ASN or BSN?

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

So recently I've hit a bit of a snag at my local community college. I was taking my pre-requisites, and retaking some pre-requisites in order to be adequately prepared for the competition for Fall 2015 admission.

Well, apparently, over the last few years of having no idea what I was doing, I have hit maximum credits. I applied for an appeal, which the woman I originally spoke to told me I should get, and was denied. This rendered me with no financial aid, and even the inability for student loans. Thank god for my mother who was able to cover this semester for me, and is even willing to cover a winter class.

Now, my curiosity is this. I'm going to have to start going to the local University, with much higher costs. I found out that I'm actually only 5 classes(one semester, or so) from being able to apply for the BSN program instead of the ASN. Would I benefit just going straight towards the BSN? Would it still be a good idea to TRY and get into the ASN, and figure out the financials later? I'm really not sure.

Just food for thought, after this semester, the classes I have left are Intro to Statistics, Intro to Organic Chemistry, Nutrition, Communications, and a Behavioral Science Elective. I was going to bite off Nutrition over the Winter, just to make my Spring class load easier.

Thanks for any thoughts! I really don't want to give up!

[dorkypanda]

Well, in the end you want to get the BSN. If you could apply to and get accepted into a BSN program that's fantastic. I think applying to BSN programs are more competitive than the associates program.the other way would be to go to the adn or ASN program first and then do the RN to BSN bridge program at a university. The classes you have left over don't seem too bad, the only hard one or science heavy is organic chemistry.

[RunBabyRN]

It depends on what you want to do in nursing. In your area, the hospitals, from what I've seen (I've applied in the Tahoe basin and looked in Reno, but not so much in Minden/Carson City), there isn't a huge push for BSNs, but if you want to get into leadership, you'll probably need it. It certainly wouldn't hurt, and if you ever wanted to move, having your BSN will be really helpful. Take a look at job postings in your area, and see what they want.

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

Thank you guys for your comments! I'm going to an information session tomorrow to figure out more. What I have been told, though, is that I sound like I'm on the right path, I can't have more than 13 in process credits by the time of application, and that they receive 90-130 applicants per semester for the 64 spots. I know that my local community college gets around 150-200 per application period(once a year) for 40 spots. I'm thinking that might make my odds a little better, as I have a 3.42 right now, and all those final classes will count towards that. This all just kinda threw me for a loop!

[honeyrose29]

I am coming to the point where I will be in the exact same situation within a few semesters (I'm at 66 credit hours after this semester). I'm nearly capped out on my financial aid, I'm still not into the program (waiting for this period's acceptance letters in Oct), and I am looking at the option of a BSN. Where I live, I will be required to complete the BSN by 2017 anyway. At this point, If I am not accepted into the ADN program on this cycle, I will definitely apply to the BSN program. I am currently working on getting my bachelor's core classes done, so that I'll be eligible to apply when the app opens for the BSN in Oct. As long as my classes are in progress, I can apply for the Fall 2015 BSN program.

That being said, a BSN is a good option because 1) It will reinstate your FA. FA caps out when you reach 150% of your credit hours for the course of study. If your ADN requires 60 credit hours, then you'll cap out at 90 credit hours. So.. if your BSN requires 120, you can still get FA up to 180. 2) Many hospitals are beginning to phase out the ADNs in preference of the BSNs and are in the process of implementing that change completely in the next few years. and 3) you'll make more money as a BSN.

I know the cost of the BSN program is excessive compared to a community college, but have you thought about taking your required 12 credit hours at the university to get the full FA, and throwing a few classes in at the community college to cut the costs? You should get enough FA to cover or nearly cover all of it, depending on how much your university is. My daughter is at a 4 year for nursing as well, and everything is covered through her FA, with a nice little refund too. She's going to take summer classes here at home, at the cc to help cut some costs too. Granted in the end you will have to pay those loans back, so ultimately it's out of your pocket now or later. It's just about which path is the best for you. Good luck!