I have my bachelors degree already in a non-nursing field, and have 27,000 student debt. I decided to pursue the nursing field, and have been finishing my nursing pre-reqs at my local community college. I've gotten A's in all the classes (just have microbe to finish over the summer).
Now that I'm just about done with my pre-reqs, I'm thinking more about what would be the best program. Initially I was drawn to MEPN programs, but they are so expensive - range from $30K-$100K. The ABSN program at Samuel Merritt is around $75,000. And the tuition for an ADN program at community college may be covered since I get the BOG waiver. And then traditional BSN programs cost under $15K (I believe).
So given my current undergrad debt and how I would need to take out loans to pay for nursing school, and I should also say I live in California so I'm worried about job prospects if I did go ADN route, any recommendations on the best program to pursue?
I am open minded to working in different areas of nursing, but I am drawn to public health nursing or research nursing. Also I have about 6 months experience as a CNA in a SNF, and would not like to work there as an RN.
Any guidance would be more than appreciated! I feel so lost considering all the options. Thank you!!!
Hi all, I'm in the same boat. I live in the bay area. I have a B.S. in Bio with lot of loans I applied to nursing schools this round and got into SMU's ABSN and 2 master's CNL programs. I also applied to a local ADN program just as a back up. Now I'm stuck with the dilemma of choosing between an ABSN or CNL. Both a good options, the cost does pay a large role. My boss, she's an M.D., said to go to ABSN if I don't know what to do with my nursing career. I know that I don't want to be a floor nurse for my entire RN career, so that also pays another role. I would like to do management or admin work. @ahuynh, I would also like to hear about your program and how you like the CNL curriculum.
Hi guys, I will be starting the CNL program at Rush U in Chicago in the fall. I know that Pomfrey1227 mentioned he/she didn't want to leave CA which may make finding schools that fit our specific criteria even harder. I applied to ABSN & CNL programs in CA and out of state. Honestly, CA is so expensive and I want to go out of state (besides financial reasons) because I needed a change. I've lived in Bay Area almost all my life so I want to learn more and see more.
One of the things that attracted me to Rush's program was upon graduating I could become a new baby RN and work on the floor (what I think I want to do as of right now), or get post-grad certified to become a NP, or continue on the DNP route. Like I mentioned in my post before, I think I want what I want out of my nursing career but I know that is constantly changing so I like the idea of having many options.
ahuynh
11 Posts
Hi guys, I will be starting the CNL program at Rush U in Chicago in the fall. I know that Pomfrey1227 mentioned he/she didn't want to leave CA which may make finding schools that fit our specific criteria even harder. I applied to ABSN & CNL programs in CA and out of state. Honestly, CA is so expensive and I want to go out of state (besides financial reasons) because I needed a change. I've lived in Bay Area almost all my life so I want to learn more and see more.
One of the things that attracted me to Rush's program was upon graduating I could become a new baby RN and work on the floor (what I think I want to do as of right now), or get post-grad certified to become a NP, or continue on the DNP route. Like I mentioned in my post before, I think I want what I want out of my nursing career but I know that is constantly changing so I like the idea of having many options.