I'm a recent high school graduate and a former dual enrollment student (I've gotten 10 credits).I'm just 17 years old. I'm not sure whether I should get my ADN degree, transfer to my local university to get my BSN degree or do the RN-BSN in the future.
This fall I'll be attending community college (to save money).I was planning on taking the ATI teas and petition for the nursing program at my community college for fall 2017. I would graduate dec. 2019.
On the other hand I was thinking about transferring to a local university for my sophomore year to get my BSN degree. However, sometimes when you transfer some of your credits don't go through the other school which means I would have to retake some pre-req at the university if that's the case. I would graduate spring 2020 (my class).
Or I would just get my ADN and sometime in the future work and go to school to obtain my BSN.
First, check with the adviser at the community college to determine what credits will and will not transfer and to what university they transfer. Many community colleges have agreements arranged with some universities to transfer most (if not all) the credits.
Community college is definitely the least expensive way to go. Plus you usually get a good education (small class sizes, lots of individual help, if you need it, etc). I used to teach at a community college and was impressed with the education that the students received. As with most things, you get out what you put in.
With that said, the fear is that you will get your ADN, start working, and never go back to school. In most cases, once you start working a full-time job you will not want to go back to school, and if you do - you will only be able to go part-time.
My suggestion is to go to community college (to save money) and get your pre-reqs done and then transfer to a 4 year university for the BSN!
I have just completed an ADN program and am preparing to take the NCLEX in September 2016, I would suggest that you attend a BSN program. Nursing school is definitely a challenge and unlike normal college courses. Please make sure that the program is national accredited (CCNE) as many employers will not hire you unless you have completed an accredited program. Go on your state's Board of Nursing (BON) website and look at the pass rate for the schools in your area, chose a college that has pass rates in the high 80% to 90% this indicates that the school is being successful in preparing the students to pass the NCLEX examination. You can always ask for a credit evaluation prior to admission to see what credits are going to transfer. Please make sure that you get a strong foundation in A & P, you will need it to succeed in nursing school. You are young and I highly encourage you to continue your education after your BSN all the way to your doctorate level. You are the future of Nursing, good luck.
tsw7207, MSN, DNP, RN, EMT-B
3 Posts
First, check with the adviser at the community college to determine what credits will and will not transfer and to what university they transfer. Many community colleges have agreements arranged with some universities to transfer most (if not all) the credits.
Community college is definitely the least expensive way to go. Plus you usually get a good education (small class sizes, lots of individual help, if you need it, etc). I used to teach at a community college and was impressed with the education that the students received. As with most things, you get out what you put in.
With that said, the fear is that you will get your ADN, start working, and never go back to school. In most cases, once you start working a full-time job you will not want to go back to school, and if you do - you will only be able to go part-time.
My suggestion is to go to community college (to save money) and get your pre-reqs done and then transfer to a 4 year university for the BSN!
Best of luck in whatever you decide.
Tony, MSN, MBA, CNL, RN, EMT-B