advice on choosing an RN program

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hey everyone!

i am new to this site, and just wanted to ask everyones advice on RN programs. i am a recent graduate with my BA in psychology and just got into an ASN program that begins in January 2011. it is my ultimate career goal to go on to get my NP, and i have found that there are schools out there that will allow a student to apply to their NP program with there associates RN as long as that student has an accompanying BS degree in another subject. i would rather go into an accelerated BSN program but i want to jump start getting back into school ASAP, and i am missing a few of the a&p/microbio courses needed to get into an accelerated BSN program. this particular ASN program that has accepted me, will not let me defer my seat, so i am nervous that if i withdraw from the program-it will be hard for me to get into another program-espically since i am hearing that ABSN are competitive to get into.

my question is should i begin the ASN program-and go on to get my NP through this route, or would it be more to my benefit to take the time to finish the A&P/microbio courses needed to get into an ABSN program, and go for my NP this way?

any advice would be GREATLY appreciated- thanks :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a career changer like you. I hope to get into an ABSN program for this Fall. Like you, my ultimate goal is to become an NP (more specifically an FNP), which requires an MSN.

Now, I believe, if you go the ADN route you can bridge to an RN-MSN program when you're ready. In my case, I'll just go from BSN to MSN when I'm ready. The only difference is length. I want to be an NP sooner than later, which is why I'm not going for the ADN.

As far as competitiveness, all nursing schools these days are competitive, because everyone wants to enter that field. It's more competitive in the ADN programs because they are way cheaper than the ABSN programs. Also, A&P and micro are required for both types of programs.

Hope I helped you try to make the best decision you can.

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Specializes in Nursing student c/o 2012.

Hi kelly lyn,

I am just now planning on getting my ADN and have been doing quite some research. An ADN is in my opinion best suited for someone who has not taken any prerequisites and wants to get into the feild and then later move up as far as with their education (like me).... You have your bachelors so I am sure that you have completed you prerequisites, now I'm not sure but I would imagine that it would be in your best interest to get your BSN, because If I am right about you having all your prerequisites then you will only have to do the remaining 2+ years to get your BSN. That will be the same amount of time it would take for you to get your ADN. You should definitely do more research and maybe talk to a counselor. I'm almost sure having a bachelors degree in another feild gives you an advatage. (feel free to correct me if I am wrong) Hope this helped, good luck :)

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thanks for the suggestions guys-i will definitely need to do some more research before making a final decision. i think i may just finish up the last few prequisites (A&P, and microbio) needed to apply to an ABSN program.

thanks again-and best of luck with your future nursing plans!

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