Bachelor's Degree... Do I go straight for the RN?

[DragonGirl]

I know this question probably gets asked a lot, but I also imagine the answer has something to do with the situation, job market, and individual asking the question.

• I'm 42 (ouch)
  
• Have a bachelor's degree in psychology (1997)
  
• Married with 2 kids (12 and 13, one of which has high-functioning autism)
  
• As of this year, I've taken chemistry and anatomy at a local jr. college and am enrolled for my CNA and human development in the fall, with plans on completing all prereqs next year.
  
• I'm working full time at a middle school as a para educator for children with developmental disabilities until I'm accepted into a full time nursing program.
  
• My overall GPA is under a 3 (wasn't a serious student when I was younger), but if you only look at the courses I'd need for nursing, it's much higher. Not sure if that makes a difference.
  

Does it make any sense to go through a 10 month LPN program at my local community college, then bridge through their 10 month RN (associates) the following year? I'd then likely complete my BSN online. Or, does it make more sense to ditch the community college route, and apply to an accelerated BSN program once I complete all the prereqs? Assuming I could even get in.

I'm hopeful that my GPA will be strong once I've completed all required coursework before application, but realize there is a lot of competition.

So, what should I consider before investing any more time and money into my future plans?

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Given your basic situation, I would suggest getting all your prerequisites knocked out of the way for both the ABSN and the ADN route. Apply to both and take whatever one you'd get accepted to. If you're rejected from both, apply again the next time you can. Going the LVN route isn't bad, but consider that you generally have to get through the program, find a job, then after you've been working a while then you might be allowed to take a bridge course to RN as you've described above. If you're accepted to both programs, I would say that if you can financially swing it, do the ABSN. It'll be very, very fast paced, break-neck speed, really. You'll be done in about a year and you'll have a BSN, which is more commonly preferred these days.

Seriously, I'd say to look at your finances and see which way you can afford to do this. I couldn't afford an ABSN program as there were very few student financial aid options. I went the ADN route and I'll be bridging over to BSN when I can get a chance to.

[DragonGirl]

Thank you for sharing your opinion! There is a 2 year RN (associates) program at the jr. college I'm currently attending, which is likely my best shot for admission. The more I look at the accelerated programs and just how competitive admission is, the more I realize I likely wouldn't get in. Additionally, the fast paced method of learning is off putting. I have a family and just can't see putting them through this, and honestly believe taking a two year route, even without gettting the BA right off the bat, would be a healthier option for everyone.

Today (might change my mind tomorrow, lol) I think my best bet is to get the pre-req's for RN (associates) and the BSN programs, and apply to both. The LPN program requirements would be met in that process too. The more I think about LPN and the job market in my area, the more I think it's the wrong place to focus my efforts, but I'll still apply... just in case this turns out to be my only option.

Thanks again!