Advice on which route to take? :D

[Chireiyu]

Hello!

I'm currently looking into various options to becoming a nurse. My ultimate goal would be to get a BSN in nursing. However, I live in SoCal and from what I hear, getting into nursing programs here is rather difficult (as it is in many other places as well.) I have sorted out my various options in terms of how to obtain my BSN but I'm not sure which is the best option. If you can give me your two cents on what you think I should undergo I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

So here they are:

1) Take my pre-reqs at a CC and then transfer into a BSN program at a Cal State or private uni.

Issues: I've heard getting into these BSN programs is really difficult as only a certain number of students are accepted. While I do intend to excel in my pre-reqs, I'm really worried about not getting in. What do I do then?

2) Get my ADN at a CC then take an RN-BSN program.

Issues: How difficult is it to get into an ADN program? How difficult is it to get into an RN-BSN program? I really like this option but I'm really mostly worried about the difficulty of getting into an ADN program.

3) Take as many classes that can transfer at a CC and then attend West Coast University.

Issues: I like the fact that there's no waiting list for WCU so I know if I act fast, I'll be fine and get my BSN for sure! I'm just worried about the fact that WCU is ACICS accredited, not WASC accredited. Maybe one day I'd like to get my MSN... But in that case, my courses won't transfer! ):

4) Take an LVN program and then take an LVN-RN program.

Issues: Is this cost/time effective? How difficult is it to get into these programs? (I haven't really looked into this that much. I just decided that this is a possible option today.)

Basically, I'd really like to get my BSN in as little time possible. I wouldn't want to be taking all these pre-reqs only to find out that I won't get anywhere. I'm continuing to research into these various options but I'd really appreciate it if I can get some insight.

I apologize for the long post. What do you think the best route would be?

Thank you so much in advance~

[Chireiyu]

Anyone? ^^ ;

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

It seems like you've put a lot of thought in to this. My advice to you is to contact prospective schools as they can give you the best information. Each school has different admission requirements so it is really hard for people on here to tell you which is the best route to take. You should also factor in program costs, especially since new grads in California are not faring too well in this job market.

[purevintage]

All of your questions you have, you really should research yourself. If you ask someone on these boards how hard it is to get into any particular TYPE of program, you may not get an answer that is right for the SPECIFIC program(s) you are thinking about and debating between. Additionally, people sometimes can be opinionated; for example, I thought it was relatively easy to do well on the HESI A2 exam required for entrance into my program, but others would not agree.

However, if it helps, I am a 2011-start ADN hopeful in Michigan, and plan to do an RN-BSN or RN-MSN program after I start working. My ADN program is selective admission, with no wait list. I had to get really good grades in order to have a shot, but I think that will only help me in the future. In my mind, I am taking a less expensive, quicker route through accredited schools ONLY.

But again, I really suggest that you do the leg-work to find out everything that you can about each of your options as it relates to meeting your goals; cost, length of time before you're "finished" (including wait lists...), accreditation, and anything else that might play a role.

Best of luck to you!

[dilse07]

which ever route that would get you faster to getting your BSN!... some might disagree but nowdays hospitals prefer to hire an individuals with BSN than ADN. Its great ot have options though. Good luck to you :)

[Fool.in.the.Rain]

did you check the waitlists for ADN? I always think getting a BSN first is the smarter move

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

nvm...