It will take me 7 years just for a bsn.

[futurernmaybe]

I am 19 going into 2nd year of college. It's going to take me 5 years( 1 down 4 left to go) to get a 2 year degree (adn) because of prerequisites. Im going to a community college so I don't have to take out loans. Then I'm assuming to do an online bridge program for my bsn will be around 2 years. This is really discouraging and I feel like it's a ridiculous amount of time since people only spend 4 years for the exact same degree. Idk if it's just stupid to continue this route but what if it's my only option? Should I do it anyway since I wanna be a nurse. All other schools by me are way more expensive yet faster and would require loans. What do I do. Another thing that makes this so discouraging is all I see on here is how hard it is to find a job.

[AAOnc22]

If you want to be a nurse and it's your only option, then it's your only option! Nursing is my second degree and I went into my ADN program when I was 25. I went for an ADN and now currently finishing my RN-BSN program online. I went this route instead of an accelerate BSN route at a 4 year school because it is SOOO much cheaper, and I became an RN about a year faster. I already had a lot of debt and didn't want more. I was able to finish my ADN in two years while working full time and paying tuition out of pocket. It's not easy and sometimes I was spending 68 hrs a week at the hospital because of clinical and working as a CNA, but it was worth it to not have the debt, in my opinion. Now I am working as an RN at a large hospital while I finish my BSN online. I am taking my time with the BSN and paying it off as I take the classes since my job doesn't require the BSN right now. I just can't imagine having more debt that I already do. So I totally understand where you are coming from.

If you really want to be a nurse, then go for it. If you really don't want a mountain of debt (trust me, you don't), then take your time. Jobs will be there when you are done with school. I found that New Grad Residency programs were super beneficial because you are only competing against other new grads for a job, not a whole pool of other, experienced nurses. I did not need my BSN for the new grad residency.

[Davey Do]

I'm concerned about you CharleeFoxtrot dear.

I was (COFF COFF WHEEZE) years old.

You should have that age looked at.

[LovingLife123]

I'm confused as to why it takes 3 years for prereqs. It doesn't take that long for prereqs for a BSN. It took me two for my ASN.

How many credits are you taking?

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

where I did my ADN, many students had to do 4 semesters (less if they could find what they needed in the limited simmer schedule) THEN apply to the nursing program. Many ended up with 2 asoociates (general studies and then ADN). I had a previous Bachelors (Biology-pre vet), so I needed like one class. I did the nursing program in 4 semesters. I passed the NCLEX and got a job. After I worked a year, I completed an RN-BSN program that took me a calendar year.

The best thing would be to get your ADN and get to work and then do your BSN. Just my opinion. I was lucky that my hospital helps pay for the BSNs so it cost me nothing for BSN and ADN was very inexpensive being a community college.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Do you need to take a lot of remedial classes? If so, consider getting your LPN instead. You can do it much faster.

[oops I bradyed again]

I don't think there is anything wrong with taking your time if that's your only option or suits your needs best! It took me about 3 years to finish my prereqs because I only took 1-2 classes every term in order to be able to afford it, maintain a 4.0, work part-time, and help support some family members. It then took me another 3 years to finish my BSN. I know it seems like a long path and can be discouraging, but I promise the times flies by! You are still young and have plenty of time to work after graduation, even if it takes you 6 years to get there!

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

I'm concerned about you CharleeFoxtrot dear.

You should have that age looked at.

I assess it each and every morning in the mirror...sigh.

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

I'm confused as to why it takes 3 years for prereqs. It doesn't take that long for prereqs for a BSN. It took me two for my ASN.

How many credits are you taking?

Because some folks can't afford or can't take a full class load. That's why it took me 5 years to do the pre reqs, and one year to do an accelerated curriculum RN program.

[Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN]

I also went the ADN route when I wanted to go back. I did need a year of pre-recs since I didn't have all the science and math classes from my first degree.

I think you are wise to do it slowly and cost effectively. By going slow you can really focus on your grades. Once you finish your ADN, you can work as a RN and then if your place of employment has a tuition reimbursement program you can take advantage of that for your RN to BSN. That's what I'm doing. Overall, I walked away with no debt from my ADN and I've got the hospital paying for most of the bill for my BSN so again, walking away debt free.

Time will pass anyways, so take your time and walk away with no debt.

[LovingLife123]

Because some folks can't afford or can't take a full class load. That's why it took me 5 years to do the pre reqs, and one year to do an accelerated curriculum RN program.

I understand that. But if that's the case, then post that in your OP so we have an understanding. I was wondering if the OO has gotten the ridiculous advice to not take two sciences together. That could draw it out, or having to take remedial English and math could. I had to take remedial math, but still managed my prereqs in 3 semesters.

My BSN took a year. I had my ASN first.

[CKPM2RN, ASN, EMT-P]

It's twoo, it's twoo! It took me 5 years to complete a 2 year ADN program...graduated at age 43.

Older new nurses unite! I took 5 years for my two-year ADN as well. I took graduated at 48. Full-time job, house and occupants to take care of, one class at a time.

[B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

It took me 6 years to get my first Bachelor's degree, which was not in nursing. I'm just starting an MSN program and I'm more than twice your age. Do I regret anything? No. I had a most enjoyable journalism career, and now I'm enjoying psych nursing.