Associate degree BMCC before doing Columbia's ETP?

[clearly]

Hi all,

I have a question: does it make sense to do the Associate degree (e.g. from BMCC) before applying to a fast track BS/MS like Columbia's ETP?

I have a Masters degree in Humanities but I have to complete pre-req's for any fast-track program. Here's the problem though: since I'm an foreign student, I can't stay in the country to do pre-req courses. I need to be properly enrolled in a degree program to get to stay here. So I'm thinking of just starting the Associate degree at BMCC which doesn't require me to take any additional courses. And THEN applying to the ETP. However, does that sound stupid? I have no real knowledge on how nursing works (I'm a mere baby on this but am trying hard to learn). I know that a MS would beat an Associate degree in any other job market, but does this hold true for nursing?

Many many thanks in advance if someone could give me some info on this.

Warm wishes.

[shippoRN]

I believe columbia's program is for persons with a BS in other majors with NO nursing experience or nursing degrees, so if you got your associates first and then tried to apply to them you probably wouldn't get accepted. Best to call and ask to be sure.

As a recent 2009 summer grad from a NY associates program, please do not waste your time just go for your BSN no matter how long it takes you to get it, no matter how hard it may be just go for the BSN. My biggest regret was not getting my BSN (I also have a BS in another field) and even bigger regret was not trying harder to get into a BSN program. Having an associates in nursing here in new york is almost like when you're walking down the side walk on madison ave and narrowly miss stepping on a dog poop stain. Thats how I'm made to feel every single time I've gone on an interview. All I hear is "oh, you only have your associates" or "Why didn't you do a BSN program" or "Wow, associates its going to be hard for you to be placed" Or my absolute favorite was two weeks ago I went to the NY Times Job Fair, there was one particular hospital who's recruiting table had a line was literally a mile long, so one of the recruiters announced "If you don't have a BSN, then this line is not for you" They had no interest in any one with an associates degree.

If you don't believe me, ask the over 100 students that graduated from my program, I really don't need all the fingers on both my hands to count how many have been hired so far. We graduated in June.

Get my drift.

Bottomline, my advice, get your BSN.

P.S. some of my classmates also had Masters degrees in other fields such as education and psych, it did not matter when it came down to getting a job.

[clearly]

Hey ShipMedia, thanks so much for the advice. I truly appreciate it! I've been wondering about the Associate degree myself and from an outsider's perspective, it all looks the same. But I appreciate your sharing your experiences on the job market scene because I'm a foreign student: after graduating I'll have to seek out jobs that are not only willing to hire me but are willing to hire and *sponsor* me as a foreigner.

Again, thanks!! I don't know if I'll get into a BSN program at this point (a lot of deadlines have passed) but I'm certainly going to try..