2nd degree BSN program vs associates or traditional 4 year BSN

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Two part question. Question 1) I have been accepted to a 2nd degree BSN program for this fall. I want to pursue anesthesia in the long run. Will attending a 2nd degree program for 11 months with the possibility of obtaining a slightly lower GPA due to the rigorous pace hurt me if I know I could get higher GPA going a slower route to BSN ie) AA's at community college, then BSN while working as nurse. I realize GPA needs to be fairly high to be competitive. Also, will an anesthesia program recognize the fact that a 2nd degree program is more difficult due to faster pace and more credits per term than normal pathway to RN and see that as a sign of being able to handle an anesthesia program, thus not penializing a candidate due to slightly lower GPA? I know GPA's have to be minumal 3.0, and higher to be really competative. I also have a BS in biology 3.3 GPA, and graduate courses in health sciences GPA 3.3 I have to commit soon to this 2nd degree program or go a slower route, which I prefer not to do since my goal is anesthesia.

Question 2 relates to previous posts. I know no one knows for certain but as anyone knows people like to keep healthcare costs low. Although many CRNA's will retire within next 10 years or so, do you feel with new programs on both CRNA side and AA side is being created to ultimately lower salaries. I know I like the profession from a science perspective, but busting my butt and paying alot financially for it and ending up making what I make now will not be good, esp. at 35 years of age right now. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in SRNA.

1) schools don't care (at least in my experience) if your BSN was accelerated or not. Sounds like you will be tying to be minimum on experience so plan to maximize your GPA. Nobody in my program that I know of has less than a 3.5

2) Life in unpredictable. It will be a long road from now until you graduate.

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I'm looking at similar options also with CRNA as the long-term goal. One advantage I've found to the accel. option is that the 4-year college can transfer more of my credits. Two-year schools don't have equivalents for some of my courses. I've heard that, here anyway, your reference letters can be VERY influential if all of your other qualifications line up when applying to the anesthesia program. Couldn't hurt to cultivate a relationship now with an alum of the program you're interested in if you don't already have a contact.

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I 'm in CRNA school.

I have an ADN.

Already had a BS in Zoology/Chemistry.

Never got a BSN.

Goffered 4 interviews, but only went to one, the one I wanted.

Do not waste your time. Most, not all, will accept you with ADN & BS in a life science. I know all of the Texas schools do.

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hey there,

i'm in the same situation as you in some regards. I have a BS in physiology and a MS degree. I'm about to finish the 2nd degree BSN program in may. I'm not a 4.0 student but I believe my background and work ethic will get me there. I stongly believe a BSN prepared student is a better candidate than a ASN candidate.

JC

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency.

Although many CRNA's will retire within next 10 years or so, do you feel with new programs on both CRNA side and AA side is being created to ultimately lower salaries.

not sure exactly what you are asking here, but i can assure you that new programs are NOT being created to lower salaries.. nothing to do with it ... if you notice, there is a rather large shortage of anesthesia providers across the country.. programs can't keep up or accomodate all qualified applicants, which is always more than the allotted slots.. my program actually is accepting 5 more candidates this coming fall, and the room size has not increased.. and we are packed in there now.. also, hospitals are short staffed too, everywhere.. (well, mostly anyway).. so, don't be worried about job security, because you will have it for atleast your working career.. i too am 35, started school at tail end of 34, already with some hefty debt, and am only adding to it.. (thank you aunt sallie)... so, if you want it, go for it..

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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN, now SRNA.

I did an accelerated BSN program, and I'm glad I did--especially since I wanted to get in and out as quickly as possible. It does cost more, but you'd also be earning an RN's salary during "year 2," rather than still sitting in class as a nursing student.

Keeping up your GPA would be the only concern, especially since you could use a little boost for CRNA schools. Several students in my program opted to transition out of the accelerated program into the 2 year BSN within the first couple months because the pace was too fast. If you have this option, it will give you some security. Once you get started, you'll know whether you can handle it or not.

I think one benefit for you, if you're applying to the accelerated program I think you are, is that they also have a CRNA program. At least you'll be near the program and may be able to make some internal contacts to shadow or at least learn more about it towards the middle/end of your BSN. I wished my school had one while I was there.

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hey there,

I stongly believe a BSN prepared student is a better candidate than a ASN candidate.

JC

Strongly believe that? What the hell do you base that on? I'm certain it depends on the individual and their previous experiences and education. I am one of those "lowly" ADN candidates, and I am doing quite well in our program.

My life science was Zoology and Chemistry. I believe that the preparation I received was just as good, if not better than any BSN's education. the ICU experience depends upon the hospital that one works for.

To the OP, weigh out your options of time, and consider what your school s of choice require. I had absolutely NO PROBLEM with my ADN.

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