Community college before University BSN?

Hello,

Is it possible to do 2 years at a community college then transfer to a university and complete a BSN?

I would like to do that to save money and also not have to settle down on an area for 4 straight years for school.

Id like to not do RN at a community college then do RN to BSN at a university because I heard the bachelors isnt the same as if you go straight through.

To find out what classes to take at a community college im sure you start out with physcology/sociology, chemistry, microbiology etc. But to find out more do I go through the university I want to attend or my community college counseler?

Side track question,

Is the BSN good for other jobs? Does it look like a regular bachelors for employers? For example, if something happens and I dont become a nurse after I get a BSN, the degree still looks good for other jobs right?

Thanks!

My suggestion is for you to get the nursing curriculum from the University's BSN program that you are looking to attend. Look at non-nursing classes that transfer from other schools. Two HIST and GOV classes will surely be on there, as well as several science classes such as A&P 1, A&P II, Microbiology, a couple ENG classes, and others depending on the school. After you figure out these classes check with the University's nursing program (not just a general advisor) to how they view your plan. As far as your side-track question, I can't give you an honest answer, I'm sure someone here has some answers though.

Hello there,

I am answering as someone who is planning to go into a RN-BSN program. Not an expert :)

Is it possible to do 2 years at a community college then transfer to a university and complete a BSN?

Some schools accept non-ADN RN juniors, some don't. There is no way to know unless you speak to the universities you want to transfer to.

Id like to not do RN at a community college then do RN to BSN at a university because I heard the bachelors isnt the same as if you go straight through.

How so? It would be wise to research this point. Experiences with any nursing programs are highly individual. In the end, both tracks culminate to a BSN. I'm genuinely curious.

But to find out more do I go through the university I want to attend or my community college counseler?

Both! I say this as someone who has been misled many times by well-meaning counselors who based their advice on outdated material. The community college counselors may not have the latest information on the university nursing programs. Likewise, the university counselors may not have the best information about your community college and what is the best, most efficient way to get your prerequisites done. If the schools you are dealing with have counselors IN the nursing department, even better. Get as close to the source as possible but crosscheck with everyone. It's better to "waste" a few hours driving around than entire semesters pursuing plans that lead you nowhere.

@justin93 if i was you i'll go into the community college rn program and then go into the rn-bsn program, that way your application would stand out vs those who aren't already rn's. also finanically if you was to start working as an rn after you get your license, some nursing jobs pay for you (well reimburse) to get your next degree level. you can even go into the rn-msn program and get your bsn in the process!!!....i mean if you wanted to that is. well good luck and do your research!

is it possible to do 2 years at a community college then transfer to a university and complete a bsn?

yes. however, you will want to ask the community college if they have a transfer (articulation) agreement in place at the university you plan to attend. this ensures that all of your credits transfer. while there are many rn to bsn programs, there still stands a chance that all credits will not transfer. do some research in this area.

i would like to do that to save money and also not have to settle down on an area for 4 straight years for school.

i encourage people to go to a community college to earn their associates first, then transfer. it is a huge cost savings to the student.

id like to not do rn at a community college then do rn to bsn at a university because i heard the bachelors isnt the same as if you go straight through.

not true. each university has a set of requirements to earn a bachelor of science in nursing. regardless if you transfer, you still are required to meet those requirements. there will be some additional courses to take at the bachelorette level; research, community nursing, nursing management to name a few. in addition, you will be required to complete more required and optional general education courses in order to meet the 124 credit hour requirement (or whatever the university’s credit hour requirement).

to find out what classes to take at a community college im sure you start out with physcology/sociology, chemistry, microbiology etc. but to find out more do i go through the university i want to attend or my community college counseler?

if you plan on starting at a community college, you will need to speak to the counselor there. this is also the person to ask if there are any articulation agreements for transferring a nursing asn to a bsn.

side track question,

is the bsn good for other jobs? does it look like a regular bachelors for employers? for example, if something happens and i dont become a nurse after i get a bsn, the degree still looks good for other jobs right?

every degree has a focus. in this case, the bsn is a focus on nursing science. will it be good for other positions? i would imagine so as long as your aren’t trying to apply for a more technical position. for example, if you choose to be a youth counselor, i don’t think a bsn will do you any good. some companies require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. quite honestly, they don’t care what the degree is in.

what i would suggest is this…let’s say you get your bsn and then you decide...no nursing is not for me. okay, so what does interest you? let’s say you decided you want to do public health or social work. if this happens, i would apply to graduate schools for those majors. some schools want your undergraduate degree in that particular major. many do not. you may be required to take foundation courses before beginning graduate work, but it sure saves going back for a different bs or as degree.

there are tons of options. good luck

The nursing schools in my area have very specific requirements. Your community college counselor will not know as much about the requirements as the university you plan to transfer to.

It is very common to take pre-req classes at a community college. But speak to a counselor at the university first, and determine what classes they will accept. For instance, one school I'm applying to advises that you take anatomy and physiology at their school, because they don't trust that the community college will teach you everything you need to know.

Also ask the nursing school if there is preferential acceptance of existing students over transfer students. It may be advantageous to go to the university one semester early.