2nd Degree issues

Annaiya, NP · Dec 4, 2012

ABSNs tend to be more expensive in my experience and you can't really work during the program, so getting enough financial aid is crucial to being able to complete the program. Most ABSN students are second degree students, so you definitely qualify for financial aid, but you will likely need private loans, since the federal cap doesn't cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. ABSN programs tend to be more competitive as well, do you have all of your prereqs done? How likely do you think it is that you'll get accepted? Obviously the school financial aid office is the best place of advice on these issues, but if you can't get the loans you might want to consider other options for getting your degree. An ADN is much cheaper and often you can work while going to school, so if you have an employer that offers tuition reimbursement, that could be a way to make it happen. It will take longer, but late is better than never. Good luck!

NikkiT · Dec 4, 2012

I am currently working on my prereqs. The school I would like to apply for the ABSN (CSU San Marcos) Nursing department told me that in order for them to review my transcripts, I would have to take the TEAS (which I am preparing for now), submit my scores, application and transcripts.

I considered doing the ADN, but I hear so many negative things about doing that degree versus the BSN when I already have a bachelors degree. I was told that its VERY hard getting a job with an ADN versus a BSN, and the difference in pay. I'm not going in to nursing for the money, but it is an important factor, for most, you know? So, I just want to make the smarter decision. My goal is to get into nursing and perfect my craft. I don't want to have to return to school later because I didn't make the right choice the first time.

Annaiya, NP · Dec 4, 2012

I whole heartedly agree that the ABSN is a better degree in terms of getting a job and there is no need to go back to school later. However, I took out $40k in private loans for my ABSN, if I wasn't able to get those loans, there would have been no way for me to go to that program. If you can make it work, I agree on your ABSN plan. However, if that is financially impossible, the ADN is a cheaper option. If you go that route, you just want to network and do everything you can to try to get a job offer in a unit you did clinicals in. Or be willing to move to another state.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Dec 4, 2012

Talk to the school's financial aid office and explain your situation, and they should be able to help you. If you cannot get any loans or aid, your options are quite limited. You can try asking family or postpone going back to school for a few years in order to save a bunch of money first.

futureexpectations · Dec 5, 2012

I thought I was reading my own story when I first read your post. I am in the exact same situation. I finally realized that going with the ABSN program near me that would cost about $60,000 was out of the question since I wouldn't qualify for private loans. I am having to go the traditional BSN or ADN route. I didn't even go talk to anyone about it with everything I read on the internet.

NikkiT · Dec 5, 2012

futureexpectations, is the the traditional BSN much different in price?

calinursestudent818 · Dec 6, 2012

I am in the same boat. Also I live in Los Angeles as well. In fact, I just posted something asking if anyone knows of any scholarships or grants out there for 2nd degree folks trying to get into nursing programs because I haven't been able to find anything. I'm going for a traditional BSN program.

We should keep this thread going and if anyone finds anything we should just post it here.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 6, 2012

Nikki,

Have you met with an advisor to analyze your transcript and see exactly where you are in terms of a traditional BSN program? You may be better off than you think. Schools have differing requirements, so you may want to meet with more than one.

There just isn't any free $ for second degree students other than private scholarships. Pell grants and other tax supported sources of academic funding are shrinking rapidly, and these programs are intended to give people a 'leg up' into college, not funding for people who have already gotten a degree.

Traditional (public tax supported or private) nursing schools are still a bargain when you compare them to the cost of commercial investor-owned programs. Since the "stampede" into nursing began a few years ago as the economy tanked - the number of commercial schools has increased geometrically - charging up to $100k for a BSN (unbelievable!).

For the most part, there is no real salary differential between ADN & BSN new grads. Many hospitals are only hiring BSN grads because they are trying to reach an 80% BSN staffing goal - either to meet Magnet standards or IOM recommendations. BSN is also required to advance up the nursing career ladder or obtain a nationally recognized clinical specialty certification. MSN is required to move into nursing management roles.

If there was a shortage of nursing grads, the story might be different. But right now (and for the foreseeable future) the only shortages are experienced nurses and qualified academic nursing educators.

futureexpectations · Dec 7, 2012

The traditional route at that particular school would still cost about the same. I am switching to a state school; they also have an accelerated and traditional route. The accelerated is more expensive, but I don't think by much. This accelerated is not necessarily for second degree students though and unless you are employed with certain hospitals, it is quite hard to get into. I am trying like mad to find a job at one of these hospitals.