Frantic Question

delawaremalenurse · Aug 5, 2012

you can go to a BSN program but you'll need to meet with an advisor to see if the pre-reqs you took were the right level and right amount for the program...don't be surprised if you have to take additional classes

LPN programs often do not require the same difficulty level of classes nor the same amount of classes needed for an RN program (ADN or BSN)

CallieNM, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2012

you can go to a BSN program but you'll need to meet with an advisor to see if the pre-reqs you took were the right level and right amount for the program...don't be surprised if you have to take additional classes
LPN programs often do not require the same difficulty level of classes nor the same amount of classes needed for an RN program (ADN or BSN)

Well I did everything for RN up until last semester. I didn't get to microbiology then I switched to LPN. So does that sound promising?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 5, 2012

There are two types of BSN programs.

One is pre-licensure, in other words, you are not a nurse until you graduate and take NCLEX.

The other is a 'completion' program. It is for either LPNs (rare) or for associate degree nurses who are already RNs.

You would be looking at a BSN pre-licensure program. You would have the same chance of getting in as anyone else who had most of their pre-requisite course work completed. Having an associate's would gain you no advantage.

Just want you to be comparing apples-to-apples.

CallieNM, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2012

There are two types of BSN programs.
One is pre-licensure, in other words, you are not a nurse until you graduate and take NCLEX.
The other is a 'completion' program. It is for either LPNs (rare) or for associate degree nurses who are already RNs.
You would be looking at a BSN pre-licensure program. You would have the same chance of getting in as anyone else who had most of their pre-requisite course work completed. Having an associate's would gain you no advantage.
Just want you to be comparing apples-to-apples.

So if you were in my shoes... What would you do? Continue with the original plan get my LPN and then do the bridges? Or try to get my BSN now?

What about clinical?

I want the best education, keeping finances in mind (I'm not made of money) that will get me the furthest in my career. I don't want to feel like repeating my "expired" science courses this last year was a huge waste because the school told me it was impossible to get a BSN with my associates. Come to find out I may be able to at another school nearby...

Stephalump · Aug 5, 2012

I'm not entirely sure what an unrelated associates degree has to do with anything...I've never heard of a BSN program that cares about that. They care that you meet the prereqs and pass whatever entrance exam.

What exactly were you told about BSN programs at your current school?

The easiest thing to do is look at your prospective school's website. They're usually very specific and clear about requirements. If they aren't, buyer beware.

CallieNM, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2012

I'm not entirely sure what an unrelated associates degree has to do with anything...I've never heard of a BSN program that cares about that. They care that you meet the prereqs and pass whatever entrance exam.
What exactly were you told about BSN programs at your current school?
The easiest thing to do is look at your prospective school's website. They're usually very specific and clear about requirements. If they aren't, buyer beware.

I was told I had to be an RN to get into the BSN program. My associates degree is in health care administration and they said it would not work. So I hope that expensive piece of paper on my wall and started all over again with RN classes, last semester I realized the RN program is nearly impossible to get into right away and I am ready to get working, so instead applied to LPN which starts in Spring.

I saw somewhere that you could use a non nursing associates degree to get into a bachelors degree program, but MaryCarney above is probably right about there being different types of bachelors degrees. I may end up just be better off sticking with LPN and then moving forward from there.

My friend is currently in an online program to be LPN to BSN and she loves it. It is through Indiana State University and its legit. But I was hoping my useless Associates degree may be able to get me into a bachelors degree...

Does any of this make sense? :uhoh3:

Stephalump · Aug 5, 2012

It makes sense :). There are bridge programs and straightforward programs, yes. If your school only offers a bridge program, then, no, a non nursing associate degree wouldn't work.

Most 4 year schools around here offer both types : a pre-licensure BSN and an RN-BSN, but the pre-licensure is faster (2 years ADN+1year bridge vs 2 year BSN). We also have one school that also has an LVN-BSN program. I don't think one way is any better than the other, just different needs for different people. I'm in an ADN program that has an articulation agreement with an RN-BSN program so I'll hopefully be starting right after graduation. It takes a year longer than the traditional route, but I'll save about $10,000.

CallieNM, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2012

bachelor of science in nursing (bsn)the wellstar college of health and human services offers a program of study in nursing leading to a bachelor of science in nursing (bsn) degree. this program is fully accredited by the commission on collegiate nursing education (ccne). in addition, this program leads to eligibility for initial licensure as a registered nurse and consists of a traditional curriculum plan and an accelerated option for students holding a bachelors degree in another field. a bsn completion option is also available for persons who are already registered nurses. all three program options combine nursing courses with general education courses. the general education courses provide a broad scope of liberal education for the nursing program and serve as a foundation for functioning in a civil society and learning nursing concepts. students may declare nursing as a major and begin taking the general education component of either program, at any time.

the baccalaureate degree sequence for prelicensure students is offered as outlined in the curriculum guide. since there are a limited number of spaces in the program, prospective students must apply to the bsn program for admission with a cohort for each clinical sequence of the program."

copied from the school's website i was thinking about checking on. from what i put into red i think i will be able to apply because it is prelicensure program. man, i think i am going to be sick. i feel like i have wasted so much time, resources, money... omg... :banghead:

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 5, 2012

It makes sense. But understand that your associate's degree does not really prepare you for any type of specific medical career - expensive or not. Sorry to be so blunt - but it is the truth. Sounds like the program you're looking at is a completion program - and as such, you do not qualify. LPN would be a viable option. I started out as an LPN - and now I have a master's in nursing. Good luck to you. Hope we've been able to clarify things for you.

CallieNM, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2012

It makes sense. But understand that your associate's degree does not really prepare you for any type of specific medical career - expensive or not. Sorry to be so blunt - but it is the truth. Sounds like the program you're looking at is a completion program - and as such, you do not qualify. LPN would be a viable option. I started out as an LPN - and now I have a master's in nursing. Good luck to you. Hope we've been able to clarify things for you.

Yes you guys have been all helpful. At least helped calm my nerves! My blood was boiling for a second! lol :banghead:

Stephalump · Aug 5, 2012

Yes you guys have been all helpful. At least helped calm my nerves! My blood was boiling for a second! lol

Yes, I think WellStar is the direction you want to go. I'm sorry you were led astray by heaven knows who, but all you can do is move forward!