Hi. I am getting ready to start my nursing journey and had a question that I just cannot seem to answer. I called my local community college about enrolling, prerequisties, etc. and I was told that although I have a BS degree, I would need to take all my prerequisites again (i.e., basic math, english, psychology and others). I need to take all my sciences on top of this.

So my question is this - do I just retake all the courses again since overall it will be cheaper than going to a private school or do I just go for it and get the BSN in (3 yrs, but carry about $40K+ worth of debt). The downside is that in having to retake all the courses, it will be (1-1.5) year of prerequisites (part time) and (2) years for the RN and another 13 months for the RN to BSN. It will be cheaper, but a longer journey.

Thoughts, opinions? Thank you!!

I'd say do whats more conceivable for you. What I did when I was faced with this issue was literally, write out pros and cons list of each school; trying to be as thorough as possible... 40k is a good chunk of debt but have you factored in the cost of ALL your pre-reqs and RN-BSN as compared to that 40k??? It might be significantly less or just a few thousands so thats worth a thought.

It would also help if you were able to get some sort of tuition assistance from your place of employment... This is the motivating factor for me as my employer provides a pre-pay RN-BSN for hired workers, because if they did not, I'd never look into the CC as the costs to do that and then the RN-BSN would be almost similar. (Although I dont quite know my fate, I am in my BSN and will still be applying to the CC to see what happens)

I strongly believe in having a plan A and a plan B... hope that helps

Please take a look at Accelerated Programs: The Fast Track to Careers in Nursing

There are 16 Accelerated BSN and MSN Nursing Programs in PA that take from 11-15 months once prerequisites completed. Most schools accept classes taken within previous 5 years while others accept credits taken any time.

Especially in 5 county Philadelphia area, hospitals are requiring BSN degree. Look to see employment ads in your area to guide you in your decision.

Weigh cost versus ability to be hired.

Good Luck!

What Nurse Karen said.

Because of the money / time saved, and because in the end you'll have earned a BSN, now the desired entry degree, instead of an AAS.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for the input. I have looked at employment ads and have seen that for the most require the BSN. I have my short list of schools - now just hoping to get in and start next May. Fingers crossed....

Hi. I am getting ready to start my nursing journey and had a question that I just cannot seem to answer. I called my local community college about enrolling, prerequisties, etc. and I was told that although I have a BS degree, I would need to take all my prerequisites again (i.e., basic math, english, psychology and others). I need to take all my sciences on top of this.

So my question is this - do I just retake all the courses again since overall it will be cheaper than going to a private school or do I just go for it and get the BSN in (3 yrs, but carry about $40K+ worth of debt). The downside is that in having to retake all the courses, it will be (1-1.5) year of prerequisites (part time) and (2) years for the RN and another 13 months for the RN to BSN. It will be cheaper, but a longer journey.

Thoughts, opinions? Thank you!!

Something does not sound right about what your CC is saying. Assuming your prior BS degree from an accredited institution, it does not make sense that they will not accept prior coursework. I'd challenge them on this. I was also a prior degree holder and had no problem with my CC accepting my previous courses, though I did need to retake some science courses that were outside their [completely arbitrary] five-year window.

As far as the ADN vs the BSN, what NurseKaren says is absolutely true about the BSN now being the de facto standard for new nurses. This is true not just in the Phila metro area but increasingly, in many other parts of the country as well. If cost is not an issue, then as Karen says, the accelerated nursing programs would be the way to go. Jeff actually has an accelerated MSN program for non-nursing degree holders that is well worth looking into [full disclosure - I was accepted into this program and planned to attend until I discovered that only the MSN was offered evening/weekends].

If cost is a concern, the least expensive route would be an ADN through your local CC and then an on-line RN-BSN. This is the route that I chose and while it was a bit longer than going directly for the BSN, was far less expensive (total cost for both degrees was less than $12k). The time was not too bad either - 24 months for the ADN and under 18 months for the BSN. By the way, the university that I choose accepted virtually all of my previous work and even exempted me from some requirements based on my graduate degree (undergraduate programs typically will not accept graduate work for undergrad credit). I can recommend at least a half-dozen on-line RN-BSN programs at well-known, traditional brick-and-mortar schools that offer very reasonable tuition - PM if you'd like this info.

Though others may have a different opinion, my considered opinion as an MBA from a top-50 school on borrowing for education is that it should be done only as a last resort and even then, to the minimum extent possible. The $40k loan you reference is a substantial sum and will result in a significant monthly payment. This could impact your ability to buy a house or borrow for other important needs. In addition, your student loan is effectively not dischargeable (technically it is but the courts have not generally been sympathetic to the borrower). This means that no matter what happens to you financially, you will still have to pay your student loan back in full, with all interest and possibly some stiff penalties as well. Think long and hard before borrowing.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks Chuckster. I called and also went in person (with my transcript from an accredited school) and although it seems off, it is their policy. They require potential nursing students to complete all the prerequisites at their school. Unfortunately, with having to repeat the math, english, etc., I will not be done in order to apply for Sept 2014 acceptance. I should have all the sciences completed by May 2014, which gives me some wiggle room to apply for other programs. I am going to look at surrounding CC and see what their policies are (at least it gives me options). Even though, I do not want to incur the debt, right now it seems like the ABSN might be the most viable option. I will try and PM you as well. Thanks again.

Thanks.

A LOT of CCs do this... mine did because it is a means of giving prefs to their own students vs transfers... So dont take it personally

All the best in your plans