Advice: Traditional BSN or ABSN

U.S.A. California

Published

Hello Allnurses community,

I'm contemplating whether I should finish my bachelors degree and then do an ABSN or just finish the traditional bsn degree. I am in California.

I was at community college for two years under computer science. I took a gap year off school to work and see f I liked the field, and I did not enjoy it. Working in the field for a year really gave me a feel for that career, its not for me.

During this gap year, I was accepted to UC Berkeley. However, UC Berkeley does not offer a nursing degree.

I'm debating whether I should stay at community college a little longer to finish prerequistes (tuition free), then apply to a traditional BSN program, or finish the degree at UC Berkeley+ do an ABSN. ABSN's dont offer Financial aid after the first bachelors degree I hear.

(I have four years left of unused aid.)

Note: For two years at Berkeley I would be taking classes not related to nursing at all, while also trying to finish the nursing prerequistes there (Brutal).

If I stay at community college a little longer, all I have to finish are the prerequistes classes, which I can spread out a bit, without cramming, get some work experience in the field and then transfer directly into a BSN program.

This decision is difficult as a lot of people have told me that UC Berkeley is a great school. I just don't want to be unhappy while I'm there.

What are your opinions? I'm getting mixed opnions from both side when speaking to people I know.

Some people tell me don't worry about loans no matter, the cost. That doesn't sound realistic.

In terms of loans, both will require loans, the ABSN I would probably owe 60k+-120k depending on the program/school and living expenses.

The traditional BSN routes I would probably come out with less debt for sure since I have a four years of unused aid and am low-income.

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Honestly? Go for your BSN if it's truly what you want, do not make it harder for yourself.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

BSN. No reason to get a bachelor's degree in another field.

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Specializes in NICU.

As someone who did an ABSN (I did not know what I really wanted the first time around), I say just get your BSN now. Berkeley is a great school, but no one is going to care that you went there for your first degree and there are plenty of other great schools that also have great nursing programs. If you already started this semester, do a semester of pre-reqs, then transfer. Most nursing schools have a preference for students who complete their pre-reqs there.

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Okay, this is going to be a long post. But I wish somebody had sat down and told me this information when I was seventeen, still in community college. After one year at a community college, I decided to transfer to a University where I ended up graduating with a Bachelors in Health Science. Now I am 23, going through an Accelerated program which has been very TOUGH. (Not saying that traditional is any easier).

After four years of school, you feel ready to celebrate that you are done with school. However, in the accelerated program, you have that extra year of intense schooling after your first degree. An accelerated program is a great option, but it is not for the weak. I'm speaking from experience. The program I am in right is is 12 months and it has been very tough because of the rigor of our program. It doesn't matter if the program is 12, 15 or 18 months. Accelerated programs become your life. Our cohort has 13 students. If not for the grace of God, many of us would have gone crazy by now. We're in class from 8am till 7pm most day fall, spring and summer. Our program is a little different because we don't get breaks in between semesters due to how short the program is. We've been going straight through. In regards to financial aid, there are not many options available after you graduate with that first bachelors degree. I was blessed to receive a scholarship through my church, but many students are turning to Sallie Mae or outside loans. They tell you "don't work" during program. But how realistic is that. All of us still had bills to pay, one lady has 10 children and has to work weekends and nights to support her family. All of this said, I would advice you to go the traditional route. I believe the accelerated path is a great option, but if you want to save yourself money and time, traditional is the best route to go (in my opinion). Hope this helps.

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Thank you for your response. After a lot of thought I may still consider Berkeley. I was computer science, but I can switch my major to something health related. It wouldn't prolong my graduation date even if I changed. The reason why I'm highly considering it still is because it's a full ride to UC Berkeley no tuition payed and also housing. I also would be eligible to apply to programs right after graduation. I have 70/120 units complete for graduating (only 50 left). And I'm also considering MSN programs such as UCSF/UCLA. I'm still considering it as I would graduate debt free. Not a lot of people have that. This is the last post I will have in this dilemma. I think I know what's the right decision now based on the circumstances in my life. Thank you everyone for your input!

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