Advice on Accelerated BSN programs

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Hi Everyone,

I am interested in going into nursing!! I think it is a great career and i love working with people. I have been doing a lot of research on Accelerated BA programs for 2nd degree students I still am unsure on which schools would be best for me. I live in New Mexico. Would like to attend somewhere close. I am looking at OU, Baylor, Duke, UNC- Chapel Hill, TexasTech, NMSU, however am open to all.

I would love to get anyone's feed back on Accelerated programs they are currently enrolled in and how they like their program.

I most interested in a public school- as the tuition will be less expensive. But would still love to hear from anyone attending a private school as well. Also when you do respond it would be helpful to know any tips on getting in - what your GPA was etc.

My GPA is 3.2 BA, 3.6 Masters Degree both in politics. I will be taking pre-reqs in 2012 applying for 2013. I currently am volunteering at a hospital in the PAC-U area. Thank you for all your advice:):heartbeat

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

I love my ABSN program. Fine education, and it's quite accelerated, no joke! Not for the faint of heart. Aim for A's in all your prereqs, that's the best advice I can give you academically. Your stats are fine for your prior degrees, but your science GPA will really count for something in admissions. Stick to a state school, paying more tuition at a private college does not guarantee a better education. Oh, and keep volunteering! Longevity in that shows dedication to the field, unlike people who start volunteering a month before they apply to nursing school.

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Hey Paco -

Thank you for the advice:) I really appreciate it. What program are you in? Thanks!!

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
Hey Paco -

Thank you for the advice:) I really appreciate it. What program are you in? Thanks!!

Attending Stony Brook in New York. It has its bureaucratic quirks just like any other school, but we do learn a lot. High NCLEX pass rate and I understand 100% of last years class is currently employed (according to the school ... I know about 5 people from last years class and they are indeed working). The school has an excellent regional reputation.

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Hello

I am currently enrolled in the ABSN program at UNC. Your master's gpa is good and keep volunteering. Also I was told by a member of the admissions committee that your science gpa is the biggest predictor of doing well in the program. SO make sure to do as well as you can in the prereqs. They also look for research exerience. If you are very serious about applying call the UNC-SON dept and speak to someone about enrolling. Then make sure and metioned your conversation in one of your essays. Good luck.

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I am in my second semester of an Acc. BSN at a Private school. It is more expensive ($50k) but it was the only option for a Evening and Weekend program . It is a BEAST! Lots of reading (100+ pgs a week), very fast pace (classes are only 8wks), very little time for life outside of work and school. An accelerated program is a commitment of time, money, resources and you have to be willing to make those sacrifices while you are in school. It tough but doable if you are focused and stay on track. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Primary care.

I am about to start my second semester in a accelerated BSN program in VA. I also volunteered in a PACU unit. I continued to volunteer for awhile after I started my program but got too demanding after awhile. Anyhow, there are private schools (which translates into higher tuition) require 3.0 GPA and min. of C in their prereqs. They are easier to get into. I applied to two private one state school with 3.9 prereq GPA, 3.5 overall GPA in Biology BS. I got into the both private schools but not into the state school which is whole lot cheaper. The state schools get a lot of applicants for this reason. Interesting fact is that we have the same clinical site rotations with the state school. Also, they are more crowded in their lab groups and classes. NCLEX passing rated are also good comparison. Because we do get more individualized attention, I feel like we are getting our money's worth. What matters at the end that passing NCLEX and becoming an RN. If you could afford the private school tuition, would highly recommend. OUr program also require us to pass ATI exams for each subject that we are studying which is a really good indication of NCLEX success. Hopefully this was helpful.

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