Thank you so much for all of your responses. Fortunately, I do have a VERY supportive husband. He is adament that it's better for US to tough it out for one year of accelerated BSN than for me to go the ADN-BSN-NP route (which may not be AS stressful as accelerated, but is certainly the longer route.)
Can you give me a ballpark figure of how many hours/week you spend on school work (outside of class)?? It would give me a clearer picture of what I can expect my life to look like.
Thanks again.
Carla
It really depends on the particular program you are applying to, and the curriculum. Do you have a program in mind, and have you see the course requirement list?
You mentioned that you have to take the GRE, so this most likely means it's a program that is an Accelerated BSN/MSN, which means you take some credits that are Master's level. So you can have a head start on a few classes that are graduate level, if you want to go back for your Masters. This can make the program a little harder too, since master's level classes can be more demanding and more study time.
What was your major in college? If it was bio or chem, or anything health related you may have an easier time.
However, most of the Accel. programs have several prereqs that you need to take before entering the program - such as Anatomy & Phys. I or I & II, Chemistry, sometimes Organic Chemistry in some programs, Microbiology, etc. etc. and they have to be taken usually within 5 yrs time of applying to the program.
Studying time all depends on the person, for example, some people can memorize and understand Pathophysiology easier than others, so they may need to study less hours, than a person who struggles with it. It also depends on how many courses you have, and how much homework, and papers you have to write.
I would say personally I study at least 2-3 hrs a day. There are times I study less though, and I take at least 1 day off. But during times when there are final exams that are cumulative, I can study more hours. Plus, if I have papers to write, that increases the time spent in the library researching, writing, etc.
It's really a program where you have to dedicate yourself fulltime, and best to have no job outside the home. When it's fast track like this, a test can cover more than 10 chapters at a time, in some cases. So it's alot of reading/studying.
If you have little ones at home, you may consider staying at the library studying, unless you have a private place at home where you won't be disturbed or your kids won't seek your attention. I know that even if a spouse is helping, sometimes a 3 yr old just wants his/her mother. I see this all the time with my sister who has a child that age. They need alot of attention at that age.
Maybe you can look at different programs and see the requirements. Some are 12 mos, some 16 mos, it depends where you are located.
My previous degrees are in sociology and mental health. not too helpful.
This program is 13 months and requires the GRE, so that if we finish with good enough grades, we can progress right into NP school.
I was also thinking about not coming home as soon as class is over--just staying at the library for a couple of hours each night and get some work done. I was glad to hear you suggest that--reaffirms my plan.
I am half way through 2nd semester of UF's Accelerated BSN program. First semester was very time consuming, but it can be done. WE have about five people in our class who have young children and they are all doing well. We haven't lost anyone so far. 1 st semester I constantly had my nose in a book. You will be amazed at how much you can do when you have to.
aureliey
31 Posts
It really depends on the particular program you are applying to, and the curriculum. Do you have a program in mind, and have you see the course requirement list?
You mentioned that you have to take the GRE, so this most likely means it's a program that is an Accelerated BSN/MSN, which means you take some credits that are Master's level. So you can have a head start on a few classes that are graduate level, if you want to go back for your Masters. This can make the program a little harder too, since master's level classes can be more demanding and more study time.
What was your major in college? If it was bio or chem, or anything health related you may have an easier time.
However, most of the Accel. programs have several prereqs that you need to take before entering the program - such as Anatomy & Phys. I or I & II, Chemistry, sometimes Organic Chemistry in some programs, Microbiology, etc. etc. and they have to be taken usually within 5 yrs time of applying to the program.
Studying time all depends on the person, for example, some people can memorize and understand Pathophysiology easier than others, so they may need to study less hours, than a person who struggles with it. It also depends on how many courses you have, and how much homework, and papers you have to write.
I would say personally I study at least 2-3 hrs a day. There are times I study less though, and I take at least 1 day off. But during times when there are final exams that are cumulative, I can study more hours. Plus, if I have papers to write, that increases the time spent in the library researching, writing, etc.
It's really a program where you have to dedicate yourself fulltime, and best to have no job outside the home. When it's fast track like this, a test can cover more than 10 chapters at a time, in some cases. So it's alot of reading/studying.
If you have little ones at home, you may consider staying at the library studying, unless you have a private place at home where you won't be disturbed or your kids won't seek your attention. I know that even if a spouse is helping, sometimes a 3 yr old just wants his/her mother. I see this all the time with my sister who has a child that age. They need alot of attention at that age.
Maybe you can look at different programs and see the requirements. Some are 12 mos, some 16 mos, it depends where you are located.