Career Switching and Schooling Questions

GM2RN · Dec 3, 2010

I'm not aware of any such thing as an accelerated ADN program, nor am I understanding how you would be able to complete an ADN in three, part-time semesters. What program are you referring to?

Much of what I "know" about accelerated BSN programs is from reading the threads on this board. I believe they typically run from approx. 12-18 months in length, full time, are very intensive, and very pricey. You can probably find one in your area but I don't know of any personally.

Quark09 · Dec 3, 2010

Your prereq's will likely be dictated by the school you choose. An RN program, even one awarding an ADN or ASN, will be two years - you can complete an LPN certificate program in three semesters, and an additional two for the RN. If you've not taken the prereq's, you can take them along with the nursing courses, but be aware - nursing programs are very intensive. I did all of my prereq's (micro, A&P 1 & 2, Growth and Development, Psych, Soc, Comp 1 & 2, etc) before starting the nursing program. Some schools place applicants according to a points system, with points being awarded (thus moving you up on the list) for having already completed some or all of the support classes. Also, if your science classes are older than 7 (and in some places, 5) years, you'll have to test out of them.

While you can complete an online RN to BSN program, there are absolutely NO accredited online RN programs.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2010

While you can complete an online RN to BSN program, there are absolutely NO accredited online RN programs.

Isn't Excelsior accredited? You need to be already working in a healthcare field in patient care, but they are online (so likely not an option for the OP).

glasjar · Dec 3, 2010

Thanks for the comments: additional information--or maybe clarification. The community college I was looking at is a two year program. I have enough prior credits that count toward the ADN to bring it down to three full time semesters (49 credits)--if the college offered every course every semester.

So theoretically three semesters. However, they only offer certain classes in the Fall and others are Spring only... so in practice it would still take two full years of about six to seven credit hours a semester.

WSSU (wssu.edu) offers an accelerated BSN for people with a bachelor's degree that is a fourteen month course. Catch: I'd need to take at least Chem I and II plus A and P before being admitted. Kind of hard to do with my current work schedule.

Quark09 · Dec 3, 2010

Isn't Excelsior accredited? You need to be already working in a healthcare field in patient care, but they are online (so likely not an option for the OP).

According to this: Excelsior College Nursing Requirements - iStudySmart

you already need to have an LPN/LVN or other training

Quark09 · Dec 3, 2010

Thanks for the comments: additional information--or maybe clarification. The community college I was looking at is a two year program. I have enough prior credits that count toward the ADN to bring it down to three full time semesters (49 credits)--if the college offered every course every semester.
So theoretically three semesters. However, they only offer certain classes in the Fall and others are Spring only... so in practice it would still take two full years of about six to seven credit hours a semester.
WSSU (wssu.edu) offers an accelerated BSN for people with a bachelor's degree that is a fourteen month course. Catch: I'd need to take at least Chem I and II plus A and P before being admitted. Kind of hard to do with my current work schedule.

Ah, I gotcha. Well, can you afford to take the time and do the two-year? While I know a few people who have powered through a full-time nursing program, worked full time, and managed good grades, it's definitely hard work!!

PetiteOpRN · Dec 3, 2010

I'm willing to bet the reason it's spread out like that is because of the clinical component. Most programs have a didactic portion and a clinical portion that you do simultaneously. It is not to your benefit to attempt to take it all at once.

ABSN programs are great for people who already have a degree, but tend to be more competitive than BSN and ADN programs.

First things first: see if any credits will transfer from one school to another (to keep your options open) and get cracking on those prereqs.

Also, before you assume that the nursing field is where all the jobs are, call nearby hospitals and ask how many new grads they hire each year and how many applicants they have for each job they fill. Call the local colleges and find out what their employment rate following graduation is.

noahsmama · Dec 3, 2010

You state that "jobs for elementary teachers are few and far between now". Well, I hate to be the one to break this news to you, but jobs for new graduate nurses are also "few and far between" right now, at least in most areas of the country. If you want to go into nursing because you want to be a nurse, then go for it. If you're doing it because you think it's a ticket to a guaranteed job, I'd strongly urge you to research job prospects in your area before taking the plunge!

ricky75 · Dec 3, 2010

DO more research on where your passion is? So that you don't make a mistake again. Just like duck was never trained to swim find your natural talents and your true passion.

Did you look for mental health counsellors related to children? They make 45/ hr in CA.

My bro - network manger making 120 K

Wish you best!

Fribblet · Dec 3, 2010

Nursing is one of the fields that fits my personality and isn't totally dead at the moment.

Hate to rain on your parade, but at the moment, nursing is dead, especially to new grads.

I have not taken chemistry courses of any kind, nor have I taken any microbiology, A and P, or statistics. I do have several other biology courses in my transcripts though as well as psychology courses which are prerequisites for many programs.

Check with the school, but if they are from years and years ago, they may not count. Science is constantly changing and new information is constantly being added.

I have looked at several programs. Among other things, I learned that I could get enough previous credits counted that I could theoretically take all the credits needed for an ADN in three semesters at the local community college. The catch is that the courses I need are only offered stretched out over a full two year period. My previous credits wouldn't shorten the duration of schooling just cause me to only need to attend part time.

Many ADN programs are packed. They say you can complete a degree in two years, but the reality is that there are so many people trying to get nursing degrees, most ADN programs take about 3-3.5 years. It honestly makes more sense to get a BSN. I'm a second degree nurse. I started out at an ADN program. When I calculated the time it would take me to get the ADN, I found that with 1 extra semester I could complete my BSN. BSNs are more preferable to employers now, and if they're magnet, they definitely want BSNs. BSNs open more opportunities down the road as well.

iPink, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2010

My Community College offers accelerated ADN. It was my backup plan just in case I didn't get into my ABSN program.

You can Google any accelerated ADN programs in your area.

If you're looking for accelerated BSN programs: Accelerated BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

I chose the ABSN route, because it saved me time going that route, even faster than the "accelerated ADN" programs. However, it is more expensive than the ADNs. Also, don't flinch at the comment that "nursing is dead". In some areas, this is certainly not the case. Good luck in your decision.