Advice on What to do for Fall 2010

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(already posted this in student section but thought I may get more help here)

Hi everyone!

I was accepted into a BSN program to start this fall 2010. Since I will be getting my first undergrad degree this May and have finished all of my pre reqs for the program, they are accepting me right into the nursing core courses. But here is my dilemma: For some reason this schools core nursing program for a BSN is 3 years long. Arent most BSN programs only 2 years long, with pre-reqs/gen ed courses the first two years and the nursing courses the second two years? It seems that the ADN program covers all the courses that are usually only in a BSN program and the BSN program has extra courses that most BSN programs dont have (such as two adult health courses, gender oriented nursing, trends and issues in nursing, foundations of nursing, nursing therapeutics, and two pharm in nursing courses) which is what makes it longer.

I really dont like the fact that the program is three years long especially since Im just about to finish up my first four year degree. This would mean that I'll spend 7 years in undergrad alone. At this same school there is an ADN program that is 2 years long. The ADN program goes Fall-Spring-Summer-Fall-Spring and then graduation. But the BSN program on the other hand would be Fall-Spring-Fall-Spring-Fall-Spring. The school doesnt offer the core nursing courses in the summer so there is no possible way for me to speed up the process.

So I guess my question is whether it would make sense for me to go the ADN route instead in order to finish a year quicker or would it just make more sense to spend the 3 years going for the BSN? If I did do the ADN course of study I would try to find a job that would pay for me to go back to school and get my BSN, but Im not sure how common that is anymore.

I think most of my second guessing is coming from the fact that I have a one yr old and a four year old, so I want to be finished with school as quickly as possible.

In my situation, what would you do? Go the ADN route or spend the extra year and get a BSN?

Thanks:D

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You say you will have your first bachelors and all of your prereqs completed by May, correct? Is this a regular BSN program? If so, I think you would've been better off doing an accelerated BSN (1 year) or accelerated direct-entry MSN (2 years).

Sorry, but that just seems awfully long when you could be done in a year or two with the same degree or higher. I start a direct entry MSN and will be done in 2 years. I thought it made since to just go for the masters since the BSNs require the same prereqs - but if it wasn't the MSN program, then it would have definitely been an accelerated BSN done in 1 year.

ADNs just do not make sense for someone who already has a bachelors degree, but that's just my opininon. Good luck!

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I agree with the above.

Here, the RN to BSN bridge program is only 14 months, and and ADN is 18 months, so combined, I can see how it could be 3 years. Use schools with accelerated schedules - my school, for example, goes year round. We get one week off between terms, rather than a normal 4 year school that has normal month long winter and 3 month long summer breaks - that makes a large difference as well.

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Is this school in Colorado or California by any chance?

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I'm assuming the OP must be located in a city where they do not have any schools with accelerated direct-entry programs for those with non-nursing bachelors degrees.

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If its the two schools I am thinking of in this format, I looked at them and passed on even applying. They tailor the programs to people who are working and one of them didnt even have any major accreditation. They call them accelerated, but only in the sense that you get a 4 yr degree in 3 yrs, but not appropriate for someone with a bachelors. Thats too long to wait.

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Is this school in Colorado or California by any chance?

No this school is in Ohio.

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If its the two schools I am thinking of in this format, I looked at them and passed on even applying. They tailor the programs to people who are working and one of them didnt even have any major accreditation. They call them accelerated, but only in the sense that you get a 4 yr degree in 3 yrs, but not appropriate for someone with a bachelors. Thats too long to wait.

I think I have an idea of the schools youre referring to, but this school isnt like those. The BSN program in itself isnt 3 years just the nursing portion is. There is also the year or two of pre reqs and gen ed courses that has to be done but I have already completed all of those at Michigan State so I would just jump right into the nursing sequence, which is three years. So its not an accelerated program, but the ADN program has the option of being accelerated, but there is still the pre reqs for that so its really three years but would only be two for me since Im done with all the non nursing courses.

The school is accredited too, by the state of Ohio and NLNAC.

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I'm assuming the OP must be located in a city where they do not have any schools with accelerated direct-entry programs for those with non-nursing bachelors degrees.

There are accelerated BSN programs programs in my area but there arent any direct entry programs. I currently live in Michigan and will be attending school in Ohio. Accelerated programs are extremely hard to get into in MI, thats why I opted for just a traditional BSN program. My kids are also a reason I dont necessarily want to do an ABSN program. Im a single mother, which means I have to work and I dont see how I would be able to work, be in a strenuous ABSN program, and have time for my kids so I would rather do a regular ADN or BSN program.

Im just stuck on if I should go the ADN route to start my search in the job market sooner or do the BSN and spend an extra year in school.

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Specializes in ICU.

Do the BSN, try for a fast-track, or just suck it up.... I have a BS that took me about 10 years (work and life... pesky...) and my fast track BSN program was 16 months (spring, summer, fall, spring) . Check out the link, best of luck!!

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/BACDOC.pdf

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Specializes in Psych.

If there are no accelerated programs in your area and since you'll already have a degree and don't need to take anymore pre-req's, see if they will allow you to combine some of your semesters. I know of a few students who are in a 3 year program, but they have combined their 5th and 6th semesters and will graduate one semester early. You may even be able combine your 3rd and 4th semesters since you won't be taking any other non-nursing classes. It can't hurt to call and ask. Good luck!

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If there are no accelerated programs in your area and since you'll already have a degree and don't need to take anymore pre-req's, see if they will allow you to combine some of your semesters. I know of a few students who are in a 3 year program, but they have combined their 5th and 6th semesters and will graduate one semester early. You may even be able combine your 3rd and 4th semesters since you won't be taking any other non-nursing classes. It can't hurt to call and ask. Good luck!

Thats actually a good idea...I never wouldve thought of that! I have an appointment with the advisor in two weks so I'll make a not to ask her about it then.

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