BScN or RPN? I'm worried about cost?

[scorpiosunshine]

Hi all, I'm a new person on this forum so please excuse me if this is posted in the wrong area. I am currently taking a pre-health course at my local college and have been offered acceptance into both the BScN and practical nursing programs here. I am not sure which one to accept since I am mostly worried about cost. I have always been below the poverty line and I am really worried about taking on a lot of debt for BScN, since it is at least 7k/year for 4 years (about 28k) in tuition before books, supplies, and living costs. In contrast, the PN program is 4k/year (about 8k) in tuition and the estimated costs for books is about half the cost (compared to the cost for the first two years of books for BScN). PN would seem like the obvious choice, however, I have been getting very high marks in pre-health (I finished my first semester with a 97% average) and have been told that I show promise in the nursing field. From what I can see, there are more job offers for RPN's in my town as well, and they are paid ~10/h less than RN's. I also think it's important to note that I have been at this college for 3 years now, as I already completed the Social Service Worker program here, and I am beginning to feel very tired from it. Otherwise, I would not be so worried about the length of the program since I am in my 20's and have no children. Basically, I just really, really, really, REALLY, want to be a nurse but I am too nervous about taking on debt for a degree in it. Is there any advice on what to do here?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Canadian Nursing Program discussion forum

[Khow89]

Maybe explore what financial assistance is available to you at the school and see if that will allow you to complete the BsCN program without any worry. If it not, the RPN program seems like the more logical program to complete first. You can always upgrade to a BsCN through a 3 year bridging program in the future while working as a RPN.

[kim1l]

What school are you contemplating for each program? They probably have financial assistance bursaries available. If RN is your ultimate goal just do the BScN now.

[xokw, BSN, RN]

I did RPN first and then bridged to BScN. I don’t regret not taking the BScN right away as I was able to work as a nurse in the hospital while completing my degree and qualified for tuition reimbursement and grants from my employer and the RPNAO. If you have the means to go the BScN route though and that is your goal, do it and save the time.

[ag11415]

Personally, I would try and go for BScN right away. id look into some financial aid like OSAP to help you pay for your schooling. I'm not sure of your situation but, I know if you are a mature student, been out of highschool for 4 years and dont live with your parents and make below a certain income you can apply for osap and youll just get grants not loans, which means the money you get as grants you dont have to repay. Something to look into!

[Lucydog14]

Have you looked into OSAP?