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I am in pre-nursing right now, but i figured this would be the best place to post a few questions. I'll be applying to an AS program soon, but really want to get into a BS program. I'm just very afraid I cannot make it and its the only bsn school in my area. If I get accepted into the AS program I think I should take it because I don't wanna wait a year and get rejected from the BSN program. I am just very nervous...as you can probably tell :chuckle. I was wondering for those of you who did get accepted to A BSN program, what was your GPA, work and volunteer experience? Any adivice on getting in would really be appreciated.

Be careful, you may open up an old kettle of worms "ADN or BSN." I personally am going into the ADN program and then going to bridge over to a BSN. The advantage, IMHO, is that once you finish, you may be able to get tuition reimbursement from your employer. I'm definitely going for my BSN and possibly an MSN since I want to get into nursing management or staff development, but going for the ADN seems to be the one that will open these doors for me.

Best of luck!

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I'm in an AD program, but my school offers it all - from BSN to MSN to NP degrees. I figure at my age (uh, mid-to-late 30's??), I'd do the AD first so I can start working, then bridge to a BSN.

What I didn't know was that ALL nursing students in my school are awarded an ADN after 2 years, so they can take the NCLEX, then those in the BSN program continue on. I may do that, but may not, depends on my financial situation. It's an expensive Catholic college - $692 per credit. I think I can bridge cheaper elsewhere, but I do love the staff. I'll see what happens after I start working.

So my advice, look at all your options. :)

I am returning for my BSN after being a ADN for 12 years. I suffered a severe back injury that has caused me to live in chronic pain. I want more job opprotunities. I really like education. I would like to find an education job in wellness or I might try to stick it out for MSN and go into nursing education. Anyone have any advice.

I am in pre-nursing right now, but i figured this would be the best place to post a few questions. I'll be applying to an AS program soon, but really want to get into a BS program. I'm just very afraid I cannot make it and its the only bsn school in my area. If I get accepted into the AS program I think I should take it because I don't wanna wait a year and get rejected from the BSN program. I am just very nervous...as you can probably tell :chuckle. I was wondering for those of you who did get accepted to A BSN program, what was your GPA, work and volunteer experience? Any adivice on getting in would really be appreciated.

I am in a BSN program. My GPA was a 3.9, but the cutoff of who was accepted was a 3.1. My volunteer experience mainly dealt with my children, PTA, soccer coach, church nursery etc. If you want the BSN then believe in yourself and go for it. In my experience reading this board and talking to people, BSN programs are slower paced and maybe a little easier because of that.

well, i'll just say this: my gpa was 3.5 based on 34 credits, i had taken all of the pre-req's for my adn program. i had letters sent on my behalf from numerous professors and employers from the medical professon to both the adn and bsn programs. and after going above and beyond what they asked for; i didn't get into the adn, but did get into the bsn. on the other hand, my best friend, had a gpa of 4.0 based on 60 credits she had taken all the pre-req's for the bsn program. she wanted so badly to get into the bsn program, she volunteered for over a year, previously did the peace core, envolved in community programs, tutored, and was honored citizen of the year for work with the homeless in her home town. and after all that she only got accepted to the adn program. the bsn program had no reason when she asked them why she was denied. so you just don't know what can happen. you're better off just covering all the bases. i personally prefer to go the adn-bsn route. i feel, it doesn't matter how you get the bsn, if you want it, you'll get it. however, if you skip the chance to get into the adn and the bsn passes on your application, then you'll be waiting for another year. as for me, after i payed out all the fees to the expensive bsn school, my adn program called and told me they had an open seat if i was still intrested. as for my friend, she accepted the adn's offer and plans to transfer asap for the bsn. good luck.

thanks so much for the replies. winner what state do you attened nursing school? in florida you have to have all general education/gordon rule, foreign language, and state mandated prerequisites done before u apply, or you have to document that you are currently enrolled in the last classes you need and show proof they are completed by the first day of class. this is what annoys me; finishing everything requires 2 years, so you cant apply to the bsn after only a year like you do with adn. over here bridging from adn to bsn takes about 1 1/2 years and thats if you complete your other required course work while in the adn nursing program. so i think adn to bsn is about 5 1/2 years over all. i'm still nervous...i keep thinking neither will accept me.

on a positive note i will be working as a tech soon. i am really psyched about it...one step closer to what i wanna do.

