Bachelor's Completion or Bachelors of Science in Nursing

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Hey everybody,

I have a question regarding a naming convention that confuses me.

I have two Nursing options:

  1. Pursue an Associate's Degree in Nursing at KCMA, and then go for "Bachelors Completion" online.
  2. Pursue a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing at WSU.

The question is: Is there a difference between "Bachelors Completion" and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing?

I am having the hardest time trying to figure out what would be best for me.

  • If I went to WSU, I would actually get my BSN for 3 years, since I will already have a BS in Zoology from another school (the accelerated programs actually would get me out in about the same time, oddly enough).
  • However, if I went to KCMA, I could be working while pursuing my Bachelors Completion. However, it would take 4 years to complete (total).

Thanks everybody!

Bryan

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There's a big difference.

"Generic" BSN programs provide the basic nursing training to prepare you for licensure and entry into nursing practice.

"BSN completion" programs are for people who are already licensed and practicing. They have either a diploma or ADN degree, and BSN completion programs are designed to allow them to complete (only) the additional requirements necessary for a BSN degree. BSN completion programs do not provide any "basic training" in nursing, or prepare/qualify you to take the licensure exam; they are an "upgrade" for people who are already licensed RNs.

Are you sure that the WSU option you mention would be as quick as "the accelerated programs"? Which accelerated programs do you mean? Most that I'm aware of take only 12 to 18 months. Is the extra time because of prerequisites you would need to complete?

Welcome to all nurses, and best wishes for your journey! :balloons:

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Thanks so much for your response!

I'm pretty sure going directly for BSN is probably the best for me. I'm very sure that I will be going for a masters (CNS or NP) eventually, and I feel it will be the best investment.

The two accelerated programs I'm considering are BEACON (WSU) and UC's accelerated program. Unfortunately, I decided this was what I wanted to do at exactly the wrong time to be thinking about these programs. They're very inflexible in terms of start times, have large wait lists, and I need to take an entire sequence of Anatomy and Physiology (a year of schooling) among other prerequisites.

From what I've planned out, based on how long it will take me to get my prerequisites done, apply, and get accepted, I will get out at relatively similar times. Making it worse, I would not be able to work while going to doing any accelerated program.

At least with the "traditional" program, I will be able to get some experience while in school (I am taking Nurse Aide Training classes this summer).

Do you know of any good places to look for employment as a Nurse Aide?

Thanks again for all your help!

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I graduated from an accelerated program and my understanding is you need a BS/BA in another field plus whatever prereqs they require. The convenience in them is that if you need the science prereqs you can usually get them at a community college and at night, so you can work around a traditional work schedule. The "accelerated" part is the nursing portion.

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Yes, I already have a BS in Zoology. The problem is that I could get into an accelerated program, but there would be enough of a time gap that I would have to start paying loans back. The accelerated programs are not very flexible (starting date-wise).

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To avoid that time gap, you could take the pre-reqs at a local community college. There are at least 5 people in my A&P classes that are going into accelerated BSN's.

Keep in mind that a BSN completion after you get your RN (ADN) is the same as going straight through for BSN, just a different route. Both will get you into the MSN program.

I am going for my ADN then RN-BSN then BSN-MSN(or DNP). I'm taking the ADN route because of the flexibility of classes and the cheaper cost. It will take me the same amount of time to get my ADN then ADN-BSN as it would if I went just for the BSN. However, it will only cost me $25K compared to $45k.

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Nurse aides (CNA/STNA) only work in LTC's where I live. If you want to work in a hospital, you would need to be a PCA, which is a step above a nurse aide. For me, it is only 1 class that I will take on top of the nurse aide course.

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Join the military! See the world make a difference. Get college credit for your military training and get the new and improved GI Bill.Then get out, join the reserves, finish your BSN then go back in as an officer and retire with life long benefits when your 45! There, I just gave you a road map for success!

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