2nd Degree BSN vs. LPN to RN (AS) to BSN

polka-dot, RN · Nov 28, 2008

If I'm reading your post correctly, are you thinking that going the LPN to RN to BSN program might alleviate you from taking pre-reqs? Or, is it just that you want to start working right away?

If it is a question of pre-reqs, I just looked at Sac Stat's admission requirements for RN to BSN and here is the list...

Anatomy (with a lab)

Physiology (with a lab)

Microbiology (with a lab)

English Composition

General Psychology

College Chemistry (with a lab)

Nutrition

Human Development

Pharmacology (integrated or separate course)

Nursing Care of Adults

Introduction to Clinical Practice

Physical Assessment

Concepts and Practice of Gerontological Nursing

So, aside from the last 5 (which you would take in your ADN program) the rest are all prereqs. I am guessing the ADN program (LPN to RN) has a similar list of prereqs... (I just checked a local ADN program website and that appears to be the case.)

I hope this helps...good luck!

llamaglama · Nov 28, 2008

If I'm reading your post correctly, are you thinking that going the LPN to RN to BSN program might alleviate you from taking pre-reqs? Or, is it just that you want to start working right away?
If it is a question of pre-reqs, I just looked at Sac Stat's admission requirements for RN to BSN and here is the list...
Anatomy (with a lab)
Physiology (with a lab)
Microbiology (with a lab)
English Composition
General Psychology
College Chemistry (with a lab)
Nutrition
Human Development
Pharmacology (integrated or separate course)
Nursing Care of Adults
Introduction to Clinical Practice
Physical Assessment
Concepts and Practice of Gerontological Nursing
So, aside from the last 5 (which you would take in your ADN program) the rest are all prereqs. I am guessing the ADN program (LPN to RN) has a similar list of prereqs... (I just checked a local ADN program website and that appears to be the case.)
I hope this helps...good luck!

Oh, actually, yes, I thought that the 2nd degree program made you take prereqs because you didn't go through another program to get there. I thought that if I took an LPN and then an AS RN program, I would be getting my prerequisites that way.

Am I correct in assuming that the first eight courses you mentioned are only needed for the BSN? I wouldn't have to take those for an Associate's RN?

I'm not anti-school, it's just that I've been in school so much already...

Thanks!

llamaglama · Nov 28, 2008

I'm sorry, I just re-read again and see that I *do* have to take those prereqs either way. Thanks!

polka-dot, RN · Nov 28, 2008

Since all programs are different, the best thing to do is target some schools you are interested and visit their websites. All should have their pre-reqs and admissions processes online. You can chart out a plan and see how it plays out with each path. Good luck!

sunray12 · Nov 28, 2008

There are going to be prereqs no matter what your entry level into the field is. The only difference is that a few programs will let you take prereqs while you are enrolled in their nursing program whereas for most schools they are a part of the nursing program application checklist and must be completed either by the time you apply or by the time you enroll. Since you already have a bachelor's and master's most or all of your humanities and social science prereqs for a BSN are covered, so that makes your application checklist for many programs a lot shorter and it's definitely worth your while to look at accelerated BSN programs.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2008

I also have a BA in humanities. My grades in my BA were low so I decided to take prerequisites for the 2nd degree programs AND apply to ADN programs as well. I wouldn't have been competitive anywhere without the prerequisite classes that are corequisites for the ADN program, so you might be in a very different situation.

The prerequisites will have taken me a year and a half by the time I'm done. I'm hoping to go to an accelerated BSN program (I've been accepted to one, the only question is whether I'll be able to afford it) because in the end, it's much less time in school and I know I want a BSN. The ADN program is my back-up if money doesn't work out.

I would check out the job market in your area. Will you be able to get a job as an LPN? RN without the BSN? In my area, only one hospital system requires a BSN for new grads, BUT there are a ton of nursing schools in the immediate area so the new graduate job market is fairly competitive.

Another thing to think about is cost- the LPN programs in my area are all pretty expensive actually- more expensive than the local ADN program. But if that's the cheapest option in your area, it might make more sense for you.

SiennaGreen · Nov 28, 2008

So...I have a BS in HlEd, 20 years ago.

Accelerated BSN

$60k, 17 months, Very little Financial Aid

Trad BSN

$20k, 24 months, Very little FA

ADN to RN/BSN online (from above University)

$6k for ADN, scholarship to cover most of tuition

Free-(employer reimbursement) p/t RN to BSN after graduation while earning.

I started out thinking I wanted the Acc BSN, realized that was out of the ball park, decided on the Trad BSN, after being accepted realized that would still have 20-30k in loans....the almost free route totally won.

Plus, my CC ADN program has better (for me) clinical sites, I love the small campus and classes, and the commute wins hands down!

Explore all your options and leave them open...the right one will almost always make itself known!

eXtraOrdinaire · Nov 29, 2008

Honestly if you look at it the time would be the same. Now there are alot of variables to consider in making this decision and the weight that you put on each of these variables will allow you to better choose what's best for your. First off is the time factor, how quickly do you want to become an RN. Second is the money factor is how much will this costs. Last is the type of program. I have played with these variables in my head for quite some time now. Like you I have my bachelor's degree but not alot of biology courses. I'm working on my prerequistes now and I hate it. I would like to up right into a Nursing program and get started. But I realize that first off anything worth doing is worth doing well with that being said getting your pre-requistes to go into a BSN program would be the best choice I can think. You could go for the ASN and be happy but why not go for the higher degree right off the bat. More options will be open to you right away including the option for higher degrees.

llamaglama · Nov 29, 2008

So...I have a BS in HlEd, 20 years ago.
Accelerated BSN
$60k, 17 months, Very little Financial Aid
Trad BSN
$20k, 24 months, Very little FA
ADN to RN/BSN online (from above University)
$6k for ADN, scholarship to cover most of tuition
Free-(employer reimbursement) p/t RN to BSN after graduation while earning.
I started out thinking I wanted the Acc BSN, realized that was out of the ball park, decided on the Trad BSN, after being accepted realized that would still have 20-30k in loans....the almost free route totally won.
Plus, my CC ADN program has better (for me) clinical sites, I love the small campus and classes, and the commute wins hands down!
Explore all your options and leave them open...the right one will almost always make itself known!

Sienna, just curious, how many prerequisites did you need to take before going into the ADN program?

Thanks, everyone, for the advice!

SiennaGreen · Nov 29, 2008

I had to take 4.

A&P 1&2 (which I had in my previous degree but were too old to count), Micro, and a Intro Chem class. I took those in the evening over a couple years.

The other pre req's I already had; Eng 1&2, Dev Psych, Intro Psych, College math.

However, in our area the LPN program has the same pre req requirements.