Associate Degree vs. Accelerated Bachelors Degree

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 14, 2008

Hello all...
I am trying to decide which nursing program would be the best for me. I graduated from College 2 years ago and so I already hold a bachelor's degree (in another field).
I am thinking I should just do a 2 year program (like Christ Hospital, Good Sam or Galen in Cincinnati) so that I can finish sooner and then I can go back later to get my bachelors. They don't require any pre reqs that I don't already have.
However, I have been thinking about doing an Accelerated BSN because it would make a lot of sense and some get done in 2 years as well. The only drawback to this for me is that the school (NKU in northern Kentucky) I am looking into requires Pre Reqs like Anatomy, Microbiology, Nutrition, etc. that I do not have. That means I would have to take an additional year of classes before getting into the Accelerated BSN program.
Does anyone have any advice on what you think I should do? Has anyone gone to NKU's accelerated program? I just want to make sure I am doing the best thing for me.
I am just confused!
Thanks for anyone who has advice or insight!
:paw:D

Hi nursegirl513!

I had to make a similar decision a couple years ago. Several things helped me decide on doing an accel program (University of Cincinnati Accelerated Pathway):

- The wait list to get into the local associate programs was nearly 3 years! There was no real wait for the accel program (I was on their wait list, but got in).

- The "2 year" associates program actually took 2.5 years to complete

- At the end of the associates program, you'd have an associates degree (big surprise, huh?). This means that you'd still need to do another 2-2.5 years of school to complete your BSN, while you're probably working full time. This sounded too long & drawn out for me.

- While the accel program required some prereqs like micro, A&P, nutrition, psych/human development, pharm, and pathophys, those only took me 9 months (3 quarters) to complete at my local community college. Community college tuition is much cheaper than 4 year university tuition (at least here in the Dayton, OH area). NOTE that requirements differ by accel program - check that out first (for example, Wright State University's Beacon accel program requires statistics & sociology, among others).

- UC offered me & many others in the accel program a 60% scholarship, based on our GRE scores.

- With the accel program, you're done in about a year. In UC's program, it's 5 quarters (the last one is just 90 hours of clinicals), and you even graduate with a number of graduate level credits towards your MSN.

Good luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 14, 2008

I think CrufflerJJ listed a lot of good things to consider. Of course, you have to look at the specifics in your area and in your life ... but the things that CrufflerJJ said are often true in various places around the country.

Keep in mind that your goal is to ge to that BSN and you are looking for the most senesible way to get there. I know a lot of nurses who "always meant to go back for that BSN" but never got around to it because work, family, fun, etc. got in the way. If the BSN as a first degree is reasonable in your situation, it's what I would recommend. "I'll get it later" is a "maybe" that might happen or might not happen depending on a lot of factors you can't forsee now. If you can reasonably get the BSN now, get it now.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 14, 2008

Another way to think about it (still pushing you towards the accel degree, by the way) is:

...you want to make $$$ as a nurse, right?

If you could start any program tomorrow, you'd be a RN with an ADN in 2-2.5 years. You then go to work & start making $$$. Time invested: 2-2.5 years.

...or...

You could do 0.75-1 year of prereqs, then start the fun-filled low stress relaxing (cough, choke, gag) accel program. After another 1-1.25 years (1.75-2.25 total years since starting prereqs), you'd have your RN & BSN. You then go to work & start making $$$. Time invested: 1.75 - 2.25 years.

The time frames are about the same, if you look at it. This ASSUMES (danger, Will Robinson!) that there's no big gaps between finishing your prereqs & starting your accel program.

ThisOneGotLucky · Dec 15, 2008

Nursegirl:

I came through NKU's Accelerated Nursing Program! Don't hesitate to PM me if you have any specific questions about the program.

nursegirl513 · Dec 15, 2008

Hello!

Thank you to everyone who replied! it is so nice getting some answers and just hearing different people's perspectives! I am definately starting to look more closely about going to NKU. Hopefully taking a year of the pre-reqs that i need and apply to the nursing program.

Is it a competitive program? My one fear is that i take these pre-reqs and then i cant get into the nursing program . So i am now trying to figure out to apply for just those classes and then hopefully i get in! It is december, almost january... do you think i would be considered for summer enrollment perhaps? that would be terrific!

britt-- did you like NKUs accelerated program? What hospitals do you do the clinicals at?

Also, have any of you worked as a CNA/PCA before nursing school or during? I really need to save up some money and I would like to work NOW as a pca and during those pre-reqs so that i can live on my own and have a quieter place to study than my current household! I am just struggling to find out how to become one (some suggest taking the courses which cost $500 and some say there are hospitals that hire and then train you!)

thank you all for your help! i really appreciate it!!!

ThisOneGotLucky · Dec 16, 2008

Nursegirl:

I would just go ahead and take the pre-req's anyway, they won't go to waste. Even if you do not get into the program you will still need them to complete your BSN, anywhere. My class had about 24 or so. We started out at 27 but lost 3 of them after the first semester (it was pretty tough). They don't have summer admission, it is fall only. Overall, I liked the program. It's straight to the point and pretty thorough. I did my clinicals at St. Elizabeth, Children's, The VA Hospital, and Christ. Some of my classmates also went to St. Luke.

IF you have any more questions let us know!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

If you can afford it go for the BSN.

And good luck!

nursegirl513 · Mar 4, 2009

Hello!

CrufflerJJ-- just had some questions about UC accelerated program. I went to the informational meeting last night about the program and LOVED it!!! I have already applied to 2 ADN programs and awaiting their responses, but i am reallllly thinking about going the accelerated route. UC's program seemed like such a fit because of the time you invest, like you mentioned, and the degrees you come out with at the end!!

