Best Path to RN for me?

It really comes down to what is more important for you, the time or the money. For me, as a second degree seeking student with the majority of my federal loans used, money was more important for me so I chose to sacrifice the additional time it takes for the ADN route.

I have a BS in Criminal Justice and Business Administration. I am limited with financial aid since having a degree. Mostly my cost would be out of pocket, private loans, and employer reimbursement. However, an ADN for me would cost nothing since financial aid and tuition reimbursement would cover the cost. From there I can go the route of RN to MSN. There is many online classes and can receive Graduate financial aid, employer reimbursement, and utilize money making as a nurse.

It really comes down to what is more important for you, the time or the money. For me, as a second degree seeking student with the majority of my federal loans used, money was more important for me so I chose to sacrifice the additional time it takes for the ADN route.

Thanks! I like how you put that. Are you planning to complete an RN-BSN program later, or going to stick with the ADN for now?

Right now, I'm leaning toward the ADN, with the hopes I could continue working at least part-time through the program.

I heard ADN is more time consuming than a BSN program. I am hoping to get into the only 2 evening CC ADN programs in my state. It's a challenge because it's a lottery system for 50% of those applying.

I'm definitely planning on bridging to BSN and then going for an MSN afterwards.

I got my ADN and went to work. Now I'm using tuition reimbursement offered by my employer to finish up my BSN. It's saving me SO much money and I was able to start working faster.

However, an ADN for me would cost nothing since financial aid and tuition reimbursement would cover the cost. From there I can go the route of RN to MSN.

Thanks for your comment! I had not even thought about RN to MSN. That's definitely something I want to look into!

Tuition for the online RN-to-BSN program I completed was less than $6K. I think you may be overestimating tuition and fees for most RN-to-BSN programs.

Ok, good to know! I have really only looked at one program so far and it was going to be around $30k! But that's with out of state tuition. It's good to know that there are online programs that are much more affordable. Thanks!

I am hoping to get into the only 2 evening CC ADN programs in my state. It's a challenge because it's a lottery system for 50% of those applying.

I hope you are able to get in! I did submit an ADN application today, but it was two days after the deadline (March 1) so I'm really hoping I can get in, even with my late application; otherwise I'll have to wait for a year to even apply again! (There are not many other options here.) Best wishes!

I got my ADN and went to work. Now I'm using tuition reimbursement offered by my employer to finish up my BSN. It's saving me SO much money and I was able to start working faster.

Thanks for sharing! It's encouraging to hear that the ADN route worked so well for you, and that you're able to do your BSN now with your employer's help!

Wow, I could have written your post! I am also 31 with a bachelors(and masters) in another field. I am in the process of appplying to nursing school. I have been accepted at a local ABSN and I am waiting to hear back from 2 other ABSN programs. However, due to the price of the ABSN's I also applied to my community college's nursing program, and I am seriously considering doing and ADN and then doing an rn/msn program. I will likely save over 50,000. Yes it will take me longer....but I looked at a loan calculator for borrowing 50,000 for an ABSN and I would have to pay $600 a month for the next 10 years! Makes the community college look a lot more intersting than the ABSN! Also some schools allow you to get your MSN without a BSN (just an RN) as long as you have a bachelors degree in another field. This very reputable school does not require you to have a bsn if you already have a bachelors and an adn.Frontier Nursing University - Distance Education from the Birthplace of Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nursing in America

I see you are in Pennsylvania. I'm in Pittsburgh, which schools do you want to apply to? I have applied to robert morris, duq, pitt, and ccac.