ASN and bridge to BSN or BSN right away?

[WhiteShadows23]

i know i want my bachelor's in nursing, but i don't know what the best way to go about it is. right now i am at stlcc meramec, but still have to take chemistry and the dosage test before i can get on the waiting list. i've heard the waiting list can be 1-2 years, so i am planning on taking the rest of my pre-reqs. but the question i have is, is it better to get an ASN and work while getting your BSN or just go for the BSN right away? i probably will end up doing whatever is faster...meramec nursing program or another BSN program, like chamberlain, umsl, os semo. but then they all have a few different pre-reqs! lol i am so confused...

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

My suggestion is to compare the costs and the time involved for all your options.

I had a previous Bachelor's in business, so didn't want anymore student loans (and couldn't qualify anyway)....I chose Meramec so I could almost afford to pay in full as I went and also wouldn't have to work. I came out with out any additional student loans and therefore don't need to obligate myself any further to my hiring hospital.

When I decide the time's right to continue on for a BSN, I will know whether I want to stay where I am and have them finance this degree, move on to another hospital and have them help finance it, or attempt to pay for it myself.

In the interim while I waited to get in to the nursing program in Meramec, I completed all the co- and pre-reqs. That allowed me to focus on the core nursing courses which are plenty by themselves. I highly suggest that whatever direction you choose, you attempt to do the same. There were a couple of folks in our class who had to complete a few courses and it was brutal for them to do that in combination with our course requirements.

Best wishes!!

[DoeRN]

If you get you ASN and maybe choose to work at Barnes they have tuition assistance if you want to go back. Plus they also have a program called RN scholars where if you are an employee with 5 years with them you can get your bachelors for free. But they do make exceptions to the 5 year requirement. You just have to apply for it. So if you go the Meremac route you could possibly get your bachelors for free. I know I am taking advantage of it.