ABSN or traditional BSN?

Published

31 year old mom of two looking to go to nursing school. I have a BA and MA in art history, so needless to say I will

need to do a lot in terms of fulfilling prereqs for nursing school.

Im wondering if anyone can weigh in on what you would do in my situation: try to work part time while doing a traditional BSN program or do prereqs on my own and do an accelerated program? Thank you for any advice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Bump!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's impossible to say what you should do, because I don't know your constraints. I am much older than you and also a mom. I was accepted into a competitive ABSN program last year, but ultimately chose a slower BSN route for a couple of reasons. One was cost--the ABSN (private school) costs more than 4x the BSN (state school). And I like the idea of not being rushed through the program. I need to keep my job and I want to have time with my kids, and I'm hoping a traditional BSN program will allow that. Yes, I'll be that much older when I graduate, but I'm hoping that won't hold me back!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I believe take advantage of the hard work you did on your first degree. The point of an accelerated BSN is for proven operators who have shown they can manage college. Mine was 21 hours a semester so only you can decide if you can manage that and a family. However...no matter what you need those pre reqs and you need the grades along with it. So I would focus on that for now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello . I'm a now . Welcome all member

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Door number three: ASN.

Save yourself some money initially, have an employer pay for your bridge program to get your BSN. This is my plan as a student with a previous bachelor's degree

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Not every hospital offers tuition reimbursement. The likelihood of you being hired as an ASN is going to be lower going up against a BSN with equal experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Not every hospital offers tuition reimbursement. The likelihood of you being hired as an ASN is going to be lower going up against a BSN with equal experience.

Then find an employer who will.

Even if you live in an area where a hospital won't hire an ASN prepared RN, you could always work outside of the hospital until you get your BSN. It may not be ideal for a couple years, but it would pay off financially.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion