Accelerated BSN or associates?

[2xtrouble]

Hello,

I hope you can give me some direction...

I have a current bachelors degree in business and am now applying to nursing school. I have been accepted to an accelerated BSN program at a private college ($44k for the 18 month program) as well as community college ($7500 for the two year associates degree). Either way, I would like to continue for my nurse practitioner masters degree - which I could get without a BSN given that I have a bachelors in business.

Which route makes more sense in looking down the road? I would like to work a while before continuing for my masters...

Thanks for your help!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Timewise the accellerated BSN well help you reach your goal quicker and makes the most sense...but for the cost.

$7500 is a bargain and it's only six more months for you to become an RN. However, to get your NP you need that BSN, so you have to add another 18 to 24months and more expense which are aren't going to get at a community college rate. But there might be some tuition reimbursement from your employer.

Then there's the two years of NP school. So going the ADN route is very time consuming which might trump the cost of the accelerated BSN.

Decisions, decisions.

Good luck in finding one that fits.

[jnks]

I had a B.A. and did the local ADN program. WAY worth it!! I looked into the accelerated BSN as well. It would've been quicker but I would've had to move and spend a lot more money. You DO NOT need a BSN to progress to a MSN (some schools may require it). I think it is better to get out in the field because you may decide to do a master's in something else: public health, nursing admin, nurse anesthesia.... A lot of the reason I wanted to do the BSN was my pride and I also worked with a lot of NPs who had done the accelerated NP programs. For me, it made more sense to do the ADN. I know I want to go on with school, but I'm not entirely sure which area I will go into.