ADN vs BSN- need advice

[daisyt83]

Well, I'm new to the forum and am just wanting to get different perspectives.

I've been taking pre-req's for 1.5 years. I can either begin an ADN program in January or wait until Fall 2010 to begin a BSN program. My ultimate goal is to be a nurse practitioner and my dream school is the one offering the BSN, but I feel like Fall 2010 is soo far away! There's also the chance that I won't get accepted into the BSN program and then I've just wasted a whole year for nothing. I'm very confused and don't know what to do.

I do not consider school a waste of time, but I'm not getting any younger and I do feel like I've wasted too much time before even being able to start school.

How long did it take (those of you in nursing programs or who are already nurses) to finish pre-req's or graduate?

Would you choose the ADN program, or wait for the BSN?

[AccelCNL, MSN, RN]

I understand your predicament. I am going to apply to a private BSN program for the Fall 2010 in Jan. 2yr programs are among the most competitive in my area due to the fact that they are much cheaper ( some of them have 2yr waitlists).

I too hope to become a NP...a neonatal NP. I am pretty much assured of a spot (...as long as I don't do bad on AP I and my chem course) so that is my goal. However, in your case if you have received an acceptance letter for the ASN program and are not guaranteed a spot in the BSN program I would advise you to attend the 2-yr program. Once you graduate you can decide to work per-diem and go back to school or work full-time and go to work part-time. I would not risk a possibilty on a definite plan

I know in some areas ( I live in the NYC area) that some hopsitals might not hire ASN nurses but that is not across the board. So as long as you aim to be as close to a 4.0 as possible you will be good.

I also hope that in 2yrs the job market will turn around.

Is there any way you can apply early and receive an acceptance/rejection letter by January.

Good luck.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Depending on when the BSN school will tell you if you've been accepted, you might be able to accept the ADN school's offer, and then drop out of the program before it starts in order to take a seat at the BSN school. I'd be sure about both the BSN school's schedule and the ADN school's admission and drop policies before trying this, though. Playing games with admission dates is fine, as long as you don't play yourself out of a seat.