most cost-effective strategy for absn

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Just wondering if anyone who's done the research has found a more cost-effective approach to completing an absn than the typical 1-year programs at public universities, that range in tuition between 35-40k. Has anyone completed a part-time absn program? That at least would allow for generating income while studying.

Thanks.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to prenursing forum

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I'm not aware of many 12-month BSN programs at public universities that cost that much! I plan to do an online part-time, 30-credit program through SUNY Buffalo that costs $12,000. It's for people with a previous bachelor's and an ADN. That's the in-state tuition, but I'm surprised you can't find something cheaper at a state school. Are you looking at your own state schools of our-of-state programs?

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Specializes in NICU, RNC.

ABSN stands for accelerated BSN. You will not find a part-time accelerated program. You could go the standard BSN route though, it will just take longer than 12 months.

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Yes - I should clarify my post that the program I'm planning o do is an accelerated one if you do it in one year, but I'll do it over two years. As NICUismylife pointed out, there isn't any way to do an accelerated 12-month program part-time because it would take you longer than twelve months.

What have you completed so far - including any prior degrees? You could always get your ADN, start working, work for at least a year, and then go back part-time for your BSN. Unless you're in a highly competitive location where no one is hiring ADNs?

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Specializes in Case Management.
... Unless you're in a highly competitive location where no one is hiring ADNs?

This is my current situation - Not a lot of AccBSN programs in San Diego CA - Which is highly saturated and competitive. So I only applied to WGU (online/distance learning w/ clinicals based out of LA) and CalState San Marcos. The first has a tuition of ~25K for 2.5 years and the second is ~ 55K for 2 years....

Noth programs have their positives and negatives - But right now I'm torn between paying more for a better school, better local support, and more opportunity to work in my area for networking.... Or being able to continuing working full time, doing distance learning and driving insane crazy hours ot get to and from clinicals once they begin.

I have however been told TIME & TIME again, don't bother with an ADN if you want to stay in SoCal!

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Specializes in Career changer.

is there such a thing...'cost effective'. If so please let me know that is distance learning *and* they set up clinical for you.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

ABSN programs are ACCELERATED. As such you will not find a part-time version of this program. The expense can also add up with them as frequently (even at state schools) they are unsubsidized programs. Financial aid is limited for second degree students. Credits required by the program may be very high every term leading to high fees. It may also be difficult or impossible to hold down employment because of the time commitment required.

If you want to pursue nursing in a more cost effective and slower paced manner I recommend looking into normal BSN programs (typically 2 years if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field), an ASN degree (typically 2 years) which can be followed by bridge to BSN (typically 9-12months) if desired, or a part-time ASN degree. All of these options afford a greater ability to work while going to school and the potential for substantially lower cost for tuition and fees while in the program.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
ABSN stands for accelerated BSN. You will not find a part-time accelerated program. You could go the standard BSN route though, it will just take longer than 12 months.

Actually, Drexel offers a part time accelerated BSN. It takes 24 months, and is done on weekends and evenings. Drexel is very expensive though, you will pay about 50k. The program is designed so that you can work full time through it, but you will not be able to do anything else! It is very rigorous.

If cost is your only concern, ADN might be better for you. But keep in mind that it will take you longer, and you may have to get a BSN eventually anyway, since a lot of employers are requiring it. Check what is typical for your area. Add up the costs of ADN + RN to BSN bridge. It is probably the same or more than the ABSN, and that one is shorter.

My initial plan was to get the ADN, but when I factored in that it would take longer to complete than the ABSN, and considered that as lost income, I decided that it made more sense to go the ABSN route.

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Specializes in GENERAL.

OP: (the peeps are on to you) (35-40k-ha, ha, ha!).

This is a plant post most likely from some so-called academic advisor working for a for-profit post secondary loan mill looking for the unsuspecting to fill their daily, weekly and monthly recruiting numbers.

These people are relentlessly driven by managers who tell them that if they don't make their "numbers" their jobs are on the line.

The most likely suspects are those who represent South University and University of Phoenix.

Go to (collegescorecard.ed.gov) and take a gander at their graduation and retention rates and you will understand what their true (generating loans) business is.

Nurses and future nurses, this "industry" is failing.

(ITT tech, Corinthian).

Don't become a statistic.

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