Go for RN or right away for BSN?

dmaccnursing_student · Feb 7, 2008

Hello everyone!
I was just wondering what is the better choice? I am currently finishing my pre reqs, have a+p 2, micro, nutrition, develpomental psych to finish yet- but i was wondering, i applied for my school's nursing program, i finished THEIR reqirements, and am taking as many classes as i possibly can to finish prir to begining any program. but if i dont get into the program which startts aug-08 then i will continue for my culture, science and technology assoc deg and press on to finish classes- but after i finish lets say all the pre reqs i can either transfer to a nursing hospital school, and get my RN OR- transfer to a 4 year as a junior and continue to a BSN it will STILL be 2 years right? the nursing components but ill have a bsn? i think i am confused can someone clear it up? whats the better choice? i also have 2 young children and cant wait for this already, so i dont really have all the time in the world to get to my dream- though also dont want to make a stupid mistake.
Thank you and good luck to you all!!
Rachel

I know where I live (in Iowa) that if you just graduate with a general two year degree and transfer to a 4 year school, it will still be 3 years to graduate from a nursing school. BUT, if you go to a CC and get a 2 year degree in Nursing then transfer to a 4 year school, it will only be 1 year to graduate with a BSN. I'm not sure if that answers your question or not.

As to whether just getting your 2 year degree or 4 year degree, I guess it depends on if you want to get out and work sooner :)

Mommycakers · Feb 7, 2008

You would probably have to call a 4 yr. BSN program to know for sure. But, I think you would still be looking at 3 years of school which ever way you went to get your BSN. The only difference would be that you could start working as an RN after the two yrs. then go to an RN-BSN program for a year to earn your BSN. I will have 71 credits completed after this semester but I would still have to do three years if I went to a 4 yr. BSN program. I would still need to take the BSN specific advanced nursing classes that are required to earn my BSN.

iiiRacheliii · Feb 7, 2008

hmm, thank you! thats a good point, i also really want to start working, and for a few of the schools I am looking at have a duel program to get a BSN in 8 months. some more time than others but close to 8-10 months. I appreciate the info! 71 is awsome i have 32 right now. by the end of the summer ill have 39-41 fingers crossed i get in SOMEWHERE!!

good luck to you-- did you get in yet? I am waiting for "the letter!" so nerve wracking!

Rachel

iiiRacheliii · Feb 7, 2008

hey there dmacc,

thanks for your response, thats GREAT! about only having to finish one year...not here tho, i am a nursing major but not in the program, they consider it Culture science and technology degree. I am hoping to finish that degree regardless OR get into the nursing program. here they consider you finishing 2 years CC (which is where i am now) then begin as a Junior in a 4 year institution. So, yes i do want to work right away-- and cant wait!!

Rachel

Hotflashn · Feb 8, 2008

I wonder about this, as well. Programs around here are really impacted and the ADN waitlists at community colleges are typically several years long after completion of the prereqs. So figure 2-3 years wait followed by 2 years of nursing. In all, about 7 years for me! But the BSN programs either accepts you or it doesn't. I decided to give it a try, if I get in before my waitlist number or lottery comes up, then that is what I will do. If not, well then more waiting and eventually an ADN for me. Whatever comes first. Originally, I wasn't even thinking BSN, a counselor planted that idea. I always figured I could do the ADN and then the BSN if it seemed necessary. Plus more years of school sounds daunting. Not to mention the difference in costs. Yet, if I get in, I will be done about the same time, only with a BSN.

Let me know if you come up with some pros and cons.