I need help figuring out which path to take after high school?

[SarahP'13]

As of now I am a junior in high school enrolled in a dual credit health science program. The program is 2 years long and as a junior we have medical terminology, anatomy and health careers. Next year we will be doing clinicals. My question is, after highschool, should I get my BSN or associate or another degree? I have been heavy in researching colleges but there is so much information to take in. I live in Indiana and plan to go to college here. Which college would be the best if I would like to get into the NICU? Your help would be very appreciated! I just need help figuring out which paths to take. Thank you!

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Kudos to you for being in a program like that in high school.

The question is...what do you want to do? Be a nurse? A doctor? What?

If you want to be a nurse, I would suggest working toward your Bachelor's degree. The reason I say this is because you are young and probably do not have the additional aspects of a full time job and family to consider. If this is not a consideration, then get a BSN.

I think you need to decide which career paths you're interested in pursing, research or shadow those professionals and see if that is what interests you. Only then you will be able to choose which program/ degree would be beneficial.

Best of luck to you in your future!

[SarahP'13]

I would like to be a nurse in the NICU as of now. Our teacher says as we go through the program, our idea of what we would like to pursue might change. But as of now a NICU nurse. :) And I do plan to intern. It's required for the technical diploma I am working toward.

[DAL2010]

Ivy Tech ASN is the most reputable program for many parts of the state, so if you have a campus near you, check it out first. You can get a job as a student nurse extern after foundations (first semester) and that may be even sooner for you with your dual-credit high school experience (SNEs -student nurse externs make about half RN pay so approx. $12.50/hr.). After getting your RN from Ivy Tech, then try to work at a hospital that pays for your BSN. Many hospitals in big cities do this. You can apply for RN-BSN programs as soon as your license comes through, so the overall time length will only be about 6 months longer to go ASN then BSN as compared to the BSN route right off the bat. Plus, Ivy Tech has great rates and your ASN will allow you to earn RN pay while you complete your BSN which means you will be earning $22-$30/hr while completing your BSN, whereas if you went straight to BSN, you cannot work as a student nurse extern until after your 4th semester and you will not earn full RN pay until your degree is complete, plus your overall costs will be higher.