So this is my first year in college, and I signed up for general ed classes at my local community college. In the middle of the semester, I decided I wanted to be a nurse, but unfortunately I didn't take Chemistry or anything this current semester!
Because of Anatomy 1 & 2, I'll be stuck until next winter. (Since nursing app req/deadlines are due May 1st this year, and they only offer nursing school that starts in the fall.) So basically, it'll take me 4 years just to get an associates! Has this happened to any of you? I mean, next year, I'll only really need to take Anatomy 1 & 2, so that'd be 4 credits a semester, but my dad wants me to go fulltime to be on his insurance. Does anyone know if there's a way to be 'dual enrolled?' For example, can I start nursing school even though it requires me to have completed Anatomy?
It took me probably probably almost four years to do my ADN--maybe closer to three and a half.
But every semester was part time. Even the "full time" ADN nursing program was three days a week--meaning I could work or be home as a mom on four days a week. Every BSN program I explored would require 5 days a week of classes (maybe not all day every day, but a significant time commitment), not leaving me enough time to work, be a mom, and do homework.
I have a previous degree. The Accelerated BSN course that was available was an hour away, and it was full time for a year-all day, 5 days a week.
The ADN was the cheapest route for me. The cost per credit hour was significantly lower. The over-all time commitment was less. I could work (and therefore our family had health insurance) and still be a good mom. I do plan on getting my BSN, and all I have to do is take a couple more classes. I've completed all the prerequs, between my previous bachelors and my ADN prerequs.
I think that every program has its advantages and disadvantages. If you go into the ADN thinking that you can do it in two years when in fact you can't, you didn't do your research, and it's your own fault. CCs and other colleges shouldn't be deceptive in their advertising, either, but you ultimately are responsible for doing your research about which program will fit your pocketbook, your lifestyle, and your academic needs.
You have to ask yourself...are many people really getting their BSN in only four years? I honestly don't know, but when I was getting my first BS degree (non-nursing) I was the only person I knew who graduated in just four years. It seems to me that the BS degree in general takes longer than 4 years. There are so many gen ed courses plus all the science pre-reqs for nursing school I don't see how anyone could do it start to finish in 4 years.
So, the ADN takes 3-4 years to get. My guess is that the BSN takes 5-6 years to get in reality for people who take a normal load. So I don't think it's really fair to say "Why is my ADN taking as long as a BSN" I'm sure it varies on area..in my area there are a few differences in the pre-reqs for ADN vs BSN and it would take longer to do all the pre-reqs for the BSN.
For the record, I'm about to enter a ADN degree program so I'm not knocking it at all. I think it really depends on individual goals and circumstances.
You make a good point. I completed my first BS in 4 years but my school had a mandatory summer school requirement. Without, attending over the summer, it would have taken longer.
In fact, I know it wasn't the norm for students at my university to graduate in 4 years because the school had a hugh "Take 15, don't delay your dream" campaign to encourage students to graduate.
You have to ask yourself...are many people really getting their BSN in only four years? I honestly don't know, but when I was getting my first BS degree (non-nursing) I was the only person I knew who graduated in just four years. It seems to me that the BS degree in general takes longer than 4 years. There are so many gen ed courses plus all the science pre-reqs for nursing school I don't see how anyone could do it start to finish in 4 years.
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The desired standard for higher education in the United States (all disciplines, not just nursing) is 4 years of full time study for a Bachelor's Degrees. That's why athletes have only 4 years of competition eligibility and standard undergraduate scholarships are only 4 years. Colleges and Universities track their statistics on both graduation rate and time and get concerned when too many people are taking longer than 4 years. Results are published in surveys, etc. and become a source of embarrassment and controversy for the school when they can't produce a 4-year graduate. Of course, some people do take longer for a wide variety of reasons ... but, the desired standard is 4 years or 8 semesters of full time study.
When I went to the CC I paid about $1500 a semester. I'm now about to graduate from my state university with a BSN and my tuition has been $1800 a semester. Books at both have been about the same each semester.
If your goal is to get a BSN and go on for further education you should just get the BSN to begin with. I know way to many ADN nurses who have went back to school for their BSN and they are stressed out to the max with working full time and going to school even part time.
