BSN vs. a different degree then accelerated BSN

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Hello,

I'm trying to figure out if my options here...I'm currently enrolled in the Pre-Nursing program at Camden County College and doing the pre-requisite thing. I plan on applying to area BSN transfer programs next year. I have a boatload of college credits that don't really amount to anything because I changed my major so many times over the years. This is the first time I've really zeroed in on a program at CCC and I have the next year and a half all laid out on a spreadsheet :lol2:.

I'm anxious (I'm sure everyone here can relate) about the possibility of not being accepted to a nursing program. I have a 3.7 GPA but I've only just embarked on the science classes. I was wondering if it is a feasible option to somehow fit my array of classes into a different degree and apply to schools for a less competitive science-based program, and earn my bachelors in that program. From there I could apply to an accelerated BSN program and earn my BSN in a year or so (right?) The advantage of this is that I would be able to attend a more local school to save money (the one closest to me, in state, does not offer a transfer BSN program). The other possible schools are all up in Philadelphia/Pennsylvania (more driving, more traffic, and a lot more money). An accelerated BSN program would just be the cost for the one year. I can't possibly put my family into upwards of $50,000+ debt. So a school that would cost $30,000 year for a 2-3 year program really is a last resort.

I have four children with schedules that I need to work around, so I'm in no hurry to start full-day clinicals. Are the accelerated programs any easier to get into, based on the fact that I would already have a four-year degree? I haven't really researched these programs, but the schools that I was considering applying to for the transfer programs are LaSalle, Thomas Jefferson, Drexel, TCNJ, and if all else failed, Neumann University. I know it would take longer, but I'm thinking that some of my previous non-pre-nursing type classes might be usable for a more general four-year degree so that might help out. I plan on speaking to someone at my school but I thought I'd ask here too.

Thank you for your advice :confused:

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Just a word of caution:

You are eligible for financial aid for your FIRST Bachelor's degree. So doign it the traditional way = financial aid to help pay. If you do an ABSN, you will only be eligible for loans, and they typically cost 30-50K. That's 30-50K of pure debt.

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Ugh okay, that's good to know. I was anticipating loans anyway, but a quick review just now shows that it's really the same cost of a BSN just crammed into a shorter amount of time. I think I'm just more concerned about not getting accepted to a nursing school more than dealing with the cost later. I'd better up my self-confidence :rolleyes: and do it the usual way. I know I can only plan ahead so much but it's really driving me nuts. I would feel a bit better if I knew I could *at least* go for a different program and then shoot for an accelerated BSN.

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Specializes in PICU.

you still qualify for financial aid for an ABSN program (i know, i went through one) as long as you didn't hit the cap amount during our first degree (it's considered a 5th year undergrad in the financial aid world)...however ABSN programs aren't as cheap as you think! so def. look into their cost first...mine was close to 50,000 for 14 months. i would say if you don't already have a bachelors, then don't go the ABSN route...i think it would end up costing you more. Best of luck!

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Well, you can finish another baccalaureate degree and then apply to accelerated BSN programs, but I don't really see the point -- it would be a whole lot more time, effort, and $$$ (and they are expensive) to achieve the same end result. If you're sure you want to go into nursing, I'd encourage you to stop where you are right now and concentrate on getting admitted/transferred into a traditional BSN program (or ADN program -- I'd talk to all the nursing programs in your area and see what they have to say about your present situation, what they have to offer you).

Also, the accelerated BSN programs are no less competitive than traditional BSN programs -- probably more so, AFAIK.

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Just a word of caution:

You are eligible for financial aid for your FIRST Bachelor's degree. So doign it the traditional way = financial aid to help pay. If you do an ABSN, you will only be eligible for loans, and they typically cost 30-50K. That's 30-50K of pure debt.

Please correct me if I misunderstood, but you may only qualify for grants for the first degree. A student my still qualify for financial aid for a later degree (not graduate degree), but in the form of student loans.

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Exactly. By not qualifying for financial aid I meant no grants - no pell, no help from the state or federal government, no college-based grants - only loans.

Rookie - when you said you qualified you meant only for loans right?

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Specializes in PICU.

ahhh yes thank you for the clarification, my bad if i confused anyone!!

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Rookie,

I'm starting my second degree soon, and, in an ABSN, unless you hit the cap in your first degree, you *should still be* eligible for a combo of some federal unsubsidized/subsidized loans at a lower interest rate than private loans, if that gives you any peace. Still complete & submit a FAFSA. My first, or "sophomore" year (second time around as a sophomore), I'm eligible for nearly $11,000 in unsub-ed loans.

This isn't an easy route, financially, but you seem to be really thinking things through well & taking everything into consideration. Best of luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Hi,

I'm in my first of four semesters at my ABSN program. There are people in my program who took your route and just graduated with their 4-year degree and went straight into the ABSN program.

I'm at UMDNJ and we are the cheapest ABSN around (~$28K) for the 15 months. ABSN programs are competitive, but not as competitive as the traditional BSN or ADN programs. A 3.0GPA will get you in my program, but will caution you that many people are applying too, so you may not get in the semester you want, instead they'll bump you to the next semester for admissions.

As far as loan/grants, etc. This isn't a graduate degree, so you will get qualified for Unsub/sub loans (unless capped). The school requires you to fill out FAFSA anyways.

A plus also with my program is they were awarded grant money so they have several scholarships you can apply for. I also applied for outside scholarships. There are scholarships for us "non traditional/second career changers".

Best of luck in your decision.

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God, if I had it to do all over again I'd have just gone straight for the BSN. I was on the fence, chose Exercise Physiology thinking I wanted to do Cardiac Rehab & now I'm stuck unable to even get enough loans to pay for the school that I should've just done in the first place. It may be hard work for a bit, but suffer now or suffer later. If you can make it work- GO FOR IT! And best of luck!!!! :)

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