Associate of Science in Nursing or Bachelor's in Gerontology??

linnywho · Aug 3, 2008

I specifically chose against going to OLOL due to its cost and lack of direct BSN. At the time students who completed the ASN could apply to the BSN program. The reality is that only those with the top GPAs could get in. The rest were told to get some nursing experience. So those students, perhaps 95%, would have to go take the NCLEX and work for a year or even 2. They could then reapply to the program. To me this is a complete waste of time unless you are in bad need of money. And if that is the case you wouldn't be paying the tuition cost of OLOL. The other issues to consider are which will let you get the highest GPA. I don't know many BSNs with 3.5 or above GPAs by the time they get out. And depending on the PA program you apply to, that GPA may be necessary depending on your MAT or GRE score.

I would highly recommend getting your BSN if you want to become a Nurse practitioner. You can get a Biology or any other science degree to become a PA. None of the other science degrees are going to give you the payday a RN does. So decide if you can accept not making a lot of money coming out of your BS. Then if you need the money think long and hard, as to whether, you are willing to take the chance on your GPA in a nursing program?

There are a lot of assumptions that would have to be made about your financial need, intelligence, work habits, study habits, to give you a solid answer to what would be best. But hopefully, I have given you some things to think about, that would influence my decision, if I were making it.