Minnesota LPN vs BSN program-can't decide which to choose

[mbmn]

Hello everybody,

I just got accepted into two Minnesota nursing programs -

#1 BSN at Globe University/MSB (nationally accredited, Nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, and accredited by CCNE). Program will take 3 years to complete.This program is expensive,>$600 per credit... it will be difficult to afford, but still doable.

#2 LPN at Rasmussen College(regionally accredited, nursing program accredited by CCNE).Program will take 1 year.

Tuition cost is twice as cheap as #1...

If I were to choose #2,I will apply to LPN-ADN or LPN-BSN program soon after I graduate.

My eventual goal is to get a graduate degree(Nurse Anesthesist or PA) after working a few years post-BSN.

I am having trouble deciding which program to choose.

My biggest concern is that LPN-to-BSN programs are very hard to get in,and it will take longer time to get BSN if I were to choose #2 as opposed to going straight for BSN and #1.

On the other hand,I have heard negative things about national accreditation...but mainly for college credit transfers.My understanding is that graduate schools and employers will generally accept BSN from #1.

Both programs expect me to reply with 'accept'/'don't accept' within the next couple of weeks.Any advice? I am very interested to hear from someone familiar with these schools and/or Minnesota nursing job market.

I'd really appreciate if you could help!

[Lily2011]

Do not go to Rasmussen. If you just graduated from high school or will be, go to a bigger school. If you really wanted to go for nursing, go for an RN schol right away. LPNs do not get paid as you think they do. Not all the nursing homes and facilities hire LPNs. RNs work straight in the hospitals as soon as they graduate and get their license. PLUS, Rasmussen isn't the kind of school you would want to go to. Trust me, been there done that. If I had the choice to take back time, I wouldn't even try inquiring at that school. They accept you because they need $$. Anyway, you're better off going to a school that will give you a bachelor's degree or at least a certificate that you are a registered nurse, and not just a practical nurse. RNs get bigger salary, too. Now I have to find a way to transfer my credits from that school to an RN school!!!

I agree, go for the RN first (esp if you can get a BSN)! With all the hospitals getting magnet status, you may want to go back in the future so getting that BSN now would be awesome. I just graduated and am looking for a job and find it much easier that I have my BSN (especially for nurse residencies). :heartbeat

[casi, ASN, RN]

I'll be perfectly honest when I say if you have an option to go to another BSN or ASN program do it. $600/a credit is too much as is $300/credit for an LPN.

I've heard absolutely nothing good about Globe and Rasmussen.

[N2bater]

My hubby went to become a CRNA after getting an associates from Anoka Ramsey. I got thru my program with NO debt. I got a job before I even graduated 3 years ago. Don't mess around with LPN at all. No one hires them. Get your BSN after you have a job and they will pay for your schooling. Plus pay difference is virtually nothing. St. Kate's has one of the lowest passing rates in the state on the NCLEX and they are one of the most expensive. Good luck!

[studentgolfer]

My hubby went to become a CRNA after getting an associates from Anoka Ramsey. I got thru my program with NO debt. I got a job before I even graduated 3 years ago. Don't mess around with LPN at all. No one hires them. Get your BSN after you have a job and they will pay for your schooling. Plus pay difference is virtually nothing. St. Kate's has one of the lowest passing rates in the state on the NCLEX and they are one of the most expensive. Good luck!

Great to hear this I took classes at AR, as well as Century and it's good to hear that I can still go on to CRNA (I'm sure his grades were great). I totally agree with saying NO to an LPN as it is a WORTHLESS degree to get now in 2011 (I make more as a CNA). And TOTALLY AGREE ABOUT ST. KATES!!!!! They are one of the WORST schools at preparing you for the NCLEX and they are basically a shark school but have somewhat of a reputation to back it up, I know a guy whose daughter went there all 4 years and can't pass it's her 3rd or 4th try!!!!!!

And Rasmussen is a total shark school, like Herzing and all that garbage.