Looking for a Program and Confused about Future

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Hi my name is Audra. I am in my third year of college, but I am nowhere close to a degree. I have just taken a ton of classes towards just about everything.

I have finally realized that I want to become an RN and then become a CRNA, NP, or PA. I just don't really want to spend 4 more years in college to become a nurse.

I have thought about doing an ADN program and then doing an online RN-BSN program. I think this will be a quicker route and allow me to work and make money faster while completing the online program. What do you guys think?

I am looking for ADN programs in the Columbus/Akron/Cleveland Ohio area. Does anywhere know of places to look? I applied to Chamberlain College of Nursing already because I have a friend that goes there.

I'd like to start this summer if possible, but fall at the latest.

My GPA is low because I was never motivated to be in college, but I have a good overall resume with a lot of great internships and leadership positions. I know I will do well at an interview if I get one.

Thanks for all the help in advance!!

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What would be the better/faster route? Should I graduate in May of 09 with some degree (i talked to my advisor and it is doable if i go this summer) and then do like a 2nd degree bachelors in nursing program or should i start my associates in nursing this summer and then do an online rn-bsn while working??

what is the faster and better route? are those super fast second degree bsn programs reputable? why are they so fast? wouldn't you not get as good of an education as someone doing a 4 year bsn??

i am also worried about my grades a lot. since i had no idea what i wanted to do, i didn't do very good in school. i have about a 2.5 overall gpa. however, last semester i got a 4.0 and i am on track to do the same this semester. i also have a very good resume and very good interview skills. i also got A's in microbiology, physiology, and organic/biochem. combined course. will this mean i won't get in??

do i have to take any entrance exams to get into nursing school? what are they like? how should i prepare? i got a B in calculus and a 30 on the ACT. i think i got around an 1150 on the SAT.

i'm just confused with all the options :bugeyes:! hope somebody can help me out. thanks!!!

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Specializes in Wannabe NICU Nurse.
What would be the better/faster route? Should I graduate in May of 09 with some degree (i talked to my advisor and it is doable if i go this summer) and then do like a 2nd degree bachelors in nursing program or should i start my associates in nursing this summer and then do an online rn-bsn while working??

what is the faster and better route? are those super fast second degree bsn programs reputable? why are they so fast? wouldn't you not get as good of an education as someone doing a 4 year bsn??

i am also worried about my grades a lot. since i had no idea what i wanted to do, i didn't do very good in school. i have about a 2.5 overall gpa. however, last semester i got a 4.0 and i am on track to do the same this semester. i also have a very good resume and very good interview skills. i also got A's in microbiology, physiology, and organic/biochem. combined course. will this mean i won't get in??

do i have to take any entrance exams to get into nursing school? what are they like? how should i prepare? i got a B in calculus and a 30 on the ACT. i think i got around an 1150 on the SAT.

i'm just confused with all the options :bugeyes:! hope somebody can help me out. thanks!!!

Well with your GPA, I would graduate in May of 09 and do a Fast-Track BSN, usually those take 18 months. They are very reputable. It is the same cirriculum a 4-Year BSN major would have just without the pre-reqs because most are knocked out due to already having a BSN. You basically get the nursing cirriculum needed to be an RN. This option would be smart if you have a GPA that is on the low end. Depending on your school's requirements you may have to take the HESI, NET, or TEAS, are some of the most popualr entrance exams that I hear of as far as getting into programs.The ACT and SAT are not considered in most programs that I know of. Most schools really just want to see whether you can make the GRADES.

OR you other option could be...

I see that you made A's in Micro and Physiology. Depending on what you made in your English, and Psychologies, you could probably easily apply to an ADN program, that just bases GPA off of certain pre-reqs. You could maybe have a higher GPA and have a better chance of getting in quickly with that pre-req GPA. Then of course you could start working sooner, and have a hospital pay for your BSN work.

It really all depends on how your GPA pans out. Only you know what grades you have and where. I would look into some schools in your area ADN and also Fast-Track programs and see what their requirements are. Get back to us and let us know some more info. I'm happy to help, if I can. :p

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I found two accelerated BSN programs in the area I am interested in. They are both 4 continuous semesters. Would graduating with a bachelors degree and then going the ADN route be faster? I want everything to be done by Dec 2010 (including being an RN). I will graduate college with my first bachelors in May of 2009.

My cumulative GPA is looking to be about in the 3.0 - 3.1 range with a prerequisite GPA much higher. I have gotten all As in my psych classes and I got As in my English courses as well.

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Specializes in SRNA.

what is the faster and better route? are those super fast second degree bsn programs reputable? why are they so fast? wouldn't you not get as good of an education as someone doing a 4 year bsn??

I would suggest slowing down to assess your options. The fastest way to become an RN is not necessarily the best way, if it means attending a school with a questionable reputation, dissatisfied alumni, or a poor NCLEX pass rate that could potentially indicate that the program has not prepared their students for licensure. This statement can apply to both ADN and BSN programs.

The accelerated BSN programs (ABSN) are reputable if they are accredited by the appropriate organizations, and are designed for individuals who have a BA/BS degree in a non-nursing major who would like to enter the field of nursing.

