I need help deciding what nursing school to attend

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Hello everyone!

I need help deciding which nursing school to attend. I was accepted to an ADN program at my community college that is 25 miles away from where I live and takes two years to complete. I was also accepted to a BSN program in a University that takes only 15 months to complete, but the only problem is that it's 50 miles away from my house. It is also located in Houston, and traffic is always a hassle there. If I decided to go here I would have to commute a total of 100 miles a day, about an hour and 10 minutes one way (not including traffic), four times week.

I am really struggling to decide what program to pick. I have heard people say that going the RN to BSN route is a smarter choice (since you save thousands of dollars), but others say that if you have the opportunity to get your BSN right away, to do that instead. The BSN I got accepted is really competitive and a great school located in the medical center of Houston. However, it's really expensive and the commute would be a pain. I have to make a decision soon, so any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated! Thanks!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

There are many factors for you to consider that your post doesn't mention, like you didn't mention how old you are or how saturated the job market is where you live.

I don't think you're fresh out of high school since you probably have a previous bachelor's with being accepted to a 15 month BSN program, sounds like an accelerated program considering its length. That makes me wonder if you already owe student loans...

I'm partial to the ASN/ADN, then RN to BSN & MSN route because this is the route I chose and has proved to be the best for me and my situation.

What's your situation (a bit more in depth) and maybe you'll get more bites. :yes:

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Hello everyone!

I need help deciding which nursing school to attend. I was accepted to an ADN program at my community college that is 25 miles away from where I live and takes two years to complete. I was also accepted to a BSN program in a University that takes only 15 months to complete, but the only problem is that it's 50 miles away from my house. It is also located in Houston, and traffic is always a hassle there. If I decided to go here I would have to commute a total of 100 miles a day, about an hour and 10 minutes one way (not including traffic), four times week.

I am really struggling to decide what program to pick. I have heard people say that going the RN to BSN route is a smarter choice (since you save thousands of dollars), but others say that if you have the opportunity to get your BSN right away, to do that instead. The BSN I got accepted is really competitive and a great school located in the medical center of Houston. However, it's really expensive and the commute would be a pain. I have to make a decision soon, so any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated! Thanks!

Do you have a Bachelors degree in a different field? Because usually it takes more than 15 months...

If it is an accelerated program, it means a high workload / challenging course work and I think in that case you want to consider moving into Houston, find a room and cut out the traffic/commute.

If you already have a bachelors degree I think it makes most sense to go directly into a BSN program but you need to set yourself up for success, which most likely means to find a room in Houston.

When you look at the finances - it is likely that you will not be able to work much or at all if it is an accelerated program - so how will you be able to support yourself during that time? Will the cost of school result in a giant loan that you will not be able to pay back?

The ADN will only take 2 years and you may be able to work while going to school and perhaps live at home and save some money - but most likely it also means that you will have to go back to school in the future. If you already have a Bachelors degree it does not make much sense to me to go the ADN route.

Another option - if you want a BSN but that specific school is too expensive is to apply to other schools and work until you get into a program that is affordable and save some money.

Perhaps it would be helpful to make a list where you write the pro and cons of each option including the costs and savings. Also research the local job market to find out if you would be able to get a job with less than a BSN in the area you plan on living as that also determines which route to take.

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Thank you for your responses! I actually don't have a previous bachelors degree. I just graduated high school in 2015, but managed to get all my pre reqs done by taking classes in the summer, mini-mesters, and during my senior year of high school. This 15 month program is really unique as it doesn't require you to have a previous bachelors degree. I am 20 years old and live with parents. I currently have no debt, and would like to try to keep it that way if possible.

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If you can swing it, I think you should move to Houston and complete your BSN all in one go. Otherwise, do the ASN and then spend a year bridging to the BSN, especially if your area generally requires BSN at the entry level.

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Specializes in Loving in my shorties!.

You have plenty of time being so young. Get your ADN, stay at home and save money, and then spend a little more time getting a BSN right afterwards. In the long run it won't matter.

Moving closer to the BSN program is the only thing that really makes sense. All that driving will really start to wear on you and cut into time for studying and resting. Could you find a room to rent for the days you're in class for cheap then go home on weekends?

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I think I might just go for my associates and then take the RN to BSN route. In the long run I will end up being an RN either way, it just might take me a little longer, but I am in no hurry. As for getting an apartment In Houston, I haven't found one that is under my budget limit, but I will keep looking. I also did a little research in the nursing job market around my area, and almost all the hospitals hire RN's with an associates :)

Thank you everyone!

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Another thought - Is your goal to get a nursing degree as fast as possible, or are you looking for a more traditional college experience? I attended a four year University program right out of high school. There were so many opportunities that I took advantage of, (including getting a second degree simultaneously) that I cherish. Are you interested in any student life experiences? If so, do you think you would want a big university setting with lots of options, or the less intense pace of a two year program?

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.
Another thought - Is your goal to get a nursing degree as fast as possible...or the less intense pace of a two year program?

Both of these statements show just how much you really don't know or understand about the different educational paths to becoming a registered nurse.

You might want to read up on the subject.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In the Houston TMC hospitals are only hiring BSN grads & the only way in is via a formal residency. This practice has been extended to their satellite facilities as well. However, the community-based hospitals are hiring ADNs with the stipulation that they obtain their BSN within a specific time frame. There are currently more new grads than (entry level) available jobs in this area. When OP graduates in a couple of years, the 'only BSNs in acute care' movement will probably be even more extensive.

Outside of acute care, there is still an active hiring market for ADNs.

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