Better to go to a community college first?

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2014

Good day:

I would recommend a community college for your prerequisites. As you attend, and save lots of money, you can make a determination of staying there (if they have a nursing program) or transferring to a nursing program after your prerequisites are complete.

Thank you.

RunBabyRN · Feb 7, 2014

There are a TON of threads debating the merits of ADN vs. BSN. Scroll through the fora and see what you find.

Two big factors to consider- the job market in your area and what you plan to do in nursing. In some places, an ADN is good to go. Others, you'll need a BSN to even be considered. If you want to pursue your master's, might as well go for the BSN. If not, you may not need it. The pay difference is generally pretty minimal (ADN vs. BSN).

LL143KnB, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2014

I recommend doing your pre reqst at a community college. You will save tons of money. I wish I had

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Feb 7, 2014

I am at a community college and love it!! I love the atmosphere and they way we are like a little community. I love the prices and the fact that my credits transfer. I love the fact that they care about who I am and they want me to do well.

GoodnessFlows · Feb 7, 2014

I am also going to a CC. I am loving the experience so far, and appreciate the smaller expense. I am following an educational plan that will cover admission to my school's nursing program, as well as nursing pre-req requirments for state colleges. I will go where I am accepted. As far as which is better, a cc or a state or university program, personally I'd prefer to go with the program that will give me a bachelor's. That said, I would definitely jump at the my cc's ADN program. Just make sure you cover your pre-reqs for both and then cast your net wide!

muirite · Feb 7, 2014

In my area a ADN is probably not going to get you a job in a hospital if that's want. That being said if you want to work in a hospice, nursing home or a more office setting a ADN is enough. I live in a very tough job market metro LA. I am doing all the pre rec at CC and what ever more gen ed classes i can. I applied at all different types of schools I would prefer a CSU or UC but if i dont get in I will do a CC. Most of the CC in my area are on some sort of a lottery system so who knows where i will get in.

BusiestBSN · Feb 8, 2014

I went to a community college for my pre requisite but transferred to a 4 year school for my nursing courses into a BSN program. Where I live, you do not get a job with an ADN. BSN does not necessarily mean a job but there is a definitely a higher chance. Do your research.

ShelbyaStar · Feb 8, 2014

It depends on your situation. I personally am getting a BSN but that's because I already have a bachelor's. If that weren't the case I'd probably go to a CC first and then bridge.

Some CCs have really long waiting lists, and in that time you could've just about finished a BSN. That is another factor to consider. I would've had to wait a year to get into an ADN program, so in the end I'm just taking one more year and getting a BSN out of it.

If those aren't issues though I'd totally do CC first. It's cheaper and that way if you can find a job with your ADN to work while you go to school for you're BSN, you will have a job where you're making decent money in the meantime. Plus once you're done with your BSN, rather than being a new grad with no experience, you will be a new grad with experience with nursing.