Employment in DC area with ADN or BSN program based on my previous education/exp?

Nurses Career Support

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Hi all!

I am applying to a 1 year accelerated BSN program and an ASN program for Fall 2012. I am really leaning towards the ASN. The BSN program is over 40K and the ASN will cost me maybe 9K. I have bachelors in biology and masters in health administration. I want a BSN but the cost for all of the nursing programs in this area is just ridiculous with the exception of GMU. (By the way, I got both my degrees from GMU and would like a change so I am not pursuing their 1 yr BSN. Plus they would make me take micro over and I just graduated in 2007!--I'm not a fan of the 5 yr rule)

I am in the DC area and concerned about getting looked over if I have an ASN but I am wondering if already having a bachelors and masters in health related fields will make me just as competitive as a BSN. Also, I've done administrative internships/had jobs/projects at hospitals in the area so all that stuff is on my resume.

I would be more than happy to do a bridge program if my employer (if I get a job) would pay for it.

Please give your opinions. :) Thanks much!

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From what I've seen, many of the hospitals say BSN preferred or even BSN only. If you are willing to look at places besides hospitals, then the ASN program isn't a bad option. The only thing is it may take you a while to land a job. I have known a few people who graduated with an ASN (some with previous degrees) and it took them nearly a year to find a full time job while I know a few BSN students that had jobs prior to graduation.

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thanks so much for replying.....I'll see what happens...I really want the BSN. If I get in the Accelerated BSN, I may have to just suck it up and add more student loan debt

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Oh and what is the BSN program you are applying to? I haven't noticed any 1 year programs. I'm applying to JHU which is 17 months long, they also have a 13 month option. Also either way it's also very pricey.

University of Maryland has a 21 month BSN program but I'm guessing you live in VA? Not sure how much out of state tuition is for that program.

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