Accelerated BSN programs

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I've recently decided to go into nursing to become a Certified Diabetes Educator, and I have a BA in journalism so I'm thinking an accelerated program would be the best fit. I currently work full time in my field, so my plan is:

- take my science pre-reqs part-time through Community College so that I can take classes at night, online and on the weekends

- apply for an accelerated BSN program in the NYC area (NYC, Westchester or Fairfield)

I want a BSN because I find that's required for most jobs, and I don't want a full-time four-year education. I have to keep working for awhile because we can't afford to do four years of student loans without me holding down a job. I can take a year or two off, but not four. Our finances just wouldn't handle it!

My question is: which are the best BSN programs in the area? Because of the differences in pre-reqs, I want to make sure I'm focusing on my top choice schools. I know they say that it only matters that you pass the exam, but I also want to get the best education. I am spending a lot of money to learn how to save lives -- I don't want crap! Would love to hear the good / bad experiences of others. Thanks!

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I did an accelerated BSN program in Florida - and I have really mixed feelings on what I did. There are often times I wish I had just gone to a regular school. I had a previous BA from a state school in FL, which I had attended straight out of High School on a full ride.

About five years after graduating I realized I wasn't fulfilling my passion. Long story short, my heart led me to nursing.

I got a 3.8 my first time through undergrad and it was a breeze.

Nursing school was THE HARDEST thing I've ever done academically. The rushed pace of an accelerated program was SO STRESSFUL. I made myself so ill with stress, it was crazy. To cram in all the classes we'd have 8 or 9 hours of lecture by day, clinicals by night... sometimes going for 36 hours straight. It was downright nuts.

And now I owe $30k in student loans.

It was impossible to work during the program I attended. It was a 1-year program, broken into 4 quarters that are 12 weeks each. When I'd done my first degree, the state school had 15 week semesters - so it was almost like cramming 4 semesters into a year - but the classroom hours were not proportionally the same. I mean, 5 days a week of classroom lecture + 2 or 3 clinicals a week. It was insane.

If you have your heart set on doing it this way - I say go for it!

But if you're worried about finances... just consider the MASSIVE difference in the traditional route (during which you can likely still work, at least part time and the overall price is MUCH MUCH lower) vs. not working for an entire year and then coming out with massive debt. There's no guarantee you'll have a nursing job right away to make up that debt.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer- just offering you my POV. I wish you luck in whatever direction you go, it's a wonderful journey and a noble endeavor!

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Unfortunately that's not quite how my life is working out right now and not something I'd be able to do. I've asked about my plan on another section of AN and have been supported by others experiences. My question was in regards to the specific BSN programs in NY. Hopefully you have a job and are able to pay off your debt!

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Hello! I just want to let you know I am in the same banana boat and would love to see what info you find. I have been researching accelerated programs for several weeks and I feel in NYC Pace and CMSV may be the best bet for me. I too have a BA in communications and feel I would be a great fit in the nursing world. I wish you the very best as we are just starting. I will be start my pre-req's this fall.

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I did an accelerated BSN program in Florida - and I have really mixed feelings on what I did. There are often times I wish I had just gone to a regular school. I had a previous BA from a state school in FL, which I had attended straight out of High School on a full ride.

About five years after graduating I realized I wasn't fulfilling my passion. Long story short, my heart led me to nursing.

I got a 3.8 my first time through undergrad and it was a breeze.

Nursing school was THE HARDEST thing I've ever done academically. The rushed pace of an accelerated program was SO STRESSFUL. I made myself so ill with stress, it was crazy. To cram in all the classes we'd have 8 or 9 hours of lecture by day, clinicals by night... sometimes going for 36 hours straight. It was downright nuts.

And now I owe $30k in student loans.

It was impossible to work during the program I attended. It was a 1-year program, broken into 4 quarters that are 12 weeks each. When I'd done my first degree, the state school had 15 week semesters - so it was almost like cramming 4 semesters into a year - but the classroom hours were not proportionally the same. I mean, 5 days a week of classroom lecture + 2 or 3 clinicals a week. It was insane.

If you have your heart set on doing it this way - I say go for it!

But if you're worried about finances... just consider the MASSIVE difference in the traditional route (during which you can likely still work, at least part time and the overall price is MUCH MUCH lower) vs. not working for an entire year and then coming out with massive debt. There's no guarantee you'll have a nursing job right away to make up that debt.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer- just offering you my POV. I wish you luck in whatever direction you go, it's a wonderful journey and a noble endeavor!

Which school did you attend in FL? I live in FL and just started researching programs. I'm starting my prerequisite this summer. . My main focus right now is if I want to attend a traditional program or an accelerated program. I have my Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies. Money, time, quality of education are all important factors in my decision.

Thanks

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