Education question

Hi forum,

I currently am going back to school for my RN. My question is I am looking at two programs from two nearby colleges. One has a RN-BSN program for which I have been accepted but due to the way the program is setup I will have to wait till next Fall to start and it will take me two years or so to finish because I already have BS from that school which will allow me to pretty much go directly in the nurse classes from what they tell me. The other place only has a RN track that I could start this summer but time frame wise I wouldn't graduate for maybe 2 semesters quicker and would still have to transfer to another school for a BSN. Now that you know my situation my question is would it better to have the BSN if I was considering continuing my education instead of just a RN as far as getting into a CRNA program in the future? Just don't want to have to end up going back for BSN after working a few years in order to be able to get into a CRNA program.

Thanks for taking time to read my post.

It sounds like you are torn..I believe that you will need your BSN to enter a CRNA program. There are a few schools that may take BS focousing on sciences...but I am not really suure where they were, I just scanned them while I was looking for the schools I will be applying to. Hope this helps.

If you are truly interested in the CRNA profession then talk to the nearby CRNA program directors, most are great at giving info, and nask them waht they want. Also, if there is a certain program that you want to go to,(or think you want to go to), call and ask for a short one on one discussion in person or oin the phone with the director. It will really help to clear up any misunderstandings. Some, not all, require a BSN not just a beachelors in another field. DO your home work and best of luck.

Brian

Having a BSN would be a benefit--if not a requirement--to get into graduate school later on. I would go straight for the BSN and get it over with. There's other things you'll want to focus on later... new grad in ICU, GRE, CCRN, etc. During school, you'll probably be able to work during the summer and 2nd year as a "nurse tech," and hopefully get connected with a good ICU where you could work after you become an RN. You may also want to see if there's an accelerated BSN program near you, where you could get your degree even faster. Good luck!

I think under normal circumstances, the accelerated BSN would be the way to go -- usually the ADN and BSN both take 4 semesters to complete after you've completed the pre-reqs, and if you do an ADN then go get a BSN later, it will take you an extra year to get the BSN on top of the ADN. BUT, given that you already know you want to pursue a CRNA program, you could consider doing the ADN (which will help you become an RN faster since you could start that program this summer vs the BSN which would make you wait until next Fall), starting your required ICU clinical experience after getting becoming an RN, and doing your BSN part-time or online while getting the required work experience. You might find getting the ADN will allow you to get your required work experience out of the way faster so that you can apply to CRNA school earlier. (If you are willing to do a BSN program while you are working).

Just another scenario to consider! I think if you sit down and do a Pros/Cons list and run them over with some close friends/family, you'll come to the right decision. Its not like doing either program would be a bad thing, its tough when you're trying to choose between to good things.

Best wishes,

Adonai