ATTN: London, ON BScN Students or Grads

[amnosni]

I am from London, Ontario (Near Western University) and have recently been offered admission into a few nursing programs. I am having trouble deciding which one to accept, and was hoping that you guys could help.

I have been offered Fall 2015 admission into:

1. BScN at Western

2. BScN at Fanshawe/Western Collab.

3. Practical Nursing at Fanshawe Woodstock Campus

There are Pros/Cons to all three options. (I won't get into it too much, unless someone asks!)

I am leaning toward one of the BScN programs, although 4 years of school makes me nervous. As well as the debt I will likely acquire. But I enjoy school, and do very well with studies. Also, the money is somewhat important, since I am a single mother and have a young child to raise.

I applied to Practical Nursing because I would qualify for second career, and therefore come out of school able to work in 2 years, debt-free (as opposed to 4 years of UNI with debt)!

The main question I am seeking an answer to is...

What is the difference between BScN at Westren versus the BScN Fanshawe/Western Collaborative, (besides the obvious - location)?

I've heard the Collab program has more hands on experience?

Is the cost the same? I'm assuming it would be, but I'm not entirely sure.

Do employers prefer one program over another?

If anyone has any advice or insight to offer that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you :)

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Canadian Nursing Program discussion forum

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I would chose the debt free route, once working as a RPN I would save money in a TFSA and in a Canadian education savings grant/RESP. If, in the future I chose to bridge to a BSCN I would use the TFSA for myself and my child could use the RESP for their education.