College of Saint Mary

[bunnyfungo]

Does anyone have any information on this program? I am interested in getting my BSN but I kind of like the idea of getting to start nursing classes right away and getting my ASN along the way. I am worried about financial aid though because of the fact that the program is broken down into 2 degrees. I will be over the 150% max credit hours for aid for an associates degree but not for a bachelors. I definitely cannot afford College of Saint Mary without it. Also, does anyone know how hard it is to get in?

[anurseatlast]

Does anyone have any information on this program? I am interested in getting my BSN but I kind of like the idea of getting to start nursing classes right away and getting my ASN along the way. I am worried about financial aid though because of the fact that the program is broken down into 2 degrees. I will be over the 150% max credit hours for aid for an associates degree but not for a bachelors. I definitely cannot afford College of Saint Mary without it. Also, does anyone know how hard it is to get in?

CSM has a good program but it is very expensive. They do, however, have a lot of scholarships so you should check them out. After 3 years, you get your ASN (and can get your RN when you pass NCLEX) and then go for very limited time the last year to finish your BSN (last I heard, one day a week so you can work). CSM has a good reputation and I have heard that most of their grads have jobs before or soon after graduation.

Even so, you could go to a community college to get your ASN at a much lower cost - if you qualify for a full Pell grant, it will cover your tuition, fees, books, etc and you could come out debt-free. That is a definite plus. If you are in the Omaha area, check out Metropolitan Community College in Omaha and Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs (you can get in-state tuition there if you live in Nebraska). It would likely take you one year to do pre-requisites at either before getting into the nursing program. There are advantages to doing that. Many people find nursing classes harder than they expected (not to scare you off but it is true). Doing things like A&P, chemistry, and math classes before starting nursing classes may make it easier for you to focus on the nursing classes. MCC's nursing program is set up so that you can take you LPN boards after the first year if you want. There is less class time the second year (to finish your ASN and then get RN) so many students work part-time while finishing. The last I heard, IWCC's program is set up the same way. If you go that route, you may find a job where your employer will pay some of the cost for you to do a RN to BSN program.

[ClassyChristina]

Does anyone have any information on this program? I am interested in getting my BSN but I kind of like the idea of getting to start nursing classes right away and getting my ASN along the way. I am worried about financial aid though because of the fact that the program is broken down into 2 degrees. I will be over the 150% max credit hours for aid for an associates degree but not for a bachelors. I definitely cannot afford College of Saint Mary without it. Also, does anyone know how hard it is to get in?

It should be easier to get into because it is a private school. If you are worried about finances though I would try to go with a public school first. At least apply to places like Metro, Iowa Western, and UNMC. You will be saving a lot of money and probably graduate debt free. Good luck!