Accelerated BSN program vs 'regular' BSN program?

[aheadofthegame]

Hi all,

I'm from WA and I'm wondering whether I should get a Bachelor of Arts degree - and then apply to an Accelerated BSN program - or whether I should just try to get into a regular BSN program.

I'm at a CC in WA and I'm pretty much done with my AA degree, so I thought about just transferring to a 4-year university and getting my BA degree - but I could also very easily just take some more classes and get my Associate in Pre-Nursing a bit later next year, and then try to transfer into a nursing program.

I know that the nursing programs in WA are pretty much all very competitive and that's why I was thinking about the accelerated BSN program option - but I really don't want to make a mistake here.

[PeekaPooh]

I would say try and get into the BSN program if you can because you don't want to waste time, energy, and effort (you will get burnt, if you know what I meant). If you don't make it, then use the Accelerated BSN as a back up plan.

Also, if you're receiving financial aid, try to not graduate because once you're graduated, you won't be qualified for it. Make use of the financial aid until you can't anymore. Accelerated or not, you still have to take the prereqs for nursing, so I would suggest taking them asap.

Most schools won't give you seniority if you already have a degree, such as registering for classes... those with a degree already will be the last ones to register and believe me, nursing prereqs get full fast. You will suffer from trying to crash classes, sometimes you won't make it in until 2-3 semesters later (like anatomy, microbiology, and physiology).

[PeekaPooh]

I'm sorry, I forgot that you already have an AA degree. I do not know if financial aid affect an AA, only know it will for BS and BA and up.

Regardless, take those nursing prereqs whenever you can, they're like the most impacted classes :)

[TheDreamJourney]

I think you should try getting into an Accelerated BSN program first...you can finish your degree in 12 or 15 months and it will be quick. But make sure you take the pre-requisite classes before you apply.