ADN, accel BSN or entry level masters?

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2008

ADN programs aren't always less competitive to get in to, and sometimes they are harder (because everyone wants the less expensive route!).

I applied to the local ADN program as well as accelerated programs once I'd completed the accelerated prerequisites. I've been accepted to one of the accelerated programs even with a bad undergraduate GPA because my prerequisite grades are really good, and if I can work the money out I'd much rather get a BSN in 1 more year of school than an ADN in 2 years and then however long it takes to complete a BSN while working.

MissBA · Nov 29, 2008

Thanks. I agree with you. I would much rather get then BSN and do the 1 year, but the programs in California are extremely competitive. Congrats on your acceptance to the accel BSN program. Which one did you get accepted to if you don't mind me asking?

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2008

I got in to Drexel in Philadelphia. It's 11 months, I'll need to find private student loans somehow, but I'm hoping that will work out.

malaikaa84 · Nov 30, 2008

I got private student loans through Sallie Mae. In the financial aid dept at Drexel they should be able to help you get a loan, even if you don't qualify for any grants or government loans. Hope that helps!

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2008

That's good to know- I don't mind loans, I'm just worried about getting private loans b/c of the economy.

malaikaa84 · Dec 1, 2008

My husband and I are about to buy 2 new cars when we get back to the states in January, and he said something about getting loans online render lower interest rates than directly from the bank. I'm not entirely sure what he means, but you might look into something like that. You can take out an educational loan or a personal loan, and apply it towards school. I know the economy is horrible now! And nobody wants to lend money....I wonder if that will lead to less applicants to the Nursing Programs too? Hope that helps

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 2, 2008

I'm hoping you can help me with this... I'm about to finish up my third year as a Psychology major and I just decided this past semester that I wanted to become a nurse and was intending to apply to various accelerated BSN and entry level masters programs, but seeing that they are really competitive and usually expensive I'm wondering if getting my ADN would be a better choice.
I haven't even done any of my prerequisites so I would have to cram all of those in addition to trying to fulfill my major requirements to get my BA in psych and apply to programs to be admitted the fall following my graduation. I'm worried about getting accepted into the advanced programs and costs that I'll incur. On the other hand, I feel that after getting my BA, going back to get my ADN would make the time I took to get my BA a total waste of my time, money, and energy, but my chances of getting accepted will greatly increase.
I'm freaking out!!! What are your thoughts on all of this?

I'm pretty much in the exact same position as you. I finished my bachelor's in August and I hope to start nursing school in Fall of 2009. I applied to one aBSN program so far, but I'm not ruling out the ADN route completely. In my area, if you have a BA in another field and have an ADN degree, you can go straight into a master's program thereafter. Also, while you're enrolled in a nursing program, we have this position called a Nurse Tech which is similar to a nursing assistant, only you have more autonomy and get paid much better. In my experience, I've seen most people who are nurse techs be offered a job for the unit they're working on prior to their graduation.

Also, if I were to take the ADN route, I know I could possibly have summer to travel. This is something I didn't get to do during undergrad, and I know I would not get to do this if I went the aBSN route.