BSN VS ABSN

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hey everyone! I am a rising sophomore at a 4 year university. I recently decided I would like to go into nursing however my school does not offer the program nor is there one nearby. I would have to transfer to a university that has a BSN program. I won't have all the pre-req's completed to be accepted to a BSN program until next year and even at that point I think I would still have another semester of classes to make up due to transferring. So, my question is should I graduate with a 4 year degree and do an ABSN program or transfer schools and try and get into a BSN program now? Either way it will be about the same time because I am a little behind on my pre-req's. Any advice, thoughts, or tips would be greatly appreciated!

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If the time is about the same, I think it just depends on what you want to study. If you still want your bachelor's in your current major, you might as well stay. But if you don't see any reason for it, transfer and get started on the nursing work.

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My cousin was a year away from finishing a BA in History when he decided he would rather be a nurse. He didn't finish the History requirements and started on the Nursing program. He's loved his career and it's taken him into some amazing jobs in the last 20 years.

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Hi Pickles,

I was in your same situation a few years ago. I decided to go ahead and finish my bachelors degree (Organizational Leadership) instead of just enrolling in a nursing program. However you must consider that if you complete your bachelors degree and then decide to get into a nursing program you may not qualify for Pell grants (free financial aid),or at least not as much monies as you would have normally received if you were just working towards your 1st bachelors degree (student loans is of course an option). In addition accelerated nursing programs work a little differently than traditional ones. If you really feel that you want to continue to pursue your current course of study and then get your nursing degree I say go for it. Some schools even have programs that are tailored for those who have Bachelors degrees outside of nursing - (ie: if you have a bachelors out of field and have a RN licensure, you can go straight into a MSN program rather than getting your BSN first). Just explore all of your options before you decide, its always best to make an informed decision. Good Luck , im sure you'll do what's best for you

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I strongly agree with CDub72: talk to the Financial Aid department as well as the Director of the prospective Nursing Department.

Once you graduate with a Bachelor's degree, you are considered differently for student loans, and you don't want to lock yourself out from potential money, especially since you are planning on continuing on for a few more years! And, speak with a rep from the nursing department/Admissions to find out what pre-reqs will transfer and what you will have to take. Some programs only accept into a cohort, so you can only enter at a specific semester.

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I agree with the previous posts from those above me -- if it applies to you (as I'm sure it does with most people) definitely speak to someone in the Financial Aid department.

I'm in a similar situation, except I'm coming from a community college with my Associate's Degree (with all of my prerequisites completed). I considered, as a back up plan if I don't get in, to just finish my Bachelor's in a biological sciences/pre-med type major, and then apply into an accelerated BSN program. I decided against that because I personally cannot pay for my tuition without some help from student loans and I don't want to waste the federal aid I "could get" for my goal, even if it means waiting. At the Associate's Degree level, I believe a student is only able to qualify for federal aid up to 90 credits. I'm pretty positive there's a similar cut off for a Bachelor's degree. I'm unaware of what forms of aid are available for a 2nd Bachelor's degree, but I've been advised by many people to stay clear of private loans if at all possible.

If I were you, I would explore BSN programs you're interested in that accept transfers and find out what each school is looking for their admissions and keep track of their respective deadlines. I made a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to keep everything organized, and it really helped. From there, you can decide which prerequisites you need to take and go from there. It may take a little longer but you may end up saving yourself from a real financial headache later.

Everyone's situation is different though, that's just my reasoning for why I'm not doing it that way.

Best of luck to you!

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