Community College or University...that is the question

Apply to both. If you get into both take into consideration the cost and how much it will affect your family. If after this point they are still pretty neck and neck go for what will award you the higher degree. Good luck!

I would definitely go to a university and get your BSN. Many hospitals are not hiring ADNs anymore. I recently picked up a brochure from a hiring hospital and it said it only hires BSN and anyone who is an ADN and was hired before September 2010 must be a BSN within 6 years. There are scholarships available and financial aid if you need it. Go with a BSN.

I would definitely go to a university and get your BSN. Many hospitals are not hiring ADNs anymore. I recently picked up a brochure from a hiring hospital and it said it only hires BSN and anyone who is an ADN and was hired before September 2010 must be a BSN within 6 years. There are scholarships available and financial aid if you need it. Go with a BSN.

It really depends where the OP lives. Where you live hospitals may not be hiring ADNs but where I live hospitals don't care as long as you are an RN. Even magnet hospitals will hire ADNs if they interview well enough. For me it makes more sense to do the ADN and do a cheap RN-BSn than have 60,000 worth of loans to pay back. People need to research their job market because it varies everywhere. Some places it makes sense to go for the BSN right away, other places it makes more sense to do the RN-BSN unless you can find an affordable BSN program. Not everyone qualifies for grants and scholarships and not everyone can afford to pay back thousands in loans...if you can, awesome! But not everyone can

I graduate from my city college nursing program in 2 weeks. I also have 3 kids and kind of did things backwards. It was really hard sometimes, but the highs really do outweigh the lows. I wasn't ready for a nursing program before I started my family. Being a mom gave me an advantage on certain things. And I'm definitely a better mom for it. My degree? Obsolete. My license? A whole new world. I plan to start my BSN in 3 years and finish in 5. Not to mention what a valuable experience this has been for my kids. I say get your ADN, start working, and get your hands dirty!

Since I started late (I am in my mid forties) and I have to work full time to support myself, I did not have the luxury to entertain the idea of university vs community college, so my only route was the latter in the part time program. I will graduate next spring with an ADN - God willing, and I will continue working if I must on my current job until I get a job with an ADN. My community college is now accredited for the BSN program and I will continue my education there to obtain my BSN. Hopefully I will find a job once I graduate with an ADN. Regardless, I will be free from school loans unlike my friend who graduated from a university and is now in debt. The road has not been easy, taking care of myself on a job that requires a lot of me, but it will be worth it in the long run. Even with three children, if you have time on your side (meaning younger than I) and if you have a good nursing program at your community college, go for it. You will reach your goal regardless, albeit a little longer. Good luck!

i have heard if you transfer to a 4 year school as a junior you will have to wait to take many classes because the traditional students get first dibs (makes sense).

also--for me, i wouldn't want to work as an rn while in school to get a bsn---it is not recommended.