[Maurs]

Hi,

I looking at going to nursing school, but I am in a dilemma in figuring out which route to take. I currently have a BS in psych and would like to get into an accelerated BSN program as my ultimate goal is to obtain an MSN. I have also checked out the CC ASND and the hospital diploma programs. From what I gather the biggest obstacle I face are the wait times to get into these programs. Unfortunately, I don’t have that option; I am 44 years old coming out of a long term marriage and only have so much time to get myself established career wise. The other option I am considering is getting my RN through a vocational school. They offer an ASND, the program is accredited by the state BON, but it is not nationally accredited. If I obtain my RN license and have a degree in another field would it be possible to go into a master’s program, or would I need a BSN? If I did need a BSN, I am worried that the ASND from the vocational institution would not been transferable due to the program’s lack of national accreditation.

Also, I know getting into nursing school is very competitive, so I am wondering what are the chances of getting accepted into a BSN program or any RN program the first time around? I have a 4.00 GPA with the first degree. At this time, I am working on prerequisite’s, I just finished A&P I. My final grade 86% B.

Thanks any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Maurs]

Can't find the edit button...

ASND "clarification" meant ADN

[elkpark]

Welcome to allnurses! You can find lots of useful info and support here, and I hope you'll enjoy the site!

No one else can tell you what the best option for you is, of course, but I will say that you are right to balk at attending a non-accredited school, esp. if you are already thinking you want to continue your career beyond basic licensure. Graduate programs will require that your previous nursing education is from a nationally accredited program.

Some MSN programs will take people with an ADN and a BA/BS in another field, but you will have fewer choices (of schools) with that combination than you would if you had a BSN. On the other hand, there are a kazillion BSN completion programs out there now, for people with a diploma or ADN and RN license to complete a BSN -- they are comparatively quick and easy (compared to basic nursing school, that is!) and usually v. "user friendly" -- there are many on-line programs, and even the brick-'n-mortar programs are typically designed around the idea that the students are working full-time. Also, many hospital employers offer tuition assistance as a job benefit, so you can often complete the BSN degree after you're licensed and working at little or no out-of-pocket cost.

The schools in your area (or, since you mention you're coming out of a marriage now, are you free to relocate to attend school? That, too, would widen your options) could give you the best information about how competitive you would be as a candidate and what sort of chance you have of getting in on your first try. Have you talked to all of them, in person, about your specific situation? If not, I would recommend that as your next step.

Best wishes for your journey --

[carlyfry]

with your 4.0 GPA from your first degree, you should really have a relatively easy time getting into an accelerated BSN program as long as you have all your prereqs done. Just strive for the highest grades possible in your prereqs and apply to many schools, public and private.