So this is my first year in college, and I signed up for general ed classes at my local community college. In the middle of the semester, I decided I wanted to be a nurse, but unfortunately I didn't take Chemistry or anything this current semester!
Because of Anatomy 1 & 2, I'll be stuck until next winter. (Since nursing app req/deadlines are due May 1st this year, and they only offer nursing school that starts in the fall.) So basically, it'll take me 4 years just to get an associates! Has this happened to any of you? I mean, next year, I'll only really need to take Anatomy 1 & 2, so that'd be 4 credits a semester, but my dad wants me to go fulltime to be on his insurance. Does anyone know if there's a way to be 'dual enrolled?' For example, can I start nursing school even though it requires me to have completed Anatomy?
Annie, I think it really depends on the school you are in and what their policies are. Me -- for instance, I am a pre-nursing student, and I will have all my pre-requisites done by the end of this current semester so that I can apply for nursing school in Fall 08. I have already applied. But my point is I have all my pre-reqs done so next semester I am taking just filler classes so that I can receive my full financial aid. One of the classes I am taking is speech which is part of our nursing program (I think it's in the second semester), but they are allowing me to take it this coming spring. I am taking Anatomy l & ll this summer which is required in the first semester of nursing school. My best advice is to talk to your nursing advisor. She'll guide you in the right direction! Good luck! :monkeydance:
You have to ask yourself...are many people really getting their BSN in only four years? I honestly don't know,
The vast majority of my classmates in my BSN program get their degree within 4 years, or 4.5 at the most. My school puts out it's stats every year or so and the majority of students actually do get their degrees (in whatever field) within 4 years.
That is why it's very important to research the school and degree program that you are interested in. As for me, I will have a degree in liberal arts in general studies as well as my ASN, and I plan on transferring to a 4-year institution to get my BSN after working for a year as an RN. So, I will have my ASN in 3 years as well as my liberal arts transfer degree. Yes, it can be a racket!
The desired standard for higher education in the United States (all disciplines, not just nursing) is 4 years of full time study for a Bachelor's Degrees. That's why athletes have only 4 years of competition eligibility and standard undergraduate scholarships are only 4 years. Colleges and Universities track their statistics on both graduation rate and time and get concerned when too many people are taking longer than 4 years. Results are published in surveys, etc. and become a source of embarrassment and controversy for the school when they can't produce a 4-year graduate. Of course, some people do take longer for a wide variety of reasons ... but, the desired standard is 4 years or 8 semesters of full time study.
Actually, athletes have a 5 year scholarship eligibility from the NCAA. They can red shirt their freshman year. Then, they have four years of eligibility remaining.
I think that each person has to research the programs they're interested in and make an informed decision.
Buyer Beware: If a students enters a program without a realistic program plan and graduation date, shame on them.
I wouldn't feel too bad....I will graduate with two associates degrees and it will have taken me 7 years.....Two associates equals a bachelors degree right???? haha
queenjean
951 Posts
It took me probably probably almost four years to do my ADN--maybe closer to three and a half.
But every semester was part time. Even the "full time" ADN nursing program was three days a week--meaning I could work or be home as a mom on four days a week. Every BSN program I explored would require 5 days a week of classes (maybe not all day every day, but a significant time commitment), not leaving me enough time to work, be a mom, and do homework.
I have a previous degree. The Accelerated BSN course that was available was an hour away, and it was full time for a year-all day, 5 days a week.
The ADN was the cheapest route for me. The cost per credit hour was significantly lower. The over-all time commitment was less. I could work (and therefore our family had health insurance) and still be a good mom. I do plan on getting my BSN, and all I have to do is take a couple more classes. I've completed all the prerequs, between my previous bachelors and my ADN prerequs.
I think that every program has its advantages and disadvantages. If you go into the ADN thinking that you can do it in two years when in fact you can't, you didn't do your research, and it's your own fault. CCs and other colleges shouldn't be deceptive in their advertising, either, but you ultimately are responsible for doing your research about which program will fit your pocketbook, your lifestyle, and your academic needs.