I am planning on getting started right away on doing pre-reqs. I am also taking advantage of their free GRE study sessions they are holding so i can get the best score i can on it! Just one question though. Can i apply at any time after my GRE scores come in for phase 1, even though im taking corses at the community college? And wouldi just tell them im taking the classes at another place and send them the transcripts when their finished? that is the only part that confused me!

Also, did you go into Phase 3 of the program? What specialty did you choose?

THANK YOU!

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 4, 2009

Hello!
CrufflerJJ-- just had some questions about UC accelerated program. I went to the informational meeting last night about the program and LOVED it!!! I have already applied to 2 ADN programs and awaiting their responses, but i am reallllly thinking about going the accelerated route. UC's program seemed like such a fit because of the time you invest, like you mentioned, and the degrees you come out with at the end!!
I am planning on getting started right away on doing pre-reqs. I am also taking advantage of their free GRE study sessions they are holding so i can get the best score i can on it! Just one question though. Can i apply at any time after my GRE scores come in for phase 1, even though im taking corses at the community college? And wouldi just tell them im taking the classes at another place and send them the transcripts when their finished? that is the only part that confused me!
Also, did you go into Phase 3 of the program? What specialty did you choose?
THANK YOU!

Glad to hear you liked the informational session. The program director (Dr. LaC...) and the graduate advisor (LC) try to do a good job of answering your questions. It also helps for potential candidates to be able to talk to current students who are going through the program.

To apply to the UC Accelerated Pathway program, I believe (please double-check & do not just go by what I say) that you submit an application, resume, nursing goal statement, references to the graduate advisor (Mr. LC). You then will need to have past transcripts (in a sealed envelope) sent to LC. You may be able to apply even before your GRE scores come back - just let LC know when you're taking the test. You will not be officially accepted to Phase I until all the required items have been submitted.

Once he's received all the necessary stuff (transcripts, resume, goal statement, application, references, GRE scores), it goes to Dr. LaC who reviews it & makes an accept/reject decision to the Admissions Committee. From when I've spoke with her in the past, the Admissions Committee has never overruled her recommendation in the past, so if you get that far, it's looking pretty good!

Make extra sure to check with LC and see if you can personally receive past transcripts in sealed envelopes, and then forward them to him...or...whether you must request that your school(s) send them DIRECTLY to him. Some schools/programs are picky about that stuff. Also...BEFORE taking any prereq courses (other than the ones explicitly laid out on the requirement sheet you hopefully got at the Info Session), you run them by LC to make sure they're acceptable. He would need to know where you're taking them, course number, number of credits, and the course description (as laid out in the course bulletin).

Before I forget...LC is retiring 4/30/2009, so make sure you touch base with him in advance of that date, as well as find out who will be his successor in the graduate advisor role.

Once all your courses are completed and transcripts submitted, you can be accepted into Phase II of the program.

For GRE preparation, do not rely on a single source of "help." Go to your local library & check out a couple GRE prep books (with CDROMs). I really liked Kaplan's book/CD, and the Barron's was also pretty good. I believe that due to tightened budgets, the make/break score for receiving graduate scholarships may have been raised from 1100. You want to do as well as you can on the GRE.

If/when you get to the Phase II acceptance step, send me a PM or email - I'll email you some further useful info (an "Accelerated Pathway Survival Guide" I wrote for following classes).

I have not started Phase III. I've been taking a vacation of sorts between finishing the program and starting work as a new RN (with the blessing of Mrs. CrufflerJJ). I'll be taking NCLEX 3/26. Guess I better start studying, huh? :rolleyes:

Take care!

CraftyStarr · Mar 5, 2009

Hello-

I am in a similar position...I have a BS in another field and then decided nursing was the profession for me.

I opted to go to an accelerated associate's program and I will finish in a total of 4 consecutive semesters. I am starting this May and I will be an RN next August. My plan is to eventually go back to school and get a BSN and hopefully have my employer pay for it.

I compared the cost of a BSN in the Cleveland area ($24k for tuition alone for an accelerated program) vs. a ADN in the Cleveland area ($9k including everything for an accelerated program) and decided an ADN made the most sense for me. I should even be able to get one of the hospital systems in the area to pay for $5k of my education costs by committing to work for them for a year post-graduation.

I guess what I am saying is that I wouldn't totally count out an associate's program until you know what is available. It was the best option for me to pay less than half of the cost of a BSN program and finish school in half the time.

I wish you the best of luck!

Kim

nursegirl513 · Mar 12, 2009

Hi CrufflerJJ! thank you so much for your response. It has really helped me make sure I am doing everything correctly! Good Luck on the NCLEX! I am sure you will do great though!

I have a question about where you did your Pre-Reqs and some other info if you know. What school did you take your pre-reqs at? I will mostly be doing them at Cincinnati State cause its the cheapest, and some i will have to take at the main campus, and i believe one of them i will have to take a raymond walters. I have to basically take all of the courses. However as I am looking at some of them, some have pre-reqs for that course! One of them is Pharm. I was initially planning on doing this this spring because its only offered in the spring, but it says that only UC college of nursing students can take it and then you have to have a pre-req of an intro to nursing course too!! what is that about!? another course is the child psych course. i looked at that at Cincinnati State and it said that i had to have taken intro to psych 1 and 2! do you think i would have to take allll of those as well?

if so, this may not be the best program for me by having to take pre-reqs to get into my other pre-reqs!

HELP!