Best Path to RN for me?

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I'm trying to decide what my best path to becoming an RN would be - ideally with a BSN at some point (sooner rather than later!).

I'm 31 and already have a BA in another field. I don't have any experience in nursing/health care yet, but I'm thinking about doing a CNA program and working in that. As far as an RN goes, it looks like my two main options are:

1. Accelerated BSN - total cost of prerequisites + 12 month program = $55,000

The downside to this is that I would not be able to work during the 12 month program.

2. Associates Degree, then bridge to BSN - total cost of 2 year program = $17,000

I assume I'd be able to work at least part time while I'm doing this, and then after a year or two, I could go on to do a RN to BSN program for $15-30K. My hesitations with this is the longer course length, and the fact that since I've already got a BA, I wouldn't want to have to repeat gen ed classes.

So, what do you all think of this? Is it worth the "big money" to go straight to the BSN, or better to take it slow and steady? At this point, I am single (separated) and don't have any kids, so I'm relatively free financially, although the thought of having no income for 1 or 2 years scares me!

Thanks!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
2. Associates Degree, then bridge to BSN - total cost of 2 year program = $17,000

I assume I'd be able to work at least part time while I'm doing this, and then after a year or two, I could go on to do a RN to BSN program for $15-30K. My hesitations with this is the longer course length, and the fact that since I've already got a BA, I wouldn't want to have to repeat gen ed classes.

Tuition for the private trade school associate degree nursing program I completed was $19K. 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.
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I'm definitely planning on bridging to BSN and then going for an MSN afterwards.

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Specializes in Nursing Faculty, ER Nurse.

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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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