Accelerated BSN in San Diego?

LVN-RNhopeful · Aug 19, 2008

I looked into this program, but was turned off by the cost - I believe it was around $32,000. Have you looked at San Marcos State? Or have you considered starting with your ASN, and then eventually doing a bridge program to complete your BSN? However, if cost isn't a huge concern, then this could be an option for you. You could also look into National University.

living_dreams · Aug 19, 2008

Thank You, I have also found info about this program here on this forum. I made an appointment this week and see what happens

thx!

Cassie77 · Sep 2, 2008

I'm applying to Oklahoma for Spring 09. I've heard it's a great program, but a little disorganized (since it's new and the online instructors are in OK). You could also apply to National - there program is longer and more expensive. You could always do SD City College. It's an ASN, but its 2 years and there is a waiting list (cheap too). I'm on the waiting list there. I may go there and then do the RN to BSN at OK. At this point, I'll probably just go where I can get in the fastest. Have you met with an advisor at OU yet?

boogeysmomRN · Sep 7, 2008

Hi there!

I'm actually attending OU right now. It is true, it is a little disorganized, but it all seems to work out eventually, haha. I think it feels even more disorganized than it really is b/c the online thing is pretty new for most of us. But I think its good so far. It is helpful that everyone has a previous degree, so they know what being in undergrad is all about.

Its intense, but if you get lucky like me, and have a good clinical group, you'll have plenty of people to lean on. :)

The cost is pretty high since you'll be paying out of state tuition, but its comparable to any other private university tuition. I got accepted at Loma Linda as well and it was about the same, if not more since their program is longer. At OU you could have our second Bachelors in 14 months. If you really want something, it can happen.

Good luck to you! And I second the notion for you to meet with an OU advisor, they can help lead your path and you may be closer to a BSN than you think!

L&DNMe · Sep 29, 2008

hi boogeys mom,

i have applied to OU for the spring start. I can't seem to get a straight answer out of anyone about what the schedule is like. can you give me an idea of what your week looks like? Also, I have 2 kids (4.5 and 2yrs), and I am concerned about the intensity of the program.

Thanks for your input.

boogeysmomRN · Oct 5, 2008

hi boogeys mom,
i have applied to OU for the spring start. I can't seem to get a straight answer out of anyone about what the schedule is like. can you give me an idea of what your week looks like? Also, I have 2 kids (4.5 and 2yrs), and I am concerned about the intensity of the program.
Thanks for your input.

hi there!

I won't lie, its intense at times. It was pretty overwhelming those first 3 weeks. I am still overwhelmed a lot. But this is how the week goes:

Mon - lab for 2 hours, study at night or when my son is sleeping

Tues - no class, but study at night or when its nap time.

Wed - lab for 2 hours again, study

Thurs - no class, but head to the hospital to pick a patient

Fri - no class, but at hosp from 6:00 - 2:00 for clinical, study at night

Sat - usually hang out with the family and study in the evening

Sun - church, then traditional breakfast with my husband and son, then back home to watch football/study...

I literally have no evenings out. My bday just passed and I didn't study that evening, but otherwise, I'm at home on the computer or with my nose in a book.

We have about 3, maybe 4 quizzes due each week, with random assignments here and there. At least an exam every other week, sometimes two in one day. (that hasn't happened yet, but its coming up in a few weeks). you just have to learn how to manage your time, I think.

I honestly study every day, but that's b/c when I'm not studying, I'm with my family, b/c I can't handle life without them. I wonder what some gals are doing that don't have families or what not, and I kind of envy the available time they have. But really, with a family, I honestly think it helps me focus on what I really want and I don't feel that I need to be out and about socializing. I get plenty of socializing done with my clinical group. They're great.

I hear it gets harder next semester, but I'll be sure to prepare for it mentally. Obviously it can be done b/c the first cohort is graduating this month and they're is a good number of them.

I hope that helped. Sorry for the novel. But I agree, whenever I asked a ? I never really got a straight answer, so I hope that helped some.

L&DNMe · Oct 5, 2008

Thank you, that really helps. Doesn't seem to horrible. Something similar to a full time schedule in a regular semester? (I hope?) How are the online classes are the professors helpful? Good luck to you and thanks for the info.

laura06baby · Oct 5, 2008

Hi I also want to thank you for your info.....so you think it is enough for you to study at night when your son is sleeping???? i AM ASKING THIS BECAUSE by the time I am planning to start the program my son will be 4.5 and my daughter 2 yr old and my plan is to study when they sleep.....

Also what do you think is their criteria of acceptance???? do you think GPA played any role????

thank you and if you think of any other tips please share ...I am a mom like who worries I will not be able to do it

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Oct 5, 2008

My advice is don't put all your eggs in one basket. The word has gotten out on OU and they have more applicants than spots so they are turning some away even if they have good grades in the pre-reqs. And the wait at the community colleges they tell you is 4 YEARS but I know someone who is just starting and only had to wait 2.5 but you could be done by then.

Cal State San Marcos has an accelerated program as well as National University but I think OU's is fastest. Just get those pre-reqs done and apply where ever you can! :)

boogeysmomRN · Oct 5, 2008

I guess it all depends on the student. (this is directed at both of your posts - laura and L&D)

I personally have never taken an online course before and found it difficult to transition but others just love it. If you're good at self-teaching, then you'll be fine. I would just find a group of people that you can bounce ideas off of in a study group, b/c you never catch everything.

As for studying enough, I dunno. I guess its enough. I'm passing so far. We'll see when its final exam time. :)

Laura - I don't know what their exact criteria is, but I'd have to guess that GPA plays a huge part b/c there are not recommendations, essays (besides the short answers you provide on the application), or major past experience requirements. A lot of the gals I talk to don't have much hospital experience either.

I think anyone with children should have a strong support system, otherwise it'll only add more stress on you as you are going through your program. I luckily have a great hubby who is willing to take up the slack and my mother/father watch my son when I'm at school or the hospital.

I also have to add that I agree with Faerie and not to put all your eggs in one basket. I applied to three different schools and didn't get into the community college - go figure. :icon_roll but I'm not bitter haha.

Liz520 · Oct 7, 2008

Azusa Pacific University has a 15 month BSN program; I'm a student there and graduate in 6 months. Also check out Cal State San Marcos