Good programs for BA to BSN?

Hello all,

I'm a California resident and am curious about good BA to BSN programs. I'm pretty sure I want to get my BSN because I would eventually like to end up with a masters or an NP. Obviously, staying in state would be the cheapest, but I'm amenable to going out of state. I'd rather not do the online thing because I don't think I'd learn as well and would lose time in gaining identity as a nurse. Thoughts?

Cheers

*** I don't know about programs in Ca but have you considered a direct entry masters in nursing? There are a couple of these programs here in the upper mid west. My unit just hired two new direct entry masters nurses and they really liked the program.

Have you considered PA school?

>I don't know about programs in Ca but have you considered a >direct entry masters in nursing?

Well, I'm about to get my BM in Music, so direct-entry is not exactly applicable.

I've never heard of PA school. Do tell.

>I don't know about programs in Ca but have you considered a >direct entry masters in nursing?

Well, I'm about to get my BM in Music, so direct-entry is not exactly applicable.

I've never heard of PA school. Do tell.

*** A direct entry masters in nursing program is designed for people who have a 4 year degree in an unrelated to nursing field. It's 1.5-2 years depending on the program. You graduate with a masters in nursing ready to sit the NCLEX-RN and take an entry level RN job, just like an associates or BSN program. I can't help but think having your masters from the start would be helpful should you decide to do something other than bedside nursing.

PA is Physician Assistant. Some of the people you will be taking patient care orders from as an RN. They practice medicine under the supervision of a physician, this supervision can be via phone. In small rural clinics they are often the sole health care provider and they can write prescriptions in every state.

There are still a few associates degree PA programs but most are bachelors degrees and even these are being phased out in favor of masters degrees. Like nursing the training in two years regardless of the degree being granted. They make about the same as RN but usually have MUCH better hours with many PAs working in primary health care mon-fri no holidays. Some PAs work in surgery and can make a lot of money. The heart surgery and neuro sugery PAs where I work make $120K-$150K.

If you are more interested in being in charge and making treatment decisions consider PA. If you are interested in making good money then nursing school then CRNA school would make you the most. If you want to work days and not work weekends and holidays consider PA school.

For PA:http://www.aapa.org/

For CRNA: http://www.aana.com