After a lot of thought, I finally decided...

Mia2005 · Aug 10, 2005

No, no bachelors degree. This will be my first time attending college, so I have to take EVERYTHING lol. I have been out of high school for 13 years. This should be quite an adventure!

Hi Princess74,

Congrad. on making a decision between an obtaining your ADN or BSN. Let me let you in on a lil secret though...... I am from Hampton Va, and am in kind of the same situation as you.. I want to go for my BSN, but the programs in Va are so hard to get into, but not only that but they only accept one time a year. The accelerated 2nd degree bsn, are only for people who already have a bachelors degree in another subject, so you wouldnt be able to go to TCC, and then transfer to ODU for the accelerated 2nd degree program, now what you could do is this. research the different adn, diploma, and traditional bsn programs. Now what you could do is transfer to ODU once you have taken all your preq, but be VERY CAREFUL, I mean VERY CAREFUL, and make sure that ALL the classes you take at TCC will transfer to ODU. ODU is extemely funny about transfer credits, so just make sure that you RESEARCH everything before you decide on where to transfer too.. If you need help I will help you.. Make sure you go to ODU.com, and click on admission and go under transfer, they have a monarchtransfer guide so it will let you know what pre reqs will transfer from TCC. Now you could apply to ODU for the traditional program once you have completed all of your pre reqs. This is what I plan to do.. I have researched the diploma programs in the area... such as Sentara in (Chesapeake) and Riverside in (NN). Sentara is very good and has a 100% placement rate after graduation and an 88% pass rate on the NCLEX. You can find more info on sentara.com or riversideonline.com. Also there are many adn programs, but the problem with that is they have waiting list that are extremely long. Thomas Nelson, TCC, and JSargent Reynolds in Richmond have ADN programs. But, Sentara nor Riverside have a waiting list. Sentara accepts 2x a year and Riverside accepts 3x a year. That gives you the ability to go into a nursing program right after you finish your pre reqs, instead of waiting until the fall semester, say for instance if you wont finish your pre reqs until the end of the fall semester. But the best thing about going to an ADN or Diploma programs is that they always give you the flexibility to transition to a BSN. You can do a RN to BSN program which you can complete in 3 semester all the way up to 6yrs depending on the school. This gives you the flexibility to work and gain some practice as a nurse and to earn your bachelors degree. Many people have a misconception about nursing, that Bachelors is the only way to really go. But just think..... I am definitly going to get my bachelors because I would never sale myself short. but there is always more than one way to get to a goal.... So if you think about it... the same time it would take you to get your bachelors from a university .. would be almost the same time to get your BSN if you did an ADN or Diploma program depending on the wait and pre reqs already completed, and then do a RN to BSN program. ODU also have an RN to BSN programs. VCU have a very good RN to BSN program, where they have different satellite offices where you can complete the degree within the area, rather than going to richmond to go to class, not only that but you dont have to go to class but 3 times a month. Its always smart to plan ahead because with a university they only accept once a year, and they normally only accept 30 applicants per year. Not only that once you obtain your BSN, you will be making the same as a person from an ADN or Diploma. The BSN, just really gives you the a head start to obtain a management position, but remember you have to have some type of experience to get that position still. So make sure you do all the research first, I am definitely not knocking a Traditional program by any means, because that would have been my first choice, but im going to go to sentara and then do the RN to MSN program to become a nurse practioner at VCU, but there are always more than one way to get to a goal. So if you need any help or have any questions, I have been researching so long, I could probably help out, but dont hesitate to ask.