I start the University of Central Florida's BSN program in January. My gpa was 3.7. As far as volunteering goes, or even letters of req, my school does not even take those into consideration. They strictly look at your gpa. However, the ADN program here does take volunteering into consideration. They base their decision on a point system. Best of Luck!

I think it's funny that all these programs look at volunteer work. I haven't done any since I was a candystriper at 13 yrs. old. I'm too busy with kids. So, my school must just go by GPA which I don't entirely understand because mine from High school stunk (which would have been what they would have looked at the first time I got into the program). hmmmmmmm....

Anyways, OP...If I were you, I would take the ADN if you get accepted (or have you alreadY?) You can ALWAYS go for your BSN later......why take a chance, ya know?

Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

With competition being what it is, I would apply to both and take whichever one accepted me. ADN programs are not easy to get into in these parts of Florida.

Specializes in L&D.

I agree with some of the other posters. Definately apply to both. My BSN program only takes GPA into consideration. I believe you only need a 2.8 to get accepted. But, my program accepts 60-something students 3 times a year. No waiting list - usually. Sometimes there may be more than the 60-something accepted and that's when they do a drawing. They draw the 62 people and the extra few will automatically starting the next semester. But that doesn't usually happen. Now, the ADN program in the area has a 5 year waiting list which I feel is absolutely rediculous - imho!!! They only require a few prereqs though, so it's not difficult to get in. I'm not sure if they want volunteering or references though. Good luck! Go for both!

Specializes in OB, lactation.

Try to find out the specifics about the two programs.

I would encourage anyone that is able to, to go ahead and get the BSN. You never know what life may throw you that may put off that BSN later on. Or, you may decide you want your MSN and then you'll already be ready to go straight for that. For example, I know one lady who didn't become a nurse-midwife because she'd have to go and get her BSN first then the MSN, and it was more than she was willing/able to commit to at that point in her life with kids, house payment, etc. etc.

I think my BSN program is easier to get into than our ADN programs, because a lot of people don't want to spend the extra time involved in getting the BSN. Of course, they all vary, that's why I suggested finding out more about your particular programs. Maybe meet with someone and lay out your dilemma (I would suggest to find someone who is NOT a recruiter, sometimes they'll just tell you what you want to hear, not what's most accurate or advisable). You may not be able to drag out all the info you want but it can't hurt.

Also, I didn't catch if you already have your lower level (freshman and sophmore) work done for the BSN? If not, then you don't have to be admitted to the BSN program to do that part, at least not at my school.... I wouldn't think you would anywhere. Then you could have a chance to get to know about the program, get in the student nurses club, volunteer with them etc. Likewise if you already have your A.A., it seems like a waste to have done all that when you didn't have to for an ADN. But I understand the time/acceptance predicament.

those of you who did get accepted to A BSN program, what was your GPA, work and volunteer experience?

I had all A's in my prereq's except a B in chemistry. I also had a previous degree in education from 10 years prior with about a 3.4 GPA overall. I had been a teacher, children's agency case manager, mom, etc. I had founded and led (still do) a local chapter of a nonprofit support group in my town, done community projects, founded a 'family fair' in my town, volunteered at a crime victim's center, etc. But I am 33, so I've had time to do all that. I got in initially, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway b/c my school got extra money at the last minute and ended up accepting everyone on the waiting list anyway :) That was 80 last year, they took 100 this year but the only matriculate in the Fall.

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