HELP. ADN to BSN without becoming an RN???

[Clueless_O.O]

I was planning on attending a college nursing program, but I won't be able to because my SAT scores won't come in until a couple weeks after the schools' deadlines. I called to make sure, and they said my applications won't be completed and accepted without the scores. So now it seems like my options are to

1. Take a gap year then apply again for the next available semester (which i don't want to do)

or 2. Go to a community college (most likely Bristol CC) and take prerequisites, then transfer to a university. (UMASS Dartmouth is my goal)

But I don't know how to do it and the teachers/counselors in my online high school school don't have many answers. So one question is, since I have to earn an associates degree to be eligible for the Mass Transfer program, do I earn my ADN at a community college, and get my RN, then transfer to UMASS D for a RN-BSN program? The thing I don't like about that is the program is online, and I don't want to do online schooling again.

But I don't know if it's possible to get my ADN and NOT go for my RN before transferring. If that is possible, will my credits in the community college be sent over and will I be able to enter a BSN program without doing an rn-bsn program?

I guess I just want to be able to transfer directly into a BSN program, without more online programs or bridge programs. Is that possible? Please give me advice, i need all I can get.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Probably not. They have x amount of seats for brick and mortar classes and those are reserved for students already in the program. Only that school can answer your question for your situation though

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

You're saying UMass won't accept credits from a C unless they're part of a completed associates degree? Many schools accept prereq credits without you having to have earned an associates degree.

If you take classes, make sure UMass will accept them. For example, not all writing or math classes would be acceptable, even if they look the same. Only the school can tell you what works or not.

I think you need to talk to a UMass advisor to get your answers.

[Clueless_O.O]

You're saying UMass won't accept credits from a C unless they're part of a completed associates degree?

Well no, that's if I transfer using the Mass Transfer Program, which my online school counselor seems to think is great. An associates degree is a requirement for the program but not the school. But maybe I can try transferring without the Mass Transfer Program, I didn't really think of that. I'm just confused on the courses I'd take at a community college. I dont know if I'd have to enroll in their actual nursing program, or if I can just handpick the courses I need. I'm confused! They have prerequisites that are needed before the actual nursing program has been taken, but the website isn't clear about it. If I finished the program, I'm guessing I'd get an Adn because thats whats offered by cc. And because if I went to umass, id have to take 2 years of prereqs anyway. Doesnt two years at a cc= associates? But they dont give associates in prereqs so idk. So confused.

[Seaofclouds, BSN, RN]

The best thing you can do is contact both schools and speak with an admissions counselor. You might be able to take a year of pre-reqs at the cc and then transfer to the university for your second year of school. It sounds like you are only considering cc because you will miss the deadline for the university. Have you also considered contacting the testing company for your SAT to see if there is any way they can get the score earlier for your application deadline?

[Clueless_O.O]

Okay that sounds like a good idea, I will have to try that. And the thing is, I don't take the SATs until January 24th, and the deadlines for the two main schools I was considering are Dec.15 and Feb.1. My SAT scores would come around Feb.11. Honestly, yes, that is the main reason I'm considering cc. I looked into it before but decided that I'd rather do a straight BSN program in a University than go from adn to rn to bsn. But my SAT scores will come too late for me to attend any university, hence my looking into Community Colleges. (The CCs near me also have bad reviews compared to colleges or universities, another reason for my hesitance to consider community colleges.)

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I am in MA. My daughter just did the whole college thing last year.

I STRONGLY suggest that you call U Mass Dartmouth. It was my understanding they do not take transfer credits. Yes their RN/BSN program is all online but remember you must be a RN before you are admitted. Their BSN program is admission as a freshman or not at all. U Mass Lowell is the same way. U Mass Boston will take transfer credits. I would look into Fitchburg state. They take transfer credits and have the highest NCLEX passing scores. 2014 Performance Summary for Massachusetts Nursing Educ Or Salem state.....they both offer bang for your buck

Double check the schools first.....there are some weird rules due to the competitive nature of the programs.

[Clueless_O.O]

Thank you for answering my questions! I didn't know they didn't accept transfer credits, I'll definitely call.

[GatezRN]

Definitely call UMASS to see if they will accept pre-req credits. If so, take all you can at BCC while waiting to be accepted into UMASS. Usually things like ENG 101 and Statistics will transfer. UMASS is a very competitive program, so you may want to consider other options for schools. I would definitely suggest shooting for the BSN vs. ADN. The ADN program at BCC is very good, but sadly many places require BSN to be considered for employment now. Good luck!