Accelerated BSN prerequisites

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Hi everyone, I'm new here. With this deplorable economy and my love for the sciences, I have decided to get an accelerated BSN. I have a bachelors degree in political science and some of the science prerequisites already but need to take a few more. My question is this and I hope someone can answer me: Since post baccs can't receive grants but may receive loans, can I take the prerequisites at a local community college, where they will be cheaper or is there a better way to get these prerequisites done? My plan, though it may change, it to go to USF for the accelerated BSN program. Any information and advice on post baccalaureate funding for nursing prerequisites is what I need help with. Thanks!

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Do you mean University of San Francisco or University of South Florida?

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South Florida

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, Neuro/Trauma, Dialysis.

Going to a community college is great! I did a year at a community college befor transfering to a university and I am glad I did because it was 1/3 the price and honestly the science classes at my community college were just as good as the university. The only concern I would have is transfering them. In my state there is a compact agreement between all the public community colleges and the public universities which states that all classes will be accepted when transfering within the system. I would go to the community college and talk to some one in the registrar and see if there will be any issues in transfering and then go to the school were you will to applying for nursing and verify it with them. Good luck! :)

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Thanks, I will definitely look into that. I'm pretty sure Florida has reciprocity with its community colleges and universities so I may do that. I am currently in NJ and really want to go home. I've been here taking care of an elderly parent. Do you know if funding is available for post baccs, even if it's just loans, for the pre reqs? In a perfect world, I could get a grant but I doubt they are available for post baccs, even for nursing.

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Financially, I'm not very sure because I'm living in another state.

It's much cheaper to take nursing prereq. at a community college, but in this economy, it will take you much longer because it's hard to get into the classes. So many people are going back to school for a career change. I remember in my anatomy class here in Southern California, 50 people crashed it. Second degree folks are the last one to register for a class. By the time it gets to our turn, the class and the wait list are already full.

Best luck to you! The nursing journey is very challenging and competitive, but you will learn so much along the way

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics.

In your same predicament. B.A. in Poli Sci, going back this Fall for an ABSN @ Hopkins. Taking prereqs now at a local community college & I would suggest that you do so as well to save $$. Make sure you contact the admissions offices for all of the schools to which you are applying and send them specific syllabi and course decriptions of your prereq courses so that you can be sure that they'll accept them...(and that way you'll have written proof in case there are shenanigans surrounding the requirements later.) The schools vary greatly between what they'll accept.

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Thanks and sorry for not replying sooner. It's a real quandary. For me, I figured it would make sense to go the accelerated BSN route rather than start from scratch for the ABSN but the accelerated programs are far and few between, and location is key. I don't want to take the prereqs at one community college in one state and then switch to an accelerated program in another. Especially Florida since they automatically accept all credits from Florida schools. Although at this point whatever works I will attempt. What I really need to know is if I register only for the prereqs at a community college and not matriculate into a program, since I only need 4 classes, will I still be eligible for federal student aid even though I have a baccalaureate? I can't find a definitive answer for this anywhere, unless I am being obtuse, which is highly possible.

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You won't be eligible for federal financial aid if you used it up for your first bachelor's. I'd still fill out a FAFSA and see if you have any aid left. You can still get loans and apply for private scholarships. Also contact hospitals and rural health programs, since some will offer scholarships if you agree to work for them after graduating.

Check with the school offering the accelerated program and make sure the classes will transfer. Also keep each course syllabus and a course description from the catalog so you can make a case to your academic advisor that it meets the requirements.

I've done all my prereqs at a community college and it's been a great experience. The cc offers more evening and online classes, which helps me as a working mom.

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I too am at a community college with prereqs after having a bachelors. You can get loans if you did not max them out the first time around. I was able to get loans since I hadn't maxed mine. I had to fill out a form explaining why I was over the credits and the school had to approve it. It can be done, so fill out the Fafsa and talk to the college financial aid office. Good luck to you!

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You can usually do all of your prereqs through a community college. My ABSN program required a stats class that my local community college didn't offer so I had to take it through the university (luckily it was offered online). So you might want to check.

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics.
What I really need to know is if I register only for the prereqs at a community college and not matriculate into a program, since I only need 4 classes, will I still be eligible for federal student aid even though I have a baccalaureate? I can't find a definitive answer for this anywhere, unless I am being obtuse, which is highly possible.

Yes, having a Bachelor's does not automatically bar you from receiving Fed aid. You probably won't be eligible for any grants, but Fed loans are always available to you as long as you haven't maxed out for your particular level of study & haven't defaulted on any previously received Fed loans. I'm doing the same thing now!!! HOWEVER, the thing is you can't get Fed loans UNLESS you matriculate into a program. All you have to do is matriculate into some vaguely related program at the community college. (For me, I matriculated into the "Pre-Nursing" major) After you matriculate, secure your loan aid, take only the classes you need, and transfer out when you're ready. The govt. doesn't care if you finish the program, they only care that you are progressing along in something (what they term 'satisfactory academic progress").

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