Getting a BSN in the Philippines

iscream4u · Jun 19, 2010

Hi, all:

I'm in a bit of dilemma. I'm a U.S. citizen aspiring to be a nurse here in the States, but I think I've finally hit my dead end. The original plan was to accomplish an Associates Degree in Nursing in a local community college -- cheaper and faster. My pre-reqs are all finished. All I need is entrance to an ADN program. In terms of transoportation I can only commute to a certain distance from home, as I won't have any means to transport myself. So that limits me to a few schools within the area. Unfortunately, two of those schools deem my science pre-reqs GPA too low :crying2: , and this other school that I've applied to for three semesters (to no avail) is ridiculously impacted :mad: . I've thought about doing the LVN route but I can barely get a class now, as I've already maxed out my welcome at community college (I have two Associate Degrees). In addition, I'm not qualified for aid anymore, as there's a limit of units taken... obviously I've maxed out obtaining my two Associates plus my RN pre requisites.

I've thought about going to private schools... but they're just too expensive and their credits don't seem to transfer over to alot of schools. I looked up an LVN program from this one private school and it cost around $30,000 :eek: :down: ! Seriously?! An LVN program for 30k doesn't sound like it's worth it. And with the current state that the U.S. is in (US fresh RN grads having difficult time finding a job), I think I'd become very anxious with a debt like that without even a guarantee of employment. Then I checked the BSN programs here, and I checked out. I can't afford that. And it would take me a very long time.

Here I am, so discouraged and wondering if I've just wasted my time schooling just to hit a freakin' wall :uhoh3: . one of my science pre-reqs is in danger of reaching its 5-year recency (which most community colleges' limit). I can't support myself yet. I do want to become a nurse, but it's so challenging and competitve. I don't want to think that I endured those science classes for nothing. I'd like to see them be of use. So now I've come to the conclusions that I should get my BSN in nursing in the Philippines.

Now I've been reading alot on this topic and read what the naysayers have said (cons). But perhaps things are different now in the Philippines (?). I'm a bit aware of the retrogression issue, though I'm not sure how this would apply to me being a U.S. citizen. The education is cheaper and there are good schools out there. I just really want that BSN! :crying2: Are there any U.S. citizens out there who took this option? If so, what can you tell me about the experience?

Here are my questions:

1. Would it be better for me to obtain Student Visa or Dual-Citizenship?

2. Are there any negative effects with having a dual citizenship?

3. Considering my two Associates degrees, will all the classes I've taken be credited, thus making my class load lighter (or i can finish BSN in 2-3 years)?

4. If I took the dual citizenship route, will I still be required to take the Boards in Philippines, even if I intend to work in the Sates?

5. With just a student Visa, will my tuition rate be more expensive than the locals'?

6. Will having an MSN in Philippines make a significant impact when one wants to work in the States?

7. To U.S. citizens, did they have to make you attend relgious studies, CAT/ROTC classes in Philippines?

8. Which RN schools should I stay away from? And which are reputable by American standards?

I'm desperate, y'all. Please give me some helpful answers. Thanks.