FSCJ or UNF, with a B.A. already

Squirmy McCoy · Apr 30, 2012

Good morning!
I'm new on here so first off Hello to everyone! I am a Navy wife who is trying to find her place in this crazy world and it looks like Nursing is my calling. I already have a B.A. in Social Science where I studied Sociology, Psychology, and Organizational Management. Apparently that isn't good enough and instead of getting my Masters in Counseling I've decided Nursing was a better route and much more military friendly.
I need to take a few prerequisites first like Micro, A&P I and II, & Chem (prereq for Micro). I was thinking about taking them at FSCJ. At first I was looking at just apply to the Nursing program at FSCJ, but then I read where I have to have at least one year professional experience at a RN before I can apply to the BSN program. Is this right?
I was also looking into the UNF Accelerated program, but I wasn't sure if my prerequisites will be accepted. It looks like the accelerated program is the fastest route, but with two kids and a husband going on deployment I'm also looking out for my sanity!
I thought if I did the ADN program at FSCJ I could at least get a job before he leaves and then go back later for my BSN, but then I don't want to have wasted all that time and could've just gotten my BSN. Sorry if I sound confused, but I am and I just want to make sure I take the right route. :)

The BSN program at FSCJ is for people who are already RNs. I'm graduating from the ADN program tomorrow. :) UNF is notoriously difficult to get into. I'd say call the advising offices of both programs for more info. There is also JU which is much more expensive but they do offer a large financial aid package, or so I hear.

My personal plan of attack was to get my ADN at FSCJ and then get my BSN online at UCF, UWF, or USF.

lteverly · Apr 30, 2012

Congratulations! How was the program? Do you have any jobs lined up? I was thinking about getting my ADN first then going back to get my BSN either at FSCJ or a online program. Thanks for your help!

FLmomof5 · May 1, 2012

I went to FSCJ and got my ASN. I have a BE-EE. The program was excellent and I passed the NCLEX on the first try with minimal questions. You have to check out how much financial aid you can get and what you can afford. BTW, DD had a 3.6 from FSCJ nursing pre-reqs. She is an MA (2.5 yrs) and was active duty combat medic - now in reserves. She applied to UNF....got the interview.....then crickets. She is going to Chamberlain (which is accredited) for her BSN and she can afford it because of the Army College Fund.

For me.....I am going for the MSN. Looked at USA (south alabama). They have an online program for RNs with a Bachelor's in other degrees. You get your BSN after 2 terms and MSN after 5!

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 2, 2012

Firstly the BSN is becoming the hiring standard, so myself and I'm sure many other will eventually need their BSN. For you the Fastest route would seem be, Accelerated BSN but the ADN has fewer preqreq to catch up with. However, I dont know if UNF is the right choice but experience in clinicals is something to consider. FSCJ ADN as with most ADNs would have more clinical practice in addition it would be cheaper. As you already have a Bachelors, costs is also something you need to consider as you may not qualify for financial aid for a second Bachelors. I would go for FSCJ, at least start there with the prereqs it would be cheaper...keep an updated copy of UNF BSN requirements so while doing the ADN preqes also complete the higher levels courses that also meet the BSN, for e.g FSCJ ADN chem you only need to do basic liberal arts chemistry 1020, but skip that and do chem 1032 or chem 2045 instead, it meets the requirements for both BSN and ADN, hope u understand that.

Depending on your degree you got now many credits may transfer to the ADN the list is

BSC2085 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1

BSC2086 ANATOMY AND PHY 2

MAC1105 OR HIGHER (U PROBABLY ALREADY HAVE THIS)

CHEMISTRY 1020 OR HIGHER, CHM 1025C CHEM 1032C CHEM 2045C preq for microbiology (again dont waste time with 1020 or 1025)

MCB2010 microbiology

enc1101 English composition(u probably already got this)

PSY 1012 general psychology(u probably already got this)

Syg 2000 introductory sociology (u probably already got this)

humanities(u probably already got this)

DEP 2004 human growth and development

Medical Terminology is not a prereq but it is recommended. I took it as part of my AA.

So in 2 parttime semesters you will be ready to apply for the ADN and FSCJ is less picky on transferring credits unlike a major university. FSCJ ADN is transferrable to UNF or you can do RN to BSN online with UCF or other univesities at a later day without putting too much stress on family life.

I am also trying to figure out where to apply to, my choices are sticking with FSCJ where I am getting my AA this week or transfer to Daytona State college ADN or UCF daytona campus BSN. I am leaning towards staying to FSCJ even though its a longer drive from where I live.

lteverly · May 15, 2012

Thank you so much for the awesome infomation. Im taking the terminology and CHM1032c in the fall.