Changing careers, need accelerated program advice

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Neuro.

Hi, all. I'm still a relative newbie here. I'm a 34 year old graphic designer with a 2 year old daughter and I'm in the very early stages of changing careers to nursing. I currently work full-time, and am taking the necessary pre-reqs before being admitted to an accelerated second-degree nursing program. I will be taking my last pre-req in the spring of 2012, and should be ready to start a program in May of 2012 (at the earliest).

I'm struggling with the decision to do a 1 year accelerated program vs. a 2 year accelerated program. I know I will not be able to work while I'm in school, especially if I do the 1 year program. The two schools I'm considering both offer 1 and 2 year programs. If I want to do the 1 year program at either school, or the 2 year program at one of the schools, I'll probably have to apply by November of this year. I know it's a while off, but I'm just really wanting to give this a lot of consideration before I commit to a specific school or program.

If you're currently in an accelerated program, how intense is it? Will I ever see my family, especially my daughter? I've heard from some people that it's not advisable to do a 1 year program with such a young child. But, I want to get finished as soon as I reasonably can, and start this next chapter of my life. Would it be a mistake to do a full-time, 1 year program instead of a part-time, 2 year program? Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Neuro.

Anyone?

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I'm not in the accelerated program yet, but I will be starting one soon in May. I applied to an 11, 12, 15 and 16 month program and I chose to go with the 16 mos one. My decision was based on finances and how well I can handle the program. If you have an aspiration to go onto a master's degree consider the longer program. I'm not saying it's going to be easier, but it will be more manageable. Finally, is one program more expensive then the other? Something to consider, if it applies to you. Good luck! I'm sure that whatever you choose you'll be great at :)

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I don't have a direct answer to your question but I will tell you about my situation. I have been a stay at home mother for the last six years but decided about three years ago that I wanted to go into nursing when I return to the workforce (prior degree in English and career in hotel sales). Anyway, at first I was convinced that an accelerated 2nd degree program was the way to go. I began working on prerequisites. When the time came for me to start applying we ended up moving so one of the programs I had been looking into was too far away (doable but didn't make as much sense as before). At the same time the 2nd program I was interested in changed to a master's and the price tag tripled. So I was left with the local community college ADN program with a 2 year wait. I regrouped an reevaluated my options and started looking at traditional BSN programs - which weren't on my radar before. Everything worked out perfectly with my prerequisites and the timing for applying. Now I am anxiously awaiting word but I'm pretty sure I'll get into my 1st choice which is a 5 semester traditional BSN program. All I'll have to take are the core nursing classes because of my prior degree and the way the program is structured.

Once I started looking at the programs I felt like the traditional program will be a better fit for my family than the accelerated would have been. It will take me 5 semesters but I'll have time to have a life during the process. Three out of five days I'll be home when my oldest gets home from school and my youngest will only have to go to preschool/daycare two days a week (at least the first year). I'll be home for the summers also. I don't have to work and don't plan to but if I did want or need to work I feel like I would be able to manage it. The cost was also substantially lower than the accelerated programs.

Just wanted to put that out there because I don't think I even had anyone present traditional programs as an option for me initially when I identified myself as a 2nd degree student. I know everyone's situation is a little different though and I completely get wanting to switch gears and get moving with things.

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sorry, I wrote a post about another thread. yikes, need coffee NOW

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