BSN at USF or ADN at SPC a better choice?

[nchareonsup]

Hello,

I'm new to allnurses.com so I'm still figuring out how this works. I have a Bachelors degree in Advertising and just recently decided to go back to school in Spring 2013 to obtain a degree in Nursing. I'm trying to decide whether the Bachelors program at USF or the Associates program at SPC would be the better fit for me right now. It looks like USF has more pre req requirements before applying to their nursing program and once in the nursing program you take alot more classes than you would at SPC which is why you obtain a Bachelors degree in nursing versus an Associates degree in nursing if I were to attend the SPC Nursing program.

I've heard that students who obtain a BSN at USF are very book smart, but don't have as much hands on experience. Where as, the students who obtain an ADN from SPC have more hands on experience but then I would have to go back to school to obtain my BSN.

I want to take as many pre reqs as possible so that I have more options available to me when I apply for the nursing program, either at USF, SPC or both. I'm working full time right now in an unrelated field but I'm looking for a job at the hospital just to get some experience in the nursing/medical field while I'm in school. I've been told that all the Nursing programs are extremely competitive so I want to get A's in all my classes. I realize this is going to be a challenge but I believe where there's a will theres a way.

Do you have any suggestions? Which Nursing program do you think would be beneficial to someone who will be working full time while taking the pre reqs? USF or SPC? Thanks so much!

[nchareonsup]

My biggest suggestion is to really work on your letter. For the Upper Division program (those without a Bachelor's in another field) ours was an essay and at times was the difference between getting into the program or not.

I would also suggest to get accepted into USF, well before applying for the College of Nursing. Once you have been accepted to USF as a pre-nursing student... you can set up an appointment with the advisor to talk about your chances of getting in and what else you can do. There are some differences in the application process between Upper Division and 2nd Degree Sequence so I don't want to advise too much on the 2nd Degree. You can still take classes at SPC and be accepted at USF. I did and also applied to both USF and SPC. Fortunately, I was accepted to both.

I'm already enrolled in SPC starting next Spring so I'll be going to SPC for all of my pre reqs and then I'll be applying to USF's nursing program as well as SPC's nursing program at the same time once I'm finished. It would be great if I got accepted to both so if all works out hopefully that will be the case!

I will definitely keep in mind to work on my letter for USF. I will be part of the 2nd Degree group since I already have a Bachelors in Advertising (complete major change, I know!). Thanks again for all the information.

I'll try and see if I can make an appointment to speak with a USF advisor to see if they have any suggestions on what would increase my chances to get into their nursing program as well.

I really do appreciate all the information and advice. You have a been a GREAT help! :)

I've only been using this website for a couple months now but it's definitely helped me as far as getting me connected with great people like yourself who are willing to share their experiences and give advice to others who are starting out in their nursing career.