I am trying to make a choice between going for an ADN or a BSN. I want to be an RN and both programs are supposed to prepare me for the NXCLEX-RN. I am not sure what others think of American Career College. Sometimes I hear bad things and other times good. Many for-profit schools have negative reviews about people getting gypped for their money.
I am already 32 and I only have my high school diploma. I feel I am old to be starting out in my career but I am determined. I am also a single mother of 3. I was thinking that if I complete the ADN, I will be an RN faster. If I go for my BSN it will take alot more time and money.
My main concern is getting a good quality education training AND getting hired. I heard that nursing jobs will now require a BSN. So does that mean I will have a less likely chance of being hired with an ADN? So do I really need to get a BSN to get hired as a nurse now a days since I heard they set the bar at BSN?
Or do ADN's still get hired? Another thing I heard is that many hospitals pay ADN's to get their BSN.
As much as I do not agree with the absurd amount WCU charges, they are regionally and programmatically accredited (CCNE). For any nursing program you want to have both types of accreditation so you do not limit yourself in the future.
Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.
I totally agree with posters above. Have you looked into public schools? A lot cheaper and most of them have better reputations. You can always do a bridge adn to bsn program that way you can work after 2 years and still be competitive in the work environment
Yes, if at all possible go the route suggested.
I am actually doing the same thing: finishing 4th semester of ADN, and bridging online RN-BSN (concurrently), both public schools. Tuition "free" at the ADN program. I pay per nursing course ($275/credit) at the uni because I just earned my BA this year. so no grants/financial aid.
What state are you in and what pre reqs have you completed for the nursing program ?
And for others who keep emphasizing goingnthr public school route please realize thats not an option for everyone. Some people are not married or living with parents. Some people are limited in time since they either have to take care of themselves and or in addition have other mouths to feed.
The traditional route takes forever and many do not have that luxury of eaiting unfortunately.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! I will not be working while I go to school since the program is full time and they do not recommend you work. My parents will allow me to live at their place and I think it is the best option for my children since it is a good support system. I am blessed to have this opportunity. I also have a GI bill but people keep telling me to save my GI bill and use FA first to get a degree then perhaps use the GI bill to further my education to maybe A BSN or Masters.
That is a good idea. I was thinking of gettting my ADN and then doing my BSN later on. I want to get to work right away and then if I want to move up go for my BSN.
I have 0 prerequisites. The waiting lists are long in CA even with a 4.0 GPA and all prerequisites completed. There are even waiting lists for many of the prerequisite courses because everyone wants those prerequisites and they are impacted as well. One school even says upfront that the minimum waiting time on the waitlist is two years. I am 32 and I do not want to waste anymore time than I have to. I am living with parents but I am old already (to be only starting)so time is an issue for me.
There are loads of schools in California that do lottery to get in. LATTC has rolling admission they say 1 to 2 years but many people get in in less than 2 semester.
Also the schools that are further out from city centers don't have waiting list. Think small areas at least one hour away from city centers.
I am new to this and am at a point in my life where i want to change my career and pursue nursing. I would pretty much be starting all over. I know this thread was last communicated 2 years ago, but after reading your situation It seems like you went through what I am going through now. Would you be able to provide an update? Did you eventually go to a private school? where are you at now? Any information would help me out a lot since I don't really have anyone to talk to about this.
OliverElio87, BSN, RN
298 Posts
As much as I do not agree with the absurd amount WCU charges, they are regionally and programmatically accredited (CCNE). For any nursing program you want to have both types of accreditation so you do not limit yourself in the future.