They are able to be completed in 12-18 months due to the fact that the student has completed the general education requirements and science pre-reqs in their previous degree program. As far as being comparable in quality to a 4-year program, a 4-year BSN will still be two years of general ed and two years of nursing (just like any other major is structured). However, most accelerated programs are less than two years and often have shorter semesters/quarters or require that you attend summer sessions and have few extended breaks. They are notoriously intense and most programs advise that you put your life on hold while you complete the program.

Depending on the state that you are in you can check the Board of Nursing in that state and their website will list the accredited nursing programs and you can start there to investigate who offers ABSN programs you may be interested in.

Also, depending on how many credits/units it would require to complete your degree, I would recommend completing it, no matter what it is in. It will allow you access to those 2nd degree programs if you choose to apply to them.

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Specializes in SRNA.
Would graduating with a bachelors degree and then going the ADN route be faster? I want everything to be done by Dec 2010 (including being an RN). I will graduate college with my first bachelors in May of 2009.

I'm not sure how you could graduate in May 2009 and finish even a 2-year ADN program by December 2010, most Associate's programs are four semesters long (or two full years), assuming you've completed all of the required pre-reqs and get in to the program on your first try (e.g. no lotteries to be chosen from or waiting lists).

You will definitely need to investigate the specifics of the programs you think you would like to apply to, whether they be local or across the country. Again, there really is no advantage to rushing into a program, you're still quite young and there is plenty of time for you to attain your dream.

Good luck!

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I am looking at Kent, Akron, and Cleveland State for second degree BSN programs. Are those all good reputable schools? All claim to be accredited...

Also, Chamberlain has a 3 year BSN program which I could complete in 2 years, starting this summer which would ultimately be the same time as getting my first degree then doing the accelerated programs. Does anyone know anything about this school?

I'm definitely probably only look at bachelors. After doing 3 years of college and having a bachelors degree soon, I can't go backwards to get a 2 year associates degree. I'd much rather just get my bachelors - at this point in time it'll be about the same length anyways.

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Specializes in SRNA.
I am looking at Kent, Akron, and Cleveland State for second degree BSN programs. Are those all good reputable schools? All claim to be accredited...

Also, Chamberlain has a 3 year BSN program which I could complete in 2 years, starting this summer which would ultimately be the same time as getting my first degree then doing the accelerated programs. Does anyone know anything about this school?

I'm definitely probably only look at bachelors. After doing 3 years of college and having a bachelors degree soon, I can't go backwards to get a 2 year associates degree. I'd much rather just get my bachelors - at this point in time it'll be about the same length anyways.

You would likely get more replies regarding the reputation of those schools if you post an inquiry in the Ohio forum (see link), perhaps there are nurses who are alumni of those schools who can give you more insight. You can also use the search feature in the upper right corner to search for school names and previous threads discussing them.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f167/

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I'm not sure how you could graduate in May 2009 and finish even a 2-year ADN program by December 2010, most Associate's programs are four semesters long (or two full years), assuming you've completed all of the required pre-reqs and get in to the program on your first try (e.g. no lotteries to be chosen from or waiting lists).

You will definitely need to investigate the specifics of the programs you think you would like to apply to, whether they be local or across the country. Again, there really is no advantage to rushing into a program, you're still quite young and there is plenty of time for you to attain your dream.

Good luck!

Well if my two options are

-graduate in may of 09 with a bachelors and may of 2011 with a ADN

or

-graduate in may of 09 with a bachelors and dec of 2010 with a BSN

the second option seems like a better degree in less time, right?

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Specializes in SRNA.
Well if my two options are

-graduate in may of 09 with a bachelors and may of 2011 with a ADN

or

-graduate in may of 09 with a bachelors and dec of 2010 with a BSN

the second option seems like a better degree in less time, right?

Again, check out the specific programs in your area that you listed and see what people have to say about them, attend information sessions for each of them. You will have to weigh the cost of each program type and what you ultimately want to do in nursing (e.g. bedside, research, teaching, management?). The BSN will provide a foundation for career advancement if you feel you will like to move beyond bedside nursing. If you feel that you want to stick to bedside for awhile, you can do the ADN and then your employer will often pay part or all of the tuition for the RN-BSN bridge program.

I'm still not sure why you want to rush so badly, perhaps you can expand on that?

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i want to get a job and start making money instead of blowing it all on a wasted education. i'd like to finish my education and get into the working world.

i would like to go BSN because it seems that at this point an ADN or BSN would take the same amount of time, so why not get the BSN?

i do plan to get my masters, but not sure what to do with it yet... CRNA, CCRN, CRNP, PA, CNS, etc...

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Specializes in SRNA.
i want to get a job and start making money instead of blowing it all on a wasted education. i'd like to finish my education and get into the working world.

i would like to go BSN because it seems that at this point an ADN or BSN would take the same amount of time, so why not get the BSN?

i do plan to get my masters, but not sure what to do with it yet... CRNA, CCRN, CRNP, PA, CNS, etc...

Well PA school is a whole other ball of wax. My overall point is, its fine that you want to get out there and start on your path, but a quality education will provide the foundation you will need for a successful nursing practice, thus it is worthwhile to take the time to thoroughly investigate the details and not jump into the first program that will accept you.

I would also suggest shadowing professionals in the roles you might be interested in, that is a very reliable way to determine if any of them are something you would like to pursue.

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