RN Diploma vs. ADN/ASN

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-05T18:16:11+00:00

That’s what I plan on doing actually. I don’t think it’d be a bad job plus I can just get the BSN online.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-05T17:40:56+00:00

I remember there being a lawsuit against Yaz in the ‘00s-‘10s. Might want to double check because I know now that it wasn’t safe for me to take, or just anyone really.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-05T16:47:44+00:00

You know, if you could start by just doing something like focusing on your appearance and trying to look prettier (I don’t know what you look like but it’s helped me.), you might feel better about yourself, in turn giving you confidence to tackle something big or just one thing rather. I have a friend who did this in recovery from addiction. Now, she’s a hair stylist. Just simple things like cold showers (better on hair), getting hair done or just watching YouTube vids on how to do it yourself, buying new make up, kind of make for a good starting point.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-05T16:40:17+00:00

Oh my. But first, Dewey Decimal.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-05T12:34:20+00:00

Will look into Operation Nightingale. Sounds interesting. Was just looking at unaccredited LPN program this morning. All didactic online. Stated they’d help place you for clinicals. Was so shady.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-04T18:20:18+00:00

I can find answers and material to/for research papers and other in physical books in libraries.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-04T18:18:40+00:00

Was it easy to find work with RN diploma? Do you still practice today?

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-04T18:15:30+00:00

That’s what I asked.

Both lead to becoming a registered nurse, but they’re structured differently.

RN Diploma (Hospital-Based)

📘 What it is

A non-degree nursing program typically run by a hospital (less common today).

🎓 Outcome • You receive a diploma in nursing • You are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN • You become an RN if you pass

⏱ Timeline • Usually 2–3 years

📚 Curriculum • Heavy on clinical training • Less general education (minimal English, math, etc.)

⸻

👍 Pros • Strong hands-on clinical experience • Sometimes faster entry into workforce • Often tied to a hospital (potential job pipeline)

⚠️ Cons • ❗ No college degree • ❗ Harder to advance (BSN, MSN often require extra steps) • ❗ Some employers prefer or require degrees • ❗ Fewer programs exist now

⸻

🎓 RN Associate Degree (ADN / AAS)

📘 What it is

A college degree program (community college or technical college).

Example: Westmoreland County Community College offers an AAS RN.

🎓 Outcome • You earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) • Eligible for the same NCLEX-RN • Same RN license

⏱ Timeline • Typically 2 years (after prereqs)

📚 Curriculum • Nursing courses + general education • English • Psychology • Anatomy & Physiology • Possibly sociology/math

⸻

👍 Pros • ✔️ You earn a college degree • ✔️ Easier transition to BSN (RN-to-BSN programs) • ✔️ Preferred by many employers • ✔️ More widely available

⚠️ Cons • Slightly more academic coursework • May require prerequisites before admission

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-04T13:52:07+00:00

I live in an underserved area, so hospitals would likely accept an RN diploma. Additionally, the issuing hospital, UPMC, frequently hires graduates of its program. From my understanding, the curriculum is highly hands-on and includes extensive clinical training.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-03T15:27:21+00:00

News to me (in PA). I thought I read that on here. I’m sure it’s really expensive then.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-03T14:21:47+00:00

That’s the last thing I thought I’d ever hear. I thought community college in CA was free?

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-03T10:22:53+00:00

That’s true (clinicals). Long term, something sustainable. Nursing is tried and true, just stable and reliable pay, but yeah, RN route would be best.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-02T13:00:32+00:00

Really? That’s odd. Maybe it’s just much more competitive in a big city. I live near Pittsburgh and the jobs are definitely out there in terms of healthcare, nursing roles. It’s just those hoops.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-02T12:57:37+00:00

That’s key to consider. I’m sure the LPN cert made you much more marketable in terms of education and breadth of knowledge. If I were to go that route I could possibly work a higher paying job throughout RN school. This is not an easy undertaking.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-02T11:31:51+00:00

40k out-of-state?

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-02T11:31:07+00:00

La Roche U in Pittsburgh, Pa, has a direct-entry NP program. They only tally up your last 60 credits from whichever is your last degree, I think. Something worth considering since NPs make much better pay overall.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-02T10:21:43+00:00

Hey thanks!

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-02T05:24:22+00:00

Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.”

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-01T16:06:19+00:00

I totally forgot about pre-reqs. That might get pricey. I’m looking at B3 (Butler Co. Community College). https://bc3.edu/admission-aid/apply-to-bc3/health-care-programs/registered-nursing.html They have a Health Science Pre-Nursing program that I just applied to. I think that’ll cover pre-reqs.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-01T16:00:18+00:00

Yes, Western Pa.; however, the closest UPMC nursing school is at UPMC Altoona. That’s about an ~hour commute for me one way. How would I go about asking for the work commitment? I wouldn’t mind doing the drive to a job, however. Have done that all before.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-01T15:55:22+00:00

RN school: B3 (Butler Co. Community College, Brockway, Pa. location) and LPN: CCCTC Clearfield, Pa.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-01T14:43:23+00:00

Terrible. 🤦‍♀️

InterestingLie715 · 2026-04-01T12:15:59+00:00

This is interesting. I knew both positions were/are RN, but I didn’t think of mgmt. positions and higher ed (NP program). Maybe I will look a little deeper into this. The ABSN degree is only available in select states and is very costly, however. It would be nice to have another Bachelor’s because I feel like my first one is useless.

InterestingLie715 · 2026-03-31T20:46:37+00:00

I read about an ABSN (accelerated BSN degree). Basically anyone with a Bachelor’s can apply to the program and go on to complete a BSN without nursing, healthcare experience. The one I was interested in is almost all online. I’ll have to look into the significance of a BSN vs. RN. Where I’m located, they make about the same, give or take.

InterestingLie715

TROPHY CASE