What is the best route to an RN degree?

[annmcguire]

Hi,

I am a 34-year old college grad who wants to go back to school to become a nurse. I am unsure of which route to choose though - I could attend MCP Hahnemann University's nursing school in the fall for an accelerated one year BSN program (for $20,000!) or I could simply go to the local community college for an A.A.S. and become an RN for about $2,000.

If this were my first degree I would not be so worried about money, but I am already paying back $25,000 in student loans and if there is little difference between entering with an AAS or a BSN I would love to choose the less expensive route. I just thought that perhaps with the nursing shortage I would be able to enter work with an associates degree then benefit from tuition reimbursement to finish the BSN later.

Any thoughts on this? I would appreciate any insight into this dilemma. Thanks.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

This thread is four years old and the only post the original poster made. Wonder what the choice was and did the op graduate by now. :)

[galaxy781]

I know! I hate when the leave us hanging!! I find it so interesting to see how everyone became a nurse, there are just so many ways to do and no best way! Let me tell you, if there hadnt been an 18 month waiting list for the ADN program, thats where I wouldve been!! If there had been an diploma program that would have gotten me there even quicker thats where I wouldve been! LOL I just wanted to be a nurse, I didnt care how I got there! I am kind of glad though that I am pursing a masters just for the one fact that, I feel like I am putting bachelor degree to some use!!! That was 4 long years of studying! LOL