Have a B.S. -- 2-year R.N. -V.S.- Accelerated B.S.?

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Greetings! I ran across this site and it looks like a jewel for someone transitioning into the healthcare field. Lots of information.

So, here's my situation: I am currently finishing my last term's pre-nursing courses at my local community college RCC in southern Oregon, and am in the 2nd phase of admissions (proctored essay phase) for two R.N. associate degree programs. I earned a B.S. in Communications several years ago, and my first choice was to apply to Oregon Health & Sciences University's accelerated B.S. with a major in nursing program; however, I decided that I most likely was not competitive enough to be accepted for this upcoming fall (only 32 positions are available and 380 people applied last year!). In any case, at this point in the game, it's really hit me that if accepted (fingers crossed!) into a 2-year RN program, it will take me another 2 years to get my B.S. in nursing, which is what I think I ultimately want (on a side note: any thoughts/advice on benefits of B.S. in nursing over A.S. in nursing?). Therefore, I am wondering if it would be in my best interest to: A) If accepted, complete the associate's RN as planned, and go on to complete the B.S. in nursing afterward (which would take a total of 4 years),

or B) To instead, choose to earn a shorter credential such as a medical assistance certificate, hopefully followed by a chance to work actively work in field until it's time to apply next year for OHSU's accelerated B.S. program for 2011 (which would take only 5 --very intense -- quarters to finish)?

I would appreciate any advice from anyone who is or has faced this dilemma or has any thoughts or advice about the pros/cons of an accelerated RN programs -vs- the 2-yr RN programs for someone who is at this stage in their education. Hopefully, because it seems like there are quite a few students with prior and unrrelated B.S.'s transitioning into the medical field via an R.N. licensure. Thanks so much!

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This is just my opinion, but I think if you're accepted into an associate's program, you should go ahead and complete that program and do the RN-BSN bridge later. If you're not accepted, only then should you apply to an MA program.There's no guarantee that you will get into an accelerated BSN program with the MA experience, which could further delay getting your RN license.

Why don't you apply to the accelerated BSN this year anyway? Or, are there any BSN programs as part of a 4 year university that you could apply to as a transfer student? You would only be taking the upper division nursing classes if you get in, and that usually takes 2 years as well.

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I agree with SerenePeach. Also, there are quite a few RN-BSN programs that do not take 2 years, some only take like 1 year and a few months.

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I just found that I did not get into RCC. I live in Portland, but I was hoping that it is less compative over there. If I were you, I would go to RCC b/c you can finish your last year while working at the hospital.

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I am attempting to go with the acclerated program route. I have a BA in Communication Disorders and will be finished my prereqs in the fall. If anything, I will do a RN to BSN program in the future. I am hoping it all works out, but this seems to be a great option.

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

If you don't have a family to provide for, look wider at the ABSN and Masters-Entry programs a bit farther afield since you're unattached enough that you can move to attend school. You'll already have a baccalaureate degree, why go down to the associates level if you can avoid it?

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Specializes in CNA.

Some friendly advice from someone who's applied twice to OHSU's accelerated BSN program..... the majority of their applicants have either

A) a 4.0 gpa in their undergrad, & prereq grades and have done some spectacular things like Peace Corps in Africa or Europe or South America

b) have a Masters degree

It's UBER competitive to get into that school, so unless you are someone who has YEARS of medical experience behind them or a previous Masters, I'd say skip applying to their ABSN and apply to one of their 3 year programs. Or apply at Linfield's ABSN program.... they seem to accept applicants with more realistic life experiences such as volunteer work, CNA license, etc...

Just my two cents because I've applied 2 times without any luck and have a lengthy list of healthcare related experiences and good GPAs with no luck.

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