Published Dec 10, 2008
TheCloser
48 Posts
Hello,
I'm in a bit of a dilemma and I sincerely need your guys advice. I'm 25 years old living in CA, and I have a goal set to achieving my RN license. I don't have any prerequisites and I want to know what is the FASTEST way to become an RN? WEST COAST UNIVERSITY has a 3 year RN BSN program which is great, but the only thing is that it is EXTREMELY expensive, I believe 116k in loans! Im sure there are other cheaper options.
Can you guys please help me see my choices on which route would be the quickest and smartest time wise and money wise? Thank you.
allicat28
37 Posts
you might try going for your lpn first. that can take anywhere from about 11 months to 18 months and then go for your rn. this is the route that i'm taking. the program i'm in is 11 months long. when i graduate i plan to work and go to school part time for my rn. that should take another year and a half. just something to consider. good luck on whatever route you choose!
just_cause, BSN, RN
1,471 Posts
PA has an 11 month accelerated BSN for those with prior BA/BS.
LA has a 10 month accelerated ADN for those with prior BA/BS.
with no pre-reqs I recommend getting pre-reqs done - do them broad enough so they can transfer to location you want to attend. I'd first look at in state CC's. Get pre-reqs, do 2 year program... that is uber cheap. You can then look at getting your BSN p/t online or at your hospital if they have it as a benefit.
v/r
sdavis8888
1 Post
PA has an 11 month accelerated BSN for those with prior BA/BS.LA has a 10 month accelerated ADN for those with prior BA/BS.
What programs are PA and LA?
sdais,
PA: http://www.drexel.edu 11month accelerated BSN
LA: http://www.ololcollege.edu 10month accelerated ADN
both are for those with previous BS or BA.
beccarner
36 Posts
8888, I think it means the states Penn and Louisiana? I agree with poster. Go for ADN after all prerecs are done, then when you work for a while (depends on facility) you can earn tuition reimbursement for your BS.
Im just wondering what is a better route?
Should I get my Pre requisites done first and just go for my associates or do the LVN program first then go for the RN?
I want to know this for info.
If i take the LVN program (a year), would i still have to get my pre requisites done to apply for an RN program? Because if so, then id rather just save the year of going for the LVN and just do my pre reqs for the RN.
Or can I do the LVN.... then go to a bridge program for the RN. Whats a smarter move?
Tweety, BSN, RN
35,406 Posts
Some schools incorporate the pre-reqs into the LPN to RN bridge and consider them "co-reqs", rather than "pre-reqs", so it might be quicker, but it's incredibly intense. Other schools require all the pre-reqs to be done prior to the LPN to RN bridge. We have both types of schools here. The school that incorporates them into the bridge program is a private school and doesn't have NLN accreditation. The NLN accredited LPN to RN school here requires the same pre-reqs it does in it's ADN program. So the LPNs take the LPN course, then have to stop and take the pre-reqs and then take the LPN to RN bridge.
So either way you're looking at 2 to 3 years.
One advantage of getting the LPN first is that you can start working as an LPN and getting experience and money.
I'd recommend taking pre-reqs that will work for ADN program and doing that if at all possible. Many attempt the LVN path with a plan to become an ADN but get comfortable and life comes along and it doesn't happen. IMHO.
suzy253, RN
3,815 Posts
I agree Tweety...taking the co-reqs is extremely intense. I did it in nursing school and sometimes it just amazes me that I passed.
AnonEmus
105 Posts
Drexel ACE BSN - 11 months
http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/nursing/undergrad_bsn_ace_essentials.asp
"The ACE Program is 11 months in length, the shortest accelerated program in the country."
Our Lady of the Lake ASN - 10 months
http://catalog.ololcollege.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=3&poid=96&bc=1
"The accelerated nursing program is an intense 10-month program designed to provide an avenue into the nursing profession for students who have earned a non-nursing baccalaureate degree."