Is this crazy?

[Red Kryptonite]

I am almost finished with the first semester of a 2 semester LPN program. I have a previous bachelor's degree in political science. After I finish the LPN program, I plan to get prereqs done so I can pursue RN. I came to nursing later in life and unexpectedly, and so have none of them done yet. The LPN program just requires you to be a CNA, so that's why I'm doing that first.

However, because of that bachelor's degree, I qualify for the ABSN program at Arizona State. I could do almost the same prereqs, go through the same year of hell for school, and come out with a BSN instead of AAS Nursing. The main issue would be money, but I might be able to get financial aid for another bachelor's, whereas I really can't with going "backwards" and getting an associate degree.

Can a licensed LPN apply for those programs or are they strictly for unlicensed only? While some of it might be repetitive, that might be good and give me a little leg up early in the program. I'd rather pad my grade early on than have to play catch up.

Has anyone here done a similar path, or looked into it?

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

The CEO of Starbucks was on the PBS Newshour last night. He is funding degrees for his employees at ASU online. They have an RN to BSN online. Just in case you need a third option.

As an LPN you should be granted credit for Fundamentals and the Med Surg type classes.

I have heard there is a long waiting list for the Community college RN programs out there so the ABSN might be the most expedient way to go. Good luck!

[guest769224]

I think you should definitely apply. Locally, we have LPN's apply to BSN programs often. It would be a nice transition for you.

[Red Kryptonite]

Whoop whoop, got confirmation from ASU that I could apply as a LPN. As long as you don't have a RN license, you're good! Next step, researching financial aid for second bachelor's degrees....

[Britgirl1]

Though it may be tough financially to afford to attend an accelerated BSN program, in the end you would end up making more as a BSN--RN than you would as an AAS-RN. It would also allow you more opportunities to specialize.

[ae1021]

Hello Red Kryptonite, I had a quick question. So I too am an LPN and wanting to transition into the RN program

My questions is with Arizona state, is there RN program strictly online or would you have to go to the campus

to do your program. I may be interested in the RN program at AZU

[Red Kryptonite]

It's on campus. The nursing programs are on the downtown campus in the middle of Phoenix.

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

Seems like an easy choice favoring the absn if u can swing the extra tuition $ up front vs adn now then bsn later. Here's to your fruitful research, cheers!

Ae1021, the required clinical component of initial licensure RN programs will guarantee campus-based programs from traditional schools such as ASU. RN to BSN easily fits into the all-online mold, however.

[ae1021]

Thank you both Wile E Coyote and Red Kryptonite for your helpful informations, I really appreciate it.