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Hello, I'm currently at a community college for my ADN... I tried to get in the program but Iv never completed all my prereqs, with that being said, I won't make the deadline to apply for the program. Should I by pass the program and work on finishing my liberal arts degree which I have 3 semesters left. Then go to university and get my BSN, or should I just focus on the prereqs for the ADN program and apply year after next? I'm 23 year old and I feel like I should waist anymore time I should of have a degree under my belt by now I think. Please give me feedback, I'd love to hear your advice

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nurseprnRN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 5,114 Posts

What part of "didn't complete my prerequisites" are we talking about here? The science/math? Judging strictly by your written work here, you would probably benefit by finishing a liberal arts degree (A.A.) just to make your English better. (It's "waste," "bypass," and "should have," for starters.)

You're going to have to take those prerequisites sooner or later anyway. If you get into a BSN program, you will have to take a year of them (at least) with good grades before they'll admit you to the two years of nursing program anyway. So it seems to me that you're looking at at least three years.

BSN is the goal in any case, so contact the admissions counselors in each of the programs you'd consider, and see what they advise you to do.

dorkypanda

671 Posts

Depending on what area you are in the BSN program can be pretty competitive and hard to get accepted. You should have already been working on your prereqs. most of the prereqs required by adn programs and BSN programs do overlap there are slight differences and you may take a few more courses. From what I know some programs will require you to complete all prereqs by the time you are ready to apply or have one class that is currently in progress and be done with by the deadline the program states. The thing about BSN programs are that they want top GPA and very good entrance exam scores if they require it. adn programs may require an entrance exam too.

_bobby_leee

14 Posts

So how long in most cases would it take for me to achieve a bachelors if I take ADN route first?

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_bobby_leee

14 Posts

@Grntea excused my spelling my spell check messes up my spelling but I only have a biology and math class left of my prerequisites that I'm taking in the spring

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dorkypanda

671 Posts

Adn programs are typically 2 years. RN to BSN programs could be taken online or in person. I don't know how long online programs are but in person programs are 2 years. So about 3-4 years total if adn is done first.

Ozzy84

397 Posts

Specializes in GI Surgery Step-down.
Depending on what area you are in the BSN program can be pretty competitive and hard to get accepted. You should have already been working on your prereqs. most of the prereqs required by adn programs and BSN programs do overlap there are slight differences and you may take a few more courses. From what I know some programs will require you to complete all prereqs by the time you are ready to apply or have one class that is currently in progress and be done with by the deadline the program states. The thing about BSN programs are that they want top GPA and very good entrance exam scores if they require it. adn programs may require an entrance exam too.

I agree that BSN programs are hard to get in. I applied Stony brook university and got rejected even with all A's . I'd suggest you to apply adn..

Ozzy84

397 Posts

Specializes in GI Surgery Step-down.
Adn programs are typically 2 years. RN to BSN programs could be taken online or in person. I don't know how long online programs are but in person programs are 2 years. So about 3-4 years total if adn is done first.

Depends how many upper level credits you have. It can be 6 month or 1 year or maybe 2 year. Depends also which school you go for bsn and how many credit you take.

_bobby_leee

14 Posts

So in my case at the age of 23 it's best to get my ADN then go back and take an RN-BSN program my advisor told me that I would have 3 years top for an ADN

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Shagce1

200 Posts

Don't feel like being 23 is old and that you don't have anymore time to waste. I am 41 years old and pursuing a second career. I am in an ADN program, and will probably end up in an RN-BSN program. The way I figure it I have at least another 20-30 years in the workforce, you have 40+ years. What is another 3 years in school? There is unfortunately not a quick way to get the RN behind your name, but you will be surprised at how quickly 3 years will go.

_bobby_leee

14 Posts

Lol thank you will definitely take your advice god bless you all hope that you guys have a wonderful Christmas

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RunBabyRN

3,677 Posts

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I'm not sure why you'd pursue the liberal arts degree of you don't plan to use it. It sounds like a waste of 3 more semesters that could be better spent pursuing nursing. Have you thought about volunteering or getting your CNA cert, if your program(s) gives you points for that? Have you looked at any traditional BSN programs? What does your GPA look like? What about your prereqs?

An ADN program is typically 2 years. A traditional BSN program is 2-3 years. An ADN to BSN bridge program is 1-2 years. You'll want to look at the market in your area, what the competition is like for the nursing programs, what requirements you need to meet for various programs, cost of programs, accreditation, etc. It would be smart to apply to more than one program- the more you apply to, the better your odds of getting in somewhere.

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