can think of may be whether either program is accredited or not, and not sure if that will matter for you. Accredited programs are typically looked at as being better than non accredited programs.
There's no difference. I personally have a Diploma in Nursing and an Associates in Science from a Community College. I had two times more clinical experience than the students at 4-5 local BSN programs. No offense, but in the medical world, hands on means so much more than reading a book and regurgitating facts. If your Community College has a good Nursing Program, GO FOR IT!! I work at the #1 Hospital in the country and I've never once regretted taking the course I did. You can start working ASAP and continue to go to school. Good Luck!
I know quite a few RN's that completed coursework at a community college and are now working at Memorial Hermann hospitals, St. Lukes, Methodist, and MD Anderson in Texas. My sister actually attained her nursing degree at a community college and is now a charge nurse.
There are, however, some hospitals that require the BSN degree from a four year institute.
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