Princess74 · Aug 11, 2005

Hi Princess74,
Congrad. on making a decision between an obtaining your ADN or BSN. Let me let you in on a lil secret though...... I am from Hampton Va, and am in kind of the same situation as you.. I want to go for my BSN, but the programs in Va are so hard to get into, but not only that but they only accept one time a year. The accelerated 2nd degree bsn, are only for people who already have a bachelors degree in another subject, so you wouldnt be able to go to TCC, and then transfer to ODU for the accelerated 2nd degree program, now what you could do is this. research the different adn, diploma, and traditional bsn programs. Now what you could do is transfer to ODU once you have taken all your preq, but be VERY CAREFUL, I mean VERY CAREFUL, and make sure that ALL the classes you take at TCC will transfer to ODU. ODU is extemely funny about transfer credits, so just make sure that you RESEARCH everything before you decide on where to transfer too.. If you need help I will help you.. Make sure you go to ODU.com, and click on admission and go under transfer, they have a monarchtransfer guide so it will let you know what pre reqs will transfer from TCC. Now you could apply to ODU for the traditional program once you have completed all of your pre reqs. This is what I plan to do.. I have researched the diploma programs in the area... such as Sentara in (Chesapeake) and Riverside in (NN). Sentara is very good and has a 100% placement rate after graduation and an 88% pass rate on the NCLEX. You can find more info on sentara.com or riversideonline.com. Also there are many adn programs, but the problem with that is they have waiting list that are extremely long. Thomas Nelson, TCC, and JSargent Reynolds in Richmond have ADN programs. But, Sentara nor Riverside have a waiting list. Sentara accepts 2x a year and Riverside accepts 3x a year. That gives you the ability to go into a nursing program right after you finish your pre reqs, instead of waiting until the fall semester, say for instance if you wont finish your pre reqs until the end of the fall semester. But the best thing about going to an ADN or Diploma programs is that they always give you the flexibility to transition to a BSN. You can do a RN to BSN program which you can complete in 3 semester all the way up to 6yrs depending on the school. This gives you the flexibility to work and gain some practice as a nurse and to earn your bachelors degree. Many people have a misconception about nursing, that Bachelors is the only way to really go. But just think..... I am definitly going to get my bachelors because I would never sale myself short. but there is always more than one way to get to a goal.... So if you think about it... the same time it would take you to get your bachelors from a university .. would be almost the same time to get your BSN if you did an ADN or Diploma program depending on the wait and pre reqs already completed, and then do a RN to BSN program. ODU also have an RN to BSN programs. VCU have a very good RN to BSN program, where they have different satellite offices where you can complete the degree within the area, rather than going to richmond to go to class, not only that but you dont have to go to class but 3 times a month. Its always smart to plan ahead because with a university they only accept once a year, and they normally only accept 30 applicants per year. Not only that once you obtain your BSN, you will be making the same as a person from an ADN or Diploma. The BSN, just really gives you the a head start to obtain a management position, but remember you have to have some type of experience to get that position still. So make sure you do all the research first, I am definitely not knocking a Traditional program by any means, because that would have been my first choice, but im going to go to sentara and then do the RN to MSN program to become a nurse practioner at VCU, but there are always more than one way to get to a goal. So if you need any help or have any questions, I have been researching so long, I could probably help out, but dont hesitate to ask.

Wow, what great info. Thank you.:) Actually this is what I have found out about the ODU program. I spoke with them today and got all of the paperwork, application etc....

The accelarted program at ODU does not require you to already have a bachelors degree. It is either for those who do have a bachelors degree in another field already OR for anyone who has completed all the prereqs and Coreqs required for the BSN program. I have the paper work in my hand and thats what it says, I also spoke to the Cheif Academic Advisor of The School of Nursing at ODU to be sure that I understood everything correctly. The requirements may have changed after you had spoken with them. I know that TCC just made some changes to their program also. Give ODU a call and ask again. If thats where you want to go you should be able to do it. Just take all of your pre and co reqs so that you can enter the non traditional program. I have the updated list of classes, that I just got this afternoon. If you need them let me know and I will send them to you in a PM. Its great to have someone else from Hampton Roads here at All Nurses, there are only a few of us from this area. We should all get together for lunch on day and compare programs.

bmw804 · Aug 11, 2005

...to get a BSN, instead of the ADN I was going to get. Wish me luck, its going to be a looooong 4 years. Classes start in less that 2 weeks. I am going to attend Tidewater Community College for 2 years and finish all of my classes, other than the actual nursing classes. Than transfer to Old Dominion University for their accelerated BSN program. I am scared to death, there are soooo many classes that I have to take and I've been out of school 13 years now. But I am as excited as can be too.:balloons:

Congrats, I have also made a decision to do the LPN then bridge to BSN. I plan to do both in the spring semester. I will be done sooner bridging the courses than doing the straight BSN. I have less classes to take doing the LPN. I will start the LPN in Jan. and I will be done early Sept. The BSN courses are only in the spring and fall. I will be completing the LPN as the 2nd semester BSN will begin. By then I hope I will be working somewhere that I can get tuition reimbursement to pay for the BSN. I have looked into the accelerated program, but one class is like 4-5 weeks. That is just too fast for me.

