Continuing Education

[sandy144]

I havemy BA in psych with a minor in bio and I got my LPN license from the localcommunity college. I would like to go on for either my RN or another healthcarerelated advanced degree. My problem is, despite six years of education, I amstill a year and a half away from a two year degree. I understand I have theoption of going to an advanced placement BSN program but those are SOexpensive. I got half way through one of those programs and had to drop out doto stress/finances. Do I have any other options? MY a and p just expired. Iwant to find a program that will grandfather in my entire undergrad. I amwilling to move, even if I have to go abroad. Is it smarter/faster/moreeconomical to use my undergrad to launch into a nurse practitioner or OTprogram? Have anyone else found themselves in this situation? Does it makessense to keep pushing through the community college system to get an associatesRN? I'd have to repeat almost all my sciences. Then I'd still face difficulty for not having a BSN...

[c27_AEMT, BSN, EMT-I]

I am new to the site and to nursing (not even a student yet), but I have a similar educational background. I would suggest finding a program where you can get your RN in a year or so. There are a few programs near me that have an LPN or Paramedic to RN "mobility" program that lasts one year and grants you an ADN. I do feel for you though. It is tough having a bachelor's degree (mine is in a social science as well) and not being able to put it toward your new educational goals.

Another route you might try is getting a job that has some kind of educational perks. Some RNs I know are getting their MSN for free because their hospital is paying all or some of the bill. Also, some places will reimburse you for your expenses after you get hired. Hope I helped a little!!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

In the US, it is highly unlikely that any school will "grandfather" your entire undergrad. The reason that courses expire is that: 1) knowledge is updated so rapidly that the courses have to be updated frequently to keep up &/or 2) proficiency in the course material cannot be sustained over time without refreshers. So - those outdated pre-reqs are insufficient to prepare you for nursing courses. This is just a fact of life in academia.... even the GRE expires. I had to take it 3 times over the course of my education but it is what it is... I just had to accept it up and deal

If you 'go abroad' anywhere outside the US for nursing education, you will be classified as a Foreign Grad. This means you'll have to jump through a lot of hoops to be able to sit for NCLEX for a US license. That would almost certainly cost more and take longer.

I realize that you already know this, but I feel the need to clarify that 'RN' is not a degree... it is a license. ABSN programs are very expensive... because the higher cost of these intensive programs is passed on to students. If you already tried that route and it didn't work, you're wise not to attempt it again.

I understand how frustrated you must be. I hope you find a solution that works for you. Wishing you the best,

[resqbug]

My suggestion would be find an LPN-RN bridge program at a community college. You could repeat your A & P online and even Micro if yours is expired too. Then, find an online RN-BSN program. Much of your previous degree classes would transfer over (algebra, humanities, etc).

[firstinfamily, RN]

Also, just to make clear, the Nurse Practionners in the US are having to get their PhD. As far as I know the only ones who will be grandfathered in are those who have been NPs for awhile.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

you have received some good advice :)