Advice for a Washington State wannabe student?

[bluebluerose]

Hi, I live in Washington State and am looking for options on how to become an RN. I have a Master's in Psychology and work as a licensed therapist. My BA is in a non-science field.

I've seen the Accelerated BSN program with University of Washington in Seattle, and several similar ones near Portland. And the costs are very steep - even with in-state tuition, it looks like the UW program is over $40k; Portland programs can be up to $57k. However, many neighboring states have 2nd Degree BSN programs that are closer to $15k - but for state residents, not out-of-state students.

Moving to another state is an option, but, out-of-state tuition is pretty high as well. Though many colleges in the West participate in a Student Exchange program to give tuition waivers to students from other Western states, most colleges don't grant them to Nursing students. The financial aid folks at several schools also told me that these tuition waivers are mostly earmarked for someone who is trying to earn a Bachelor's Degree; given that I already have one, and a Masters, it would be difficult for me to get this assistance. The out-of-state tuition makes those 2nd Degree programs cost closer to $30k - still cheaper than UW but not by much. I could relocate completely to establish residency somewhere else... a tough sell to my family, but one we could do if we decide it's necessary for my career.

Since money is an issue - I'm still paying down my grad school Psych Degree loan, so the thought of borrowing another $40 grand on top of that - I was thinking I might be better off taking nursing program pre-reqs one quarter at a time at a community college, and if I can get the grades, start over and try to earn an RN at a local ADN program. I could be saving the money for tuition for a couple of years while I chip away at the pre-reqs - I've got between 6-7 classes I'd have to retake - so I can pay out of pocket if I get accepted. It's the slow path, nowhere as fast as the UW Accelerated program, but the cost of their program is just too steep for where I'm at with my finances right now.

So, Washington Nurses and nursing students... Is there a Washington program I'm missing that would be better than this plan? There are all kinds of online schools, but they're geared for people who already have their RN.

Thanks everyone for your patience and advice!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You are wise to consider the slow prerequisite, pay cash and ADN route.

[bluebluerose]

Thanks. I also figured if it turns out this really isn't a good fit, I will find out quick enough if I can't hack the prereqs, instead of jumping with both feet into the Accelerated programs.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I concur with meanmaryjean. This is the route I took, and the prerequisites actually went pretty quickly. All community and technical colleges have to meet the standards of the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. I would check to see that your school is accredited.

I know a lot of RNs who go the community college route and then get their BSN via WGU.

UW is crazy expensive and the cost of living in the Seattle area is exorbitant as well. Good luck!

[ruralnurse84]

Op I sent you a pm.