BS in biology- ASN next step

Hooligan · Feb 25, 2002

Hi hightide,

Well...my suggestion is this...look into both programs and discuss your options with academic advisors at both schools and then determine what is most important for you. I'm in a similar boat...only I graduated with a B.A. in English in 99. I chose the Associates route for a few reasons...

1) Tuition & Fees I couldn't afford tuition at a 4 year college

2) I already had my Bachelor's and some of the universities in Chicago offer a bridge program for the Master's when you have a non-nursing Bachelor's and have earned your RN. I do plan on getting my Master's and having the hospital where I work pay for it.

3) Time...I want to start having children before I'm 30 and the Associate's route was the quickest option for me. Furthermore...I'm really unhappy with my current job want to get on with the rest of my life A.S.A.P.!!!

Now...These are just MY reasons for choosing an ADN program. Make out a list of things that are important for you and discuss these things with the advisors. Also, check out some of the other posts about this very question. I hope this helps and you find the path that suits you best! Best of Luck!!

~Bean

4XNURSE · Feb 25, 2002

Hightide,

Your B.S. will make the A & P, micro, physics, ....a lot easier.

You have the bachelors already. I would do the A.S. - But then I started with my ASN. I finished my BSN 2.6 years after the ASN.

I went into school with the intention of getting my Associates first, then my bachelors. You don't need to do that.

My sister did her ASN. got her bachelors in a different field, then her Masters in nursing. She's never regretted it, to my knowledge. She works bedside (L&D/post partum) part time, and teaches at a local college in their ASN program.

Just my $ .02

ken

wrightgd · Feb 25, 2002

Hello Hightide,

I was in the same exact boat just a few years ago... BS in Biology in '87... ASN in '97... Would do it again in a minute. Going back to school as an adult learner, as opposed to a kid right out of high school, is a completely different experience. I went ASN because I already had a BS and there was no obvious benefit of going BSN...

In my case I was able to transfer all of the previous credits, so that I only had to take the "nursing" classes... It worked out great for me, since I was supporting a family, and didn't have the time to take all those general education classes again. I would shop the programs to see what your transfer credit options look like...

Best of luck no matter which program you choose!

George

:cool:

49hightide · Feb 26, 2002

Thanks to Bean76, wrightgd, and 4xnurse for the advice and encouragement. The ASN does seem to be the way to go if I consider cost and commute time. The nurses in the office where I work say the pay isn't much different but the BSN does open a few more doors here in NC - eg. a BSN is required for school nurses and to teach at the communitycollege level. I'm attracted to nursing because of the diversity of options, and in the coastal area nursing provides one of few opportunities to earn a more reasonable salary for my family of 3.

One other question - my extended family lives in SoCal and relocation is likely in about 3 years. Is there a national certification exam, as there is for teaching, or is it necessary to obtain licensure in each state?

Thanks again - it's a big step but seems to offer such rewards and opportunities.

4XNURSE · Feb 26, 2002

Hightide,

The NCLEX is the gold standard for nursing boards in all but 1 state. (I don't know which one.) But I know that the same exam is accepted in Ca. and S.C. My mom lives there. You will have to apply, and PAY THE FEE. All the state boards want to get in your pocket, but the rest of your education and testing is accepted.

Currently in Ca. we pay $80.00 for a 2 year renewable license. We are required to have a minimum of 30 CEUs in the 2 years. That usually isn't much of a trick, if you keep track.

I had one RN that wasn't keeping track, so she was in one of my classes to pick up the last 8 CEUs she needed the day before her license expired. She then drove to Sacramento the next day(450 miles) to go to the board and get the renewal, so she could keep working. We had a long chat about my study. (see below)

Good luck! When you get here look me up. My company is looking for good nurses. (like who isn't?)

ken :devil: :)

49hightide · Feb 26, 2002

Thank you for the straightforward information. Next hurdle is getting to the right advisors at the colleges! Hate the ones that seem WAY more depressed about my situation than I do - maybe they hadn't had their coffee yet. If I can get my feet back on SoCal soil for good I'll definately be looking for any and all nursing opportunities - thx.