Accelerated BSN programs.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2006

I know someone in the NAU aBSN program. She loves it. I would imagine that the GCU program would be less competitive to get accepted into since their traditional BSN is less competitive regarding admissions. The private U's seem to have fewer applicants than the public U's in AZ for nursing. Good luck with what you decide.

newstudent2007 · Oct 29, 2006

I know someone in the NAU aBSN program. She loves it. I would imagine that the GCU program would be less competitive to get accepted into since their traditional BSN is less competitive regarding admissions. The private U's seem to have fewer applicants than the public U's in AZ for nursing. Good luck with what you decide.

Thank you for the info. Did your friend have to relocate to Flagstaff to take the aBSN, or can it be done at one of NAU's satellite campuses here in the Valley? Was there a wait list?

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2006

Actually she's not a friend, which is why I said "I know someone." I met her briefly thru a friend who went thru the UofA's aBSN program. The one at NAU really LOVES their program. She was glowing about it. If I remember right, she does live in Flagstaff.

I can't imagine that they do a waitlist. The universities just skim the top applicants every year and reject the remaining applicants.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2006

I'm trying to decide the best option for nursing programs. I have a BA degree in Liberal Arts, but I am lacking some of the science prereqs. I am a single male, older, re-careering student. Does anyone have any information on the Grand Canyon or NAU Accelerated BSN programs? THe GCU website wasn't much help. Thanks in advance for the info!

I have an idea for you, depending on how many pre-reqs you still have to do.

I can tell you what I am doing. As of this semester I will be on the waitlist (or whatever we want to call it) for Pima Community College's ADN program. They are accepting students to start apprx 2+- years from now. I probably won't go to Pima though. I'm just keeping my options open. During these next 3-4 semesters I will complete all the pre-reqs for the traditional BSN program, plus all the other bachelor's degree requirements. I'm applying to NAU also. Either way - I have several options open.

Anyway, my idea is that it might be worth it to get yourself on a an ADN waitlist and then continue completing the aBSN pre-reqs in a seamless manner. Just a thought - I'm all for giving yourself as many options as possible. The pre-reqs for NAU's aBSN program have alot of overlap with MCCCD's ADN program. I know that GCU and ASU have different curriculum sets and different pre-reqs. It's easier to start ADN pre-reqs for MCCCD which are greatly in common/match with NAU and UofA's pre-reqs.

I guess what I am trying to say is this: since the ADN programs have fewer pre-reqs...do those first. Then get yourself on an ADN waitlist. Continue on with your aBSN pre-reqs in a seamless manner. By the time you complete the aBSN pre-reqs your wait on the ADN waitlist may just be up - and you could begin the ADN program OR start the aBSN program. You can do what is best for you at the time. It also gives you insurance and a plan B if you are rejected from the aBSN programs. Since the aBSN programs are crazy competitive to get into - a plan B is a good idea.

MsBruiser · Oct 30, 2006

Let me add that having a previous 4-year degree is not uncommon. Half the students in my class have at least a bachelors degree - some of us have a masters degree, too. I'm in an ADN program. I went the ADN route basically because it was much faster / less pre-reqs than the BSN program. Many hospitals offer onsite/free BSN bridge programs for their ADN nurses. Don't get hung-up on ADN versus BSN. Concentrate on getting into a program and finishing as fast as possible. Once you are working as a NEW GRAD, no one really cares about ADN versus BSN. Once you are experienced that may change as you choose to go into management, etc.

Unfortunately, the waiting lists are getting longer and longer. The ADN requirements keep getting less stringent, hence it is easier for people to get on the lists. Coupled with a severe nursing teacher shortage, that means longer waits for all concerned.

NAU accelerated program, btw, is only offered in Flag...

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Oct 30, 2006

But NAUs regular program has clinical sites in Tucson. Do they have sites available in Phx?

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2006

But NAUs regular program has clinical sites in Tucson. Do they have sites available in Phx?

Isn't NAU's regular program just for TMC employees in Tucson? I think NAU's mission is to provide distance education in the state where it's not available from ASU and U of A. Not counting special employer programs like TMC's NAU BSN.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Oct 30, 2006

Hmmm. I was going to tell you that I personally knew somebody in that program. In fact, she did it concurrently with the ADN program. But, it just dawned on me that she was/is a TMC employee. Now I know that they do clinicals @TMC, but I didn't realize that it was limited to TMC employees.

I emailed them about the ADN-RN bridge and at least they were prompt in their response. Maybe I'll drop them another line to check it out.

Ion · Nov 5, 2006

Always check the NCLEX passing rate. If you want to be a RN, then that is what you need to pass. I believe the LPN-BSN program did not do well, and those people were already nurses.

maverickemt · Nov 15, 2006

Hi, I might be able to help you. As you probably already know, every SINGLE accelerated BSN program in the country right now is extremely competitive. I have a BS degree in health care management and am a re-careering student like you. I have applied to a few schools and waiting to hear back (I am a nervous wreck right now). For NAU, I think you need to take more science courses and you need 2 recommendations. The GCU website is really bad. It does not have clear information. You basically need to have a 4.0 GPA.

Regards,

maverickemt

AZmom · Nov 15, 2006

Undergraduate : Accelerated Online Nursing Program : University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing

12-month accelerated bachelors to BSN

$26,000

they are licensed in Arizona

while I don't know how their accelerated program is, I can vouch for them having a good nursing reputation