I am so excited. I will complete the rest of my prereq's this fall. I think having a leg up with the LPN will help me a lot with the classes.

Glimmer · Aug 12, 2005

Another Hampton Roads person here!

I have gone through all the different options and weighed each one dearly. At the moment I am hoping to get into TNCCs program. I will be finishing up my pre/co-reqs this semester and given that they admit off the point system I should be in pretty good standing and after talking to the nursing heads it should not be a problem for me to get into the program. Admissions will go through this spring... guess we will see!

I ultimately would like to get my BSN but know that given my situations and past college experiences that isnt possible. ODU would laugh me off the campus if they looked at my transcripts! LOL Although things have changed... I managed to pull of a 4.0 semester taking a couple of summer classes.

Of the 4 of us in my A&P lab group this summer 1 is going the surg tech route at sentara, another nursing at sentara, the 3rd nursing at riverside, and then me hoping to stick it out at TNCC.

Good luck!!!!

Alnee

Princess74 · Aug 12, 2005

Another Hampton Roads person here!
I have gone through all the different options and weighed each one dearly. At the moment I am hoping to get into TNCCs program. I will be finishing up my pre/co-reqs this semester and given that they admit off the point system I should be in pretty good standing and after talking to the nursing heads it should not be a problem for me to get into the program. Admissions will go through this spring... guess we will see!
I ultimately would like to get my BSN but know that given my situations and past college experiences that isnt possible. ODU would laugh me off the campus if they looked at my transcripts! LOL Although things have changed... I managed to pull of a 4.0 semester taking a couple of summer classes.
Of the 4 of us in my A&P lab group this summer 1 is going the surg tech route at sentara, another nursing at sentara, the 3rd nursing at riverside, and then me hoping to stick it out at TNCC.
Good luck!!!!
Alnee

Thanks. Good luck to you too! :coollook:

Mia2005 · Aug 12, 2005

Another Hampton Roads person here!
I have gone through all the different options and weighed each one dearly. At the moment I am hoping to get into TNCCs program. I will be finishing up my pre/co-reqs this semester and given that they admit off the point system I should be in pretty good standing and after talking to the nursing heads it should not be a problem for me to get into the program. Admissions will go through this spring... guess we will see!
I ultimately would like to get my BSN but know that given my situations and past college experiences that isnt possible. ODU would laugh me off the campus if they looked at my transcripts! LOL Although things have changed... I managed to pull of a 4.0 semester taking a couple of summer classes.
Of the 4 of us in my A&P lab group this summer 1 is going the surg tech route at sentara, another nursing at sentara, the 3rd nursing at riverside, and then me hoping to stick it out at TNCC.
Good luck!!!!
Alnee

Hi Alnee,

Good luck! Im pretty sure you will do well at TNCC and shouldnt have a problem getting in. Dont count out getting a BSN, you could always do a RN to BSN program after grad from TNCC, especially if your grades stay up. Would you ever consider a diploma program? Its so good to talk to people in the area. Keep in touch. Oh, are you taking classes at TNCC this fall semester?

Glimmer · Aug 12, 2005

Hi Alnee,
Good luck! Im pretty sure you will do well at TNCC and shouldnt have a problem getting in. Dont count out getting a BSN, you could always do a RN to BSN program after grad from TNCC, especially if your grades stay up. Would you ever consider a diploma program? Its so good to talk to people in the area. Keep in touch. Oh, are you taking classes at TNCC this fall semester?

I eventually will go the BSN route but at the moment I know that really isnt an option for me.

I have looked into the diploma programs that are available around here and I feel more comfortable with the TNCC program. I had a very bad experience with the staff at the Riverside school when I went in to talk about the programs they offered. I have nothing aganist a diploma program... or ADN or BSN... heck we all sit for the same boards!

I like the distance learning RN-BSN that VCU has and comes down to Riverside as a satellite campus. There are lots of options but it seems that they all have pros and cons...

Yes, I am taking classes at TNCC this fall... doing Micro, Ethics, Soc, Basic computer literacy (online :rotfl: )... I will be on campus 4 nights a week though. Can't wait to be done :) :) :)

Alnee

sweetums10 · Aug 12, 2005

Good luck and stick with your goals!!!