Advice on best path to RN for an old guy in CT

rubato, ASN, RN · Sep 5, 2013

Here's my 2 cents, for what it's worth. You have a bachelor's degree, so I'd put all effort into either a traditional BSN or an accelerated. You have a decent chance of getting into your first choice, so go for that, obviously. If you don't make it, why get an AN? Why not go for a different BSN?

This is coming from someone who just turned 43 and is going for an AN. I made my choice, because I didn't have a degree and wanted to be sure I could handle school. Plus, I had never been in the health care field and wasn't 100% sure I could handle nursing. Now that I've had clinicals, I will graduate in May with my associates, sit for the NCLEX and bridge immediately for my BSN. Yes, I wish I had gone for my BSN straight away for time sake. But, it would have cost a lot more (I got a full scholarship through my school now), and what if I had hated nursing?

Myoclonicjerk · Sep 6, 2013

rubato,

Thanks for the input. Congrats on the scholarship, so envious.

I definitely prefer going the BSN route. That is where my efforts are focused. Guess I don't want to rule anything out. The deadlines start dates are so different as are the requirements. I would have to take another year of requirements for the other BSN programs. It's not ideal but may be better than the Associates or Certificate route, assuming I can get in. Thanks again.

INN_777, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2013

Hi there. I have a very similar situation, 20 years in business, bachelors and masters in an unrelated field. I have done extensive research on all options and decided strongly against Associates or hospital program. I think it just does not make sense for us: it is longer than the accelerated BSN programs in the area, less competitive in terms of future employment (as hospitals are looking for BSNs to maintain the magnet certification) and you will still need to go for an RN to BSN later. Just does not make sense.

What I did is applied to all programs in the area (UConn, Fairfield, SCSU Ace, Pace) - made a grid with all prerequisites and tried to take them in a way that they would hit the most programs (e.g. if one program required a lower level biology and one a higher, I would take the higher level), prioritizing those of my preferred program in terms of order. Luckily I did get into UConn CEIN (my preferred), so I did not have to take ALL the other ones (it is a pain that they are all different).

Look closer at the Fairfield prerequisites that you are lacking. Although they have many that other schools don't require, they are the types of courses that do not require a huge time investment, can be taken online or by exam (like Religion, Ethics etc). So it is not as scary as it looks. Meet with their program director, they might have tips recommendations for you.

By the way, UConn is a 12 months program and it starts in the Spring semester (Jan).

Good luck.

Maya12 · Dec 18, 2013

Why dont you try for a master in Nursing? In some schools you can apply and get into a masters in nursing with pretty much any other BS degree. I have a friend of mine who studied english and is thinking about applying to it next fall. You might have to take a few classes covered in BSN nursing program but you dont have to do the whole program and you walk away with a masters :)

Best of luck,

Struggling BSN student

turtlesRcool · Mar 2, 2014

You definitely want a BSN. The CC program is great, but much better for people who don't have a prior degree. You're old enough that you don't want to waste time. I say apply to the BSN programs, and see what happens. You don't say where in CT you live or if you are able to relocate. UCONN's CEIN and SCSU's ACE programs are both well-regarded and won't break the bank. I found the private schools (esp. Quinnipiac) to be too expensive to justify, given the presence of more affordable options.

Since you have a bachelor's already, you might want to look into one of the state schools (UCONN, WCSU, SCSU,CCSU) as a TRANSFER student (I don't think Eastconn has a nursing program). The only difference is that it's two years instead of one, but you'd still come away with a BSN. If you could get in for the fall 2014, there really wouldn't be much of a time difference.

Follow me here. If you apply to UCONN's CEIN and get in, you will start Jan 2015 and finish Dec 2015. If you apply as as transfer student to, say WestCONN, you might be able to start Aug 2015, and finish May 2016. Because of the difference in start times, going in as a transfer undergrad could mean only an extra 5 months compared to the CEIN. Plus, a traditional nursing program is not as intense as the accelerated program, so you'd be better able to work during the program and would have the summer off. For this to work, you'd have to move quickly and hope your prereqs match up, but it couldn't hurt to meet with someone from the university to explore the option.

SCSU's ACE program could actually take longer than the two-year transfer route because unless you've already applied, you will have to apply for the class that begins Aug 2015 and finishes July 2016.

jcol1460 · Mar 3, 2014

I opted the other way. I have a masters in social work, so needed to take science classes which were not a requirement of my original field. when I looked at cost and time requirements, I decided the longer part time asn to bsn bridge was the better way to go for me. while I would love to do the absn program at my undergrad alma matter, I just do not have enough time to dedicate to the rigors of that program and still maintain full time employment, household duties/responsibilities, and time with family and sig. other. not to mention, the majority of classes for the absn were offered in time slots which conflict with my work schedule. that is something I cannot change, so needed night/weekend options. by the time it's all said and done, i'll be 41 (36 going on 37 currently) when I finish and graduate with bsn.

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Mar 3, 2014

I'm 44 and with a BSBA and MBA decided on the traditional BSN route. There are no ABSN programs nor direct entry MSN programs near me so those type programs weren't even considered.. but now that I'm 1/2 way done with 2nd semester, I am very THANKFUL that I couldn't attempt a ABSN program.. it's enough of a strain doing it at the speed we are going :)

Best of luck.

Dspaulding · Mar 6, 2014

Same here. 44 year old white male with a BA. I found a couple of accelerated BSN programs. 2 years and you're an RN with a BSN. I did not get into one and went ADN route. Another year on line and I'll have the BSN. Most employers want it and are willing to financially assist. Student debt is not something I was looking forward to!