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If I want to officially work as a certified nurse, should I go into a 2-year or 4-year program?

Since the Beginning of the year, I have been receiving college acceptances. I got one from Alfred State that says I was conditionally accepted into their 2-year nursing program. But my godmother and other nurses that I have asked says that I should go for the 4-year program because it comes with a higher degree. But I was worried that I would be passing up an opportunity that was given for me to enter a nursing program. #nursing #healthcare

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Teresa’s Answer

Dear Serena, You can take the NCLEX exam and work as an RN with either an ADN (Associates degree in nursing) or a BSN ( bachelor's degree in nursing). But- many hospitals require a BSN. I actually graduated from nursing school in 1986 and began practicing as an RN without my BSN for many years- I am now a manager of a unit and a BSN was required- so I had to go back to school while working full time. I now have my BSN. I think that it would have been better if I had gone straight thru and gotten the 4 year degree at the beginning. You can still be successful with an ADN-- It just will not open as many doors. If you get a full scholarship to attend a 2 year degree, you might consider the possibility of taking your two years and then taking an RN to BSN program.

Thank you comment icon Thank You! Serena
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Maisha’s Answer

More employers are looking for Bachelors prepared nurses...so go for the 4-year program.
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Keerthan’s Answer

Congratulations on your college acceptances! You do not have to pass up the opportunity at Alfred State to get your 4-year degree; in fact, Alfred State offers an excellent AAS to BS Dual Degree program exactly for this reason, meaning accepting their 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) offer can just be phase one of your journey. While your godmother and peers are correct that a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the industry benchmark—granting you higher pay, leadership roles, and access to hospitals that require a BSN (like Magnet status hospitals)—starting with a 2-year ADN allows you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, become an officially certified Registered Nurse, and start working and earning money much faster. Many hospitals will actually pay for your tuition via tuition reimbursement programs if you work for them as an ADN-prepared nurse while completing your BSN online. Ultimately, if you want a traditional, immersive four-year college experience from the start, go for the 4-year BSN; however, if you want to save money, enter the workforce by year three, and have an employer fund your bachelor's degree, accepting Alfred State's 2-year program and later bridging to a BSN is a highly strategic, debt-reducing path.
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Laura’s Answer

A BSN is often preferred because it offers more career opportunities in the future, not necessarily because it makes you a better nurse right away.

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Duration: About 2 years after prerequisites
- Result: Eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN
- Location: Community colleges
- Ideal for: Quick and cost-effective entry into nursing

2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Duration: About 4 years
- Result: RN license plus a bachelor's degree
- Ideal for: Better long-term job prospects, as many hospitals now prefer BSN graduates
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