Help!! Which BSN programs might work best for me?

[elsaz]

I have had a bachelor degree major in English from a Chinese university, and now I want to become a nurse. I noticed there are several path to become a nurse, but can not decide which one best for my situation, hope anyone can give me some suggestion,thanks!

1. Accelerated Program: it only takes one year to complete which is great, but I heard it's quite competitive to get a space for most university. And since i never studied in US, I am not sure whether the course will be too overwhelmed for me

2. 4 years traditional Program: It's a easier way to get a BSN Degree, but that means it is a bit too long for me since I hope I can get to work earlier to help to support my family

3. Community school: I found a Community school offer 2 year ASN program, and I think if I will continue study RN-BSN program after that, so that I can finally get a BSN degree. And one thing I especially want to ask is why people choose traditional program instead of this one, since this one is cheaper any you can work after 2 years and also you can apply RN-BSN program later to get BSN ?

4. I recently also found the Community scholl has some transfer program, not very clear about the difference from the 4 years traditional program

Thanks for anyone taking your time to read and I will be very appreciate if you can leave some suggestion for me! Thanks

[zoe92]

I would do the community college program. It is not accelerated but not as long as the traditional BSN. I recommend checking that the job market in your area is hiring ASNs though just to be on the safe side. Your situation is unique & I think the ASN will be a great option for you (having never studied in the U.S. before, as you said).

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I have had a bachelor degree major in English from a Chinese university, and now I want to become a nurse. I noticed there are several path to become a nurse, but can not decide which one best for my situation, hope anyone can give me some suggestion,thanks!

1. Accelerated Program: it only takes one year to complete which is great, but I heard it's quite competitive to get a space for most university. And since i never studied in US, I am not sure whether the course will be too overwhelmed for me

2. 4 years traditional Program: It's a easier way to get a BSN Degree, but that means it is a bit too long for me since I hope I can get to work earlier to help to support my family

3. Community school: I found a Community school offer 2 year ASN program, and I think if I will continue study RN-BSN program after that, so that I can finally get a BSN degree. And one thing I especially want to ask is why people choose traditional program instead of this one, since this one is cheaper any you can work after 2 years and also you can apply RN-BSN program later to get BSN ?

4. I recently also found the Community scholl has some transfer program, not very clear about the difference from the 4 years traditional program

Thanks for anyone taking your time to read and I will be very appreciate if you can leave some suggestion for me! Thanks

As to answer some of your questions, not all ADN programs are faster than BSNs...in some programs, you have to take required courses prior to doing the nursing courses or at the same time...I tried a ADN program when I was younger, with the combination route...and DID NOT DO WELL because of the combination...your required courses ie, anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Math, etc helps build upon your knowledge base BEFORE taking the nursing curriculum. I ended up becoming a Licensed Practical nurse (LPN-also referred to LVN, licensed vocational nurse), then moved on to get my BSN...my area was going towards hiring BSN nurses who are able to come into a leadership role in research, policy making, public health policy, etc, all qualities that built in required courses like philosophy, statistics, etc. and Public Health and Research nursing courses.

If the community college has a transfer program, if may be that you can be accepted in a "dual admissions role" where you do the required courses at a community college, then transfer to do BSN courses. That does save money as well.

I suggest looking at all the possibilities...Even if it takes you longer, if you want to provide for your family and have the chances of getting a job after graduating, I say the BSN.

Nursing courses ARE overwhelming...it requires a lot of studying, and investment in the program. Regardless, if you willing to put in the work and sacrifice, then by all means go with what is best for you. Good Luck!!!

[elsaz]

Thank you for sharing your experiences! I am so surprised to receive such prompt and detailed suggestion and I am now also planning to go to the community school to ask about the transfer program. Thanks a lot!!

[elsaz]

I have the same thought as you, and now I plan to go to the community school to ask an advisor about the ASN program and their transfer program! Thanks so much for your suggestions!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I recommend that you take the generic BSN route - despite the fact that you have a previous bachelor's degree. Since your degree is not from a US school, it may not be recognized as such for purposes of entering an accelerated degree program. Secondly, you need the extra time to actually become enculturated into the US healthcare environment. It will provide you with the opportunity to become absolutely fluent with language idioms that are specific to healthcare. You will also have a better understand of the healthcare hierarchy, roles & responsibilities of all the different types of healthcare professions.

While you are in nursing school, you will probably be able to work as a patient care tech or other job that has been designed for nursing students. Since I assume that you are also bi-lingual, you may also want to investigate becoming a certified medical interpreter... this can provide a lucrative part-time income & it is an opportunity that is not available to those of use who are not multi-lingual.

Best of luck to you!