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Discussion

ABSN programs

Hi everyone!

I am currently pre-nursing, but I have noticed that ABSN programs in my area are extremely popular, perhaps more popular than generic BSN programs. I keep hearing from nurses and new graduates that jobs in the field are scarce for new grads, and that many nurses with experience are even afraid for their future and job stability, so I'm a little perplexed by the influx of people who want to become nurses as a second career. To be clear, this is not a judgmental post, I really am just curious.

I have heard all about the myth that nursing has a plethora of jobs available and is economy/recession proof. I'm from New Jersey and I know I will be incredibly lucky to land a job after I graduate. I noticed the NJ thread on this website has many more posts inquiring about ABSN programs than it does about generic BSN programs. I read an article in the NY Times about a woman from New Jersey who is over $100,000 in debt because she attended a private school for a bachelor's degree in another field and after not being able to find work, decided to pursue nursing through an (expensive) private school ABSN program, and she is still unemployed.

Are ABSN programs really popular in your area as well?

**Once again, I am in no way saying anything is wrong with ABSN programs - I am just genuinely curious.

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    • Featured Replies

    ABSN programs allow people that already have a bachelor degree in another field to apply their foundational courses towards the nursing degree. That saves time and money, so the programs are popular for people that qualify.

    Not all ABSN programs are private schools and not all are expensive. My program is 4 semesters and the tuition is $5k per semester excluding books. I will spend less than $21k for my degree. Far short of $100k in your example.

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    Hi there. I am also in tri-state and I would say both ABSN and BSN programs are popular. ABSN programs here are extremely competitive, however. Key reasons for that (in my mind/from my research) is that a) they make the most sense and are a preferred route for people with prior Bachelors/MAsters degrees - fastest entry into nursing b) programs are very small, hence far more candidates per spot than traditional BSN. As Don mentioned state schools are far less expensive than private: ABSN costs $18-25K for the program in state schools in my area. However, because of that state schools are even more competitive than the other ABSN programs.

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    • Author
    Hi there. I am also in tri-state and I would say both ABSN and BSN programs are popular. ABSN programs here are extremely competitive however. Key reasons for that (in my mind/from my research) is that a) they make the most sense and are a preferred route for people with prior Bachelors/MAsters degrees - fastest entry into nursing b) programs are very small, hence far more candidates per spot than traditional BSN. As Don mentioned state schools are far less expensive than private: ABSN costs $18-25K for the program in state schools in my area. However, because of that state schools are even more competitive than the other ABSN programs.[/quote']

    Very informative, thank you!

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    • Experts

    They are popular because they offer someone who already graduated with a college degree and can't find a job an opportunity to come to nursing where there are supposed to be jobs. This has become very popular with the poor economy and most college graduates unable to find work and college debt looming.

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