Community college or University???

Nurses Career Support

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I am about to graduate from LVN school and need some advice on what step to take next. Should I go do an RN transition program at a local community college or do a LVN-BSN at a local university? Either way, next semester I will have to take pre-req's and apply, but I'm trying to figure out which to focus on. I plan on eventually getting the BSN either way. I'm more concerned with available income through school, because I have a family to consider, and I am also concerned about the cost of attendance, which I have heard is cheaper at a community college than a university. Any advice? What about career options? Pay? Quality of Education? This is a very important dsecision for me and I just want to make sure I am as informed as possible. Thank you for your help!!!!

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I am about to graduate from LVN school and need some advice on what step to take next. Should I go do an RN transition program at a local community college or do a LVN-BSN at a local university? Either way, next semester I will have to take pre-req's and apply, but I'm trying to figure out which to focus on. I plan on eventually getting the BSN either way. I'm more concerned with available income through school, because I have a family to consider, and I am also concerned about the cost of attendance, which I have heard is cheaper at a community college than a university. Any advice? What about career options? Pay? Quality of Education? This is a very important dsecision for me and I just want to make sure I am as informed as possible. Thank you for your help!!!!

Purely from a career standpoint:

BSN>ADN

If you're planning on getting a BSN anyway, just go ahead and get it done and save yourself time and money. When you consider the amount of time and money you'll have to spend on the circuitous route you're considering, going straight for the BSN makes the most sense. Besides, the longer you drag out the process, the less likely you are to complete it.

However, I don't know all of your personal circumstances, and you'll have to do, of course, what's best for you.

Also consider, that while it may be tougher on you and your family while you're getting your BSN, it won't be tough for too long and once you're done, you're done. Getting your ADN first might be less tough on your family, but will drag out the "tough" times for much longer. Think of it like a band-aid. Just rip it off and be done with it. :)

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Just wanted to add a personal anecdote:

Nursing was a second degree for me. When I decided on nursing as a career option I thought I'd just go to a community college, get my ADN, start working and complete a BSN later. I had already spent 4 years getting a university education and was really eager to get in, get out, and start working.

Well it turned out that the community college nursing program was so overloaded with potential nursing students, that you practically had to complete most of your pre-reqs (which, if the program is a 2 year program, you are allowed to complete some at the same time you're in the "nursing" program) to even get accepted into the nursing program.

When I looked at what I would have to do to get a BSN from the local university, it amounted to 1 more semester. One more semester to go from an ADN to a BSN.

Needless to say, I transferred immediately.

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Investigate all of the aspects of each available program and make your decision based upon the pros and cons. Basically, all things (except BSN vs. ASN) being equal, take the BSN program over the community college program. But if all you are going to start out with is prereqs, then it is cheaper to start at the community college. If the classes are impossible to get each term, sign up with both the cc and the four year college and take the courses where you can get in. Or take online courses, if possible, for convenience. Look at the reputations of the instructors and their courses. Then apply to all nursing schools available to you. Attend the one that accepts you, or accepts you first. If more than one offer, make a choice; BSN over ASN should prevail. When you get down to it, you have a lot of considerations to ponder, but your prereqs can come from anywhere. Do it cheap and do it quick if you can. Good luck.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I'm all about community colleges. They are cheap, quick and at least in my area having your ADN is a fine way to start your RN career. I was able to earn $65,000 a year while in the RN to BSN program and was hired at a well known magnet facility with my ADN. FWIW I only got $1 an hour raise when I got my BSN. :rolleyes:

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