Accelerated bsn philadelphia

oaktown2 · Mar 21, 2011

So, my research into this led me to believe that there are no easy answers to this question. Your least expensive option is usually ADN programs, however, there are a lot of threads out there that suggest that an ADN may not be the best career move as there are many hospitals who are looking for BSNs and a previous degree + ADN doesn't always seem to equate to BSN. (From what I can tell.) Your fastest option is usually an accelerated BSN, but usually these are a lot more expensive. If you don't have prior nursing experience, I don't think there is an option for an online BSN and if there was, I would stay well clear of it. You need the clinical experience. There are some accelerated BSNs that do a lot online, but they always have a live component.

What is it that you want to do once you pass the NCLEX? That can sometimes help in figuring out your best path. Are you willing to move? What's your budget? The answers to these will help you to narrow down what your options really are.

jrj1979 · Mar 21, 2011

Drexel is the quickest 11 months, but it is expensive.

ktliz · Mar 21, 2011

Drexel has the shortest BSN program in the country--11 months. With your GPA, you should be accepted as long as you have a high pre-req GPA. The list of pre-reqs is here: http://www.drexel.edu/catalog/degree/nursing-ace.htm

Just be warned that it is an extremely intense program and many students do not make it through. Search for "Drexel ACE" on the forums and you will find numerous threads where students voice their opinions. It seems they accept a very large applicant pool and then "weed" the students out throughout the program. But, if you do make it through, you will be a well-prepared nurse in the shortest possible time frame, so it may be worth it for you! I was accepted into ACE but decided on a 15-month program instead.

Thomas Jefferson's program is only slightly longer, at 12 months. UMDNJ has a campus close to Philly, I forget the length of their program. There are plenty of options in the Philly area. Check out http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/issues/aug02.htm

Hope this helps!

jrj1979 · Mar 21, 2011

I did the Accelerated program at Drexel, it is an intense year but you will come out well prepared even if you have no previous medical experience.

acceleratedbsn · Mar 21, 2011

Thank u guys. I cant afford 35k, am planning to get associate degree.

BUT after masters................. :confused: .

Again its 2 years. :yawn: .

noahsmama · Mar 21, 2011

Thank u guys. I cant afford 35k, am planning to get associate degree.
BUT after masters..................
Again its 2 years. .

You need a bachelors degree to go on for a masters in nursing. Most MSN programs want you to have a BSN, though some will take RNs who have a bachelors in another field.

From the ADN, you can do an RN to BSN bridge to get a BSN -- once you have the RN, I think the bridge can be done mostly, if not entirely, online (but it does take time and cost money -- I didn't look into this option myself because I did the accelerated BSN instead).

ktliz · Mar 21, 2011

I would highly recommend looking into the job market where you plan to work as an RN. Right now, the market in Philly is fierce for new grads. It's very difficult to find a job as a new grad BSN; almost impossible to do so as a new grad ADN. I chose a $35k BSN program despite having loans from my first degree. I'm going to be taking out private loans for tuition and living expenses. Just make sure to do your research before making a final decision. Good luck!

acceleratedbsn · Mar 22, 2011

You need a bachelors degree to go on for a masters in nursing. Most MSN programs want you to have a BSN, though some will take RNs who have a bachelors in another field.

From the ADN, you can do an RN to BSN bridge to get a BSN -- once you have the RN, I think the bridge can be done mostly, if not entirely, online (but it does take time and cost money -- I didn't look into this option myself because I did the accelerated BSN instead).

Hi

Thanks for your response. I donot have any plans for masters in nursing,will get some new sydrome if i go to school again. Am tired, just looking for any short program that would prepare me to sit for NCLEX exam.

I completed my masters in clinical nutrition, does that count in my final resume with associates in nursing. How the employer gonna evaluate my resume with masters in another(health related) field and associate in nursing.

noahsmama · Mar 22, 2011

Hi
Thanks for your response. I donot have any plans for masters in nursing,will get some new sydrome if i go to school again. Am tired, just looking for any short program that would prepare me to sit for NCLEX exam.
I completed my masters in clinical nutrition, does that count in my final resume with associates in nursing. How the employer gonna evaluate my resume with masters in another(health related) field and associate in nursing.

It will depend somewhat on the exact position you're applying for, but a masters in another field is definitely not the equivalent of an MSN, or even a BSN -- there are many positions that specifically require a BSN or MSN. For example, in most states, you must have a BSN to be a Public Health Nurse, or School Nurse. A bachelors in another field is not acceptable. Also, to get an MSN you must put in clinical hours beyond your BSN, since MSN is preparation to be an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist).

The masters in clinical nutrition might help you get a job over another ADN prepared RN for an RN position where an advanced knowledge of nutrition would be useful, so it's a plus on your resume. On the other hand, if a facility is only hiring BSN RN's, I'm not sure if they would make an exception in your case because of the ADN/masters in another field combination -- that's going to depend on the hiring manager, and on exactly why they've decided they prefer BSN RN's.

When I was applying to nursing schools, I applied to both ADN and accelerated BSN programs. I didn't think it would matter if I had a BSN or not (I have a Bachelors and PhD in another field). I had decided to just go to whatever program accepted me first. I'm really really glad I ended up in a BSN program -- I've learned after the fact that ADN + BA does not = BSN, and I could not do my current job as a PHN without the BSN. Not sure if I would have had the time, energy and money to do an ADN to BSN bridge if I had gone the ADN route.

acceleratedbsn · Mar 22, 2011

Thank you so much, thats great info. Would like to know the basic difference between ADN and accelerated BSN program with regards to curriculum, pass rates and in NCLEX performance.

To be honest am really scared of this dreaded NCLEX. :crying2: Last night I read that someone tried it for 10 times.

oaktown2 · Mar 22, 2011

For pass rates, your best bet is to look at the website of your state Board of Nursing. There may also be differences in how things are reported - ie a program may say indicate that they have a 93% pass rate, but they don't tell you how many of the students didn't actually make it through the program. So they aren't the be all and end all, but they can be a useful guide.

My general understanding is that a BSN will give you more theory than an ADN. Again, I am sure there are some differences in programs. Search for some of the programs near you on allnurses and see what kind of info you find. I have found that to be a fabulous source of information.

As for passing the NCLEX itself, I haven't done it. But I do have another license in a different field and so I know that passing the exams can be done if you just study. And you may have to figure out how to study. But there are lots of people who do pass the exam every day!