[PhilaGuy]

Hi all! I saw a few things about accelerated degree programs in PA, but I'm looking to see if there are any part-time / weekend programs that would allow me to continue working while getting my BSN. I'm starting from scratch with a science major (my current degrees are in Finance and an MBA), so I'm not expecting quick.

If anyone knows of any in the Philadelphia area (or west out to Lancaster), I'd appreciate it!

[mkouch83]

La Salle has a part-time evening/weekend BSN program. You need to have all of your science pre-reqs (A&P, Chem, Micro, etc.) before entering the program which you can take at a community college to save some money. It took me 2 years part-time to take all the pre-reqs.

Once you've taken all of the pre-reqs, La Salle's program is 2 and a half years long including summers. You have classes 2 nights a week and do your clinical rotations on the weekends. I am finishing my first year in La Salle's program and am working a full-time day job though it is a challenge at times. Good luck!

[PhilaGuy]

That MIGHT be an option. Problem for me is that I completely my undergrad back in 1997 (and my MBA in 2001). Its been a while - Not sure if they will accept those credits.

On the other hand, I'm hoping a compromise (i.e. take the 5-6 science classes that I never took, and do well in them to earn a spot) might be an option. At least I hope so!

[coopher12]

Probably not exactly what you are looking for, but HACC in Lancaster and Lancaster General both have part time programs, but they are RN (Associates).

I am in HACC at Lancaster. I did all of the prerqs there and just got accepted to clinicals. Like you I am starting from scratch, but for me it makes more sense to get the RN, then the BSN or possibly MSN down the line.

[mkouch83]

You should make an appointment to meet with Kristin DeLay. She is the ACHIEVE Program coordinator and will tell you what credits will transfer from your old degree and what you still need to take. You can also find the list of prereqs on La Salle's website:

http://www.lasalle.edu/academ/nursin...e/a_prereq.htm

Good luck!

[PhilaGuy]

Thanks! Another thing we're looking at (my wife is considering this as well -- Our last youngster is about to start school next year) is going to a Community College for the Associates (RN), then going into an accelerated RN to BSN program. Figure a year with summer classes (1 1/2 yrs maybe) to do the Associate's degree, and another year for the RN to BSN program.

Nice thing about this method is if I found the program wasn't for me, I'd know about it before paying for expensive classes (a 3 credit course at the local community colleges cost $650, compared to my $2000 MBA classes that's a steal

[coopher12]

For my part time program it is 8 consecutive semesters at HACC-2 evenings/week which is totally doable.

I said this made the most sense for me and it might for you as well, b/c lots of times going into a BSN program with a previous degree you will have to repeat many classes you already have. I only took 3 science prereqs before clinicals. I plan to do the BSN or possibly even an MSN instead through continuing ed once I am working. Sometimes you can even get tuition reimbursement too.

GL!

[PhilaGuy]

Yeah, only tough part about this is getting through my head 1) I'm switching careers at 34, 2) I'm cutting my pay (initially) about 50%, and 3) Its scary

Now, the pros:
1) Both my wife and I want to do this, after thinking about it the last several months
2) With both of us working, pay cut isn't a problem
3) When we want more kids, nursing is a unique profession where she wouldn't necessarily have to stop to raise our child, but could work P/T with me home during those periods.
4) You get to wear scrubs. I'm sorry, that's just comfortable.

My wife was already thinking about this, but I'll give ya a neat story as to where my motivation comes from. I'm good at my current job as a Solutions Architect (lead programmer / designer), but I work *LONG* hours (upwards of 60-70 a week, including some weekend time and evenings at home). I don't actually get to help people - That always bothered me a little, but hey - I have my career, can't switch, right?

In October, I was disagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma (Stage 2). Scariest thing I think you can be told in your early 30s is you have cancer. Lucky for me, its one of the more curable ones, and I went into remission halfway through chemo (onc puts my chances of being cured at 95% at this point). It made me do a lot of soul searching, and I decided (correctly - It just took me a while to think of it) that money was not as important as satisfaction, or time with family.

I've always been facinated with the medical arts, and I just think Nursing offers the best upward advancement while allowing me to realistically do this (I know I couldn't work while going to med school, for example, as I'd NEVER see my kids). My goal is to get my MSN and NP, and I have an excitement and drive I haven't had in a while. I'm telling you, I'm excited!

All of you adults who have gone are done this following previous careers, my hat's off to you. Its scary starting over. But when I'm done, having the ability to help people every day (and get paid for it) sounds absolutely wonderful. And its nice that if my wife and I find the same hospital to work at, we can have nice weekly mini-dates in the cafeteria

[coopher12]

Wow- so glad you are in remission. What an inspirational story as to why you want to do this.

I too found myself starting over due to some experiences in my past that led me here. I am 35, have a BA and MS already. Starting from scratch too, but I feel like it will all be worth it.

Best of luck to you!

[PhilaGuy]

It looks like DCCC already has a waiting list for this fall, ugh. Any other ideas on schools in the Chester County area (willing to go in a decent radius around there though!).

We live really close to West Chester U, but not sure how difficult it is to get into their programs (and if they even have a night / weekend thing).