Published Aug 14, 2008
Smile4MePls
4 Posts
Trying to sort through all the RN programs available is so frustrating! Help! I want to choose an RN program that will take the least amount of time to complete. I already have a 2-yr Associates degree in a non-nursing field, so I already have most of the basic prerequisites, like Eng, Math, Biol, Hum, Psy, out of the way. And, I have taken A&P I, II. I have about 70 credits. I know that I still may have a few more prerequisites to take depending on which school I choose.
I noticed there are many universities that have accelerated programs for those with Bachelor's degrees, unrelated to nursing, interested in becoming RN's. Does anyone know of schools that will accept most of my credits toward an accelerated BSN program?
If I will be back in school for about 2 more years, I would rather end up with a Bachelor's degree in the end than another Associates degree.
puggy232
72 Posts
I feel for you I was I was in the same boat. The only one I know of in my area is Saint Louis University- but it is a ASN-BSN-MSN. I think all of the excel programs are based off bachlor requirement just because of the amount of credits required for the entire degree-I just went ahead and did the ASN completing BSN online. If you do find one good luck, oh and I would just be aware of the time when you completed you core science reqs just because alot of school are now requiring that they be completed witrhin five years of your application.
Thanks :nuke:. I probably will have to do the same. Which school did you use to later complete your BSN online?
RNsRWe, ASN, RN
3 Articles; 10,428 Posts
Sorry, but at this point at least you can look forward to an accelerated ASN program! By having a prior A.S., thereby having many pre-requs for a nursing A.S. degree completed, you do kinda fast-track with an ASN degree. You are not in a position to fast-track a BSN, though.
Think of it this way: the year or so of pre-requs normally required you already have done. And you don't have to kill yourself doing multiple courses at the same time, along with clinicals and labs! However, it's still going to be an Associate's degree you receive.
nikicole
Valparaiso University in Valpo, Indiana. But, it's not online. They offer an accelerated BSN for transfer students who have completed at least 57 credit hours with at least a 3.0 GPA.
JenRN30, BSN
289 Posts
I don't know where you live, but Georgia State University has an accelerated BSN for which you don't need a previous degree. All you have to do is finish all of the prereq's before starting. I'm starting the program on Monday. It's a 16-month (4 semester)program. Here's the website if you're interested.
http://chhs.gsu.edu/nursing/accelerated.asp
I had not heard of that school. Thanks!
Ah, then, I stand corrected! Am very surprised to find schools that are now doing this. Then again, nursing shortage=good pay=rush to get into programs=$tuition$. So why not!
Thanks! I live in N.O., Louisiana so I'll check that out.
exactly, why not!! I don't know of any other schools that do this, but I'm sure that there are others. Hope this helped Smile4me :wink2:
joolia
44 Posts
Sure. There are tons of ABSN programs out there that do not require a previous Bachelor's degree - they usually just require a certain # of credits - both of nrusing prereqs and ged ed requirements (think history, english, humanities, etc.) Probably your best resourse is to go to the discover nursing website - you can search for schools all over the country that offer ABSN programs, and then visit the individual webistes to figure out which ones don't require a previous degree.
The one caveat to consider is that most of these schools are either private and or you would have to pay out of state tuition rates to go there. Plus, factoring in the costs associated with relocating, and living expenses while you are there. A lot of these schools are in areas with much higher costs of living than Northern Louisiana. Are you willing to spend $40-50k to be done with nursing school a year sooner than if you did a ADN program, or basic BSN program at your local university? - Will that extra year of nurse's salary offset the cost of going to the more expensive school?
It's a personal decision to make based on your current situation, but I think it is worth pointing out that the shortest path may not necessarily be the most advantageous for you in the long run.