An ASN is adequate to start out with. You can work the floor at most hospitals (a few require BSN) and then save up for RN to BSN. Or, you can do RN to BSN part time and have your employer assist with school costs.

If you want to advance to charge nurse, management, etc., you will need a BSN. But that's going to be several years down the road. You have plenty of time to transition to a BSN.

I would however encourage you to apply to multiple programs. Who knows, the associates may be more competitive than the bachelors.

I was in the same boat as you some months ago. I decided to go with the associates degree first- as it will be more convenient for me right now. If I were to get a second bachelors degree I'd need to take some additional classes for even applying to a BSN 2 program (namely microbiololgy and chemistry I and II.) That would set me back another year.

I went with the associates for these reasons:

-I'd need to work while in school, so an associates will not be AS demanding (since most bachelors programs are usually faster paced and a little bit shorter in time.)

-Cheaper

-Closer to home (so it'll be a more convenient commute.)

-I can always go back for a bachelors later. Hopefully, I can get an emnployer to help pay for schooling.

-I can avoid taking another year of pre-reqs. There are RN to BSN programs that I could apply to once I graduate. They don't require microbio or chem I and II (they just require you to be an RN.)

-It allows me to see how I like the major before investing more money into a bachelors program. I've never worked in healthcare (just took some health related classes.) This will allow me to see if it's right for me before moving on.

I'd suggest you make a pro/con list and see what's right for you right now. Even if you go with the associates you can always go back later on. Decide what's closer, what program you can get into, etc. As the previous poster mentioned, it's wise to apply to multiple programs. Actually, an associates program can be harder to get into. There aren't as many programs as bachelors. More people apply because of the lower costs and the convenience at times. So, do plan to apply to both.