Can't choose between ADN or BSN program!

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Hey everyone, I am new to this so I hope that I posted in the right spot!!!

I am trying to decide which nursing school to go to for fall of 2008... I am so happy that I have choices, but now I just cannot make up my mind! I got into Golden West College ADN program, and also CSULA BSN program. If I go to Golden West, I can continue living at home, and I have a complete scholarship there for the 2 years it would take. However, I feel like it might be worth the move and extra year and $$ to go to CSULA (where I would be taking 6 classes the first quarter eekkkk!). Making my decision even harder is the fact that I ultimately want to become a NP, and I was told that I need work experience before I can apply to any master's programs, so the ADN would be a good idea. However, I was also told that for some schools, my sciences (mainly physio) will expire in 5 years, in which case the BSN would be better!!!! HELP!!! Is this true!?

Any input anyone has about experiences at either schools, or advice is greatly appreciated. And, if anyone has experience or opinions about at going into a ADN-BSN or ADN-MSN program I would love that!!

THANKS!!! (I am sorry this is soooo long and detailed!!!)

:bugeyes:

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I don't believe once you get the ADN that your sciences will expire if you don't deal with BSN or MSN bridge... if they did, then sciences classes would always be filled with nurses trying to renew their expired classes, KWIM?

Personally I'd give up the seat in the ADN and go for BSN because I am also heading for an MSN. I'll get my nursing work experience as a BSN if that is what happens. Besides, you can give me your ADN seat at GWC ;) since I still have a year left before I can apply to CSU (in theory I will take whatever comes first).

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

CSULA ALUMNI HERE!!! It is a great school and if you want to get your MSN, then please just go straight into the BSN program. Its not true that you need experience to get ur MSN, it might have been back in the days, but it is not common trend anymore. I know for a fact that CSULA will let you start their MSN program as soon as you graduate from the BSN program, granted you still will be working part time as an RN. I know because I inquire a week before graduation I I was told that as long as I had a 3.0 or higher I was fine. The instrudtors are great. Its worth the move. Lots of scholarships, and loan money available. If you move though try to either live on campus or aorund the pasadena area. Good luck with your decision.

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Thanks for your comments so far you guys!

It is a tough choice and it seems everyone has a different take on what is the best way... hopefully I will figure it out- :nuke:

Love-d-or, did you find the quarter system difficult? Are you heading into the MSN program? I am worried because I will have to take 6 classes my first quarter and I have only done semester system before. Any tips?

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

I also transferred from a CC so quarter systems were a little bit of a challenge at first, but you will adjust to it in time. They help you stay on track and you CANNOT slack off, because everything ends up pilling up on you!

The first quarter was though. It was a whole new way of studying, thinking and taking tests for everyone. But as you learn the nursing mind set, it gets better. Make sure you stay on top of it, because there is a big attrition rate the first quarter. I always joked with the profs, that that was their way of weeding out people.

I decided to gain at least one year of experience as an RN, before I made any commitment to grad school. The grad program is ranked one of the best though.

If you have anymore questions feel free to PM. More than glad to help:nurse:

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Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

I am from a ADN program going on 30 years. I have no desire to getmy BSN because I am too close to retirement and will just do what I am doing til the day I drop, OR nursing! I make good money and won't make that with a BSN. That said, I would definitely go for the BSN program because where nursing is headed in the future. This would be one less step for you and I have heard very good things about Cal State LA's nursing program. Unless you have to start working right away, within 2 years, the extra 2 years would be to your advantage. Good luck!

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