Accelerated BSN in WA?

JenRN30, BSN · Sep 12, 2007

You're right, it looks like you're out of luck with the accelerated BSN program. Maybe you could do an ADN program at Highline CC (Des Moines) or other community college and graduate pretty fast though?

lc3 · Sep 12, 2007

I have a BS in Psychology, and I am interested in gaining a BSN. I would love to do an accelerated program since I have already attened college for 4 years... I have searched on allnursingschools.com for an Accelerated BSN in WA, but no luck. Does anyone know of a program out there???
Thanks!

I can tell you that there are no accBSN programs in WA. You have to be willing to move. The closest program is in Portland.

As for the MEPN thing, previous cohorts have taken the time to gain more experience before returning back for the master's portion. I remember people at UW saying you have 3 years to go back. I personally like the gurantee that I have a spot in the master's program.

I'm not sure what WHCNP is. Is that women's health? if so, we do have that track at UW.

here is the link w/ all the accBSN and MEPN programs across the US:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

englishsm · Sep 15, 2007

Thanks so much for your info! One huge consideration for me is that I have a husband and a 15 mo. old son, so we'll have to discuss the whole moving idea in regards to an accelBSN. In the meantime, you've inspired me to look into some Master's Entry programs -- I had no idea you could take time off in between some programs, that is great news! I know one prereq is to take the GRE's, correct? I assume you have taken them as well, then? Any insight, or good review materials/websites? I do appreciate your time!

futurenp · Sep 15, 2007

I'm not sure about the entry level masters at the UW, but the regular MN no longer requires the GRE. This requirement was just recently dropped. Have you thought about just getting an ADN at a community college? That's what I did. I have a BA in economics and got my ADN at a CC. If money is an issue, this is a much cheaper way to go. The tuition is less than $800/qtr. Now I can use my BA and my ADN together and apply for the masters program at the UW. Also, the hospital where I work will pay some of the tuition.

About 4 years ago I checked into the entry level masters program at PLU, but it was too expensive and too intense. They go for 15 months straight - even through the summer. The CC was cheaper and I was able to spend the summers with my kids. Just another option for you to consider;)

Kensington · Sep 15, 2007

I'm not sure about the entry level masters at the UW, but the regular MN no longer requires the GRE. This requirement was just recently dropped. Have you thought about just getting an ADN at a community college? That's what I did. I have a BA in economics and got my ADN at a CC. If money is an issue, this is a much cheaper way to go. The tuition is less than $800/qtr. Now I can use my BA and my ADN together and apply for the masters program at the UW. Also, the hospital where I work will pay some of the tuition.
About 4 years ago I checked into the entry level masters program at PLU, but it was too expensive and too intense. They go for 15 months straight - even through the summer. The CC was cheaper and I was able to spend the summers with my kids. Just another option for you to consider;)

I have a question for you futurenp. Is that true that with a BA in anything + an ADN, that you can apply to MSN programs to become say, a nurse practitioner? I always thought that you'd have to do a ADN-->BSN bridge program first, no?

Thanks!! :)

futurenp · Sep 15, 2007

I think it depends on the school. Both the University of Washington and Washington State University allow this option, but Pacific Lutheran University does not (at least not yet). The safest thing to do is check the website of the school you're looking at. The trend seems to be heading that direction. If you find a school that allows this, it's definitely the cheapest way to go. Four years ago when I was looking at PLU's direct entry masters, the cost was over $40k.

lc3 · Sep 16, 2007

I'm not sure about the entry level masters at the UW, but the regular MN no longer requires the GRE. This requirement was just recently dropped. Have you thought about just getting an ADN at a community college? That's what I did. I have a BA in economics and got my ADN at a CC. If money is an issue, this is a much cheaper way to go. The tuition is less than $800/qtr. Now I can use my BA and my ADN together and apply for the masters program at the UW. Also, the hospital where I work will pay some of the tuition.
About 4 years ago I checked into the entry level masters program at PLU, but it was too expensive and too intense. They go for 15 months straight - even through the summer. The CC was cheaper and I was able to spend the summers with my kids. Just another option for you to consider;)

Specifically, UW does not require GREs for their MEPN program anymore. They also have a new program DEPN (doctorate Entry program). this is brand new.

When I was applying for programs I looked at ADN as well but I realized it was just one added step. I figured since I had a BA already I didn't want to do this. Although, the previous post make a really good point because it is more cost effective. It just wasn't for me.

Another reason why I didn't do that route because I know specfically UW has extra application procedures for a BA+ADN. You have to prove your compentancy in community health and some other area by writing some essays tests. The reason behind this is because ADN programs do not give some of the same clinical rotations as do BSN programs.

I guess you just have to chose what is right for you.

englishsm · Sep 16, 2007

Thank you for your input. I discovered just after I wrote my last reply that UW no longer requires GRE's. I do have some decisions to make. On the one hand, the ADN is more cost-effective. On the other, it would take longer to go all the way to a Master's, and I'm not sure I'm interested in taking the longest route, seeing as how I already have a Bachelor's ... and I do think I am more interested in the autonomy of an NP vs. an RN. Being in WA, my options are somewhat limited. At this time, I think I will aim for the MEPN, and also apply for some ADNs as well. At least then I will have a back-up plan if not accepted by UW - I know UW is considered very competitive. Hopefully, I'll be accepted by at least one program!!