Need advice for which direction to go...

No. I do not have first hand information but that is the overwhelming concensus I get from all the times/people/ways I've asked this question.

What really matters is that you pass the NCLEX and get RN after your name, the rest is gravy. How you get to that point, is up to you, but there are some common factors to consider.

A BSRN is probably the most desirable degree to have, especially over the long haul if you want to go into management one day or have more job opportunities open up. It may be worth a few more bucks per week as well too.

An assoicates degree program is what is offered by most of the community colleges. They typically have a long wait because their cost is among the lowest you will find.

A diploma program is also a viable option. Traditionally most of the hospital based programs were diploma programs, though that is changing. Many are going to a BSRN by making you come in with 1.5 years of college credits and then taking 2.5 years to finish their program.

I'm currently in a hospital based diploma program. Its fine for me since I have a degree from way back, am an older student and don't really forsee the need or desire to climb another corporate ladder. Hospital based programs also have the advantage of using their own hospital facilities that they can have exclusive use for training their students. Schools that don't have their own facility, have to schedule their students at other facilities, so they often dont have first shot at the available time.

For any school you are interested, look to see what their pass rate is on the NCLEX. Should be in the 90+ percent rate. That tells you they are preparing their students well. That is really what should help you make your decision.

Good Luck.

The other thing you always want to check for is accreditation status of the school. I think most of the for-profit schools (like Kaplan) offer accelerated programs, but as you've noticed they also come with a higher price tag. Sometimes hospitals want graduates of programs with certain accreditations. If you ever plan on going back to school for an advanced degree, you definitely need to make sure the school is accredited! Call around to a couple nurse recruiters in your area and see if there are an accreditations they recommend staying away from, and which accreditations they like to see.

I know students who have went to those accelerated programs (Bohecker (can't remember their new name now), Hondros...) and they have problems with their RN licenses transferring from state to state.

Also, they have to re-take gen ed classes if they want a higher degree because their credits do not transfer to universities.

But if you plan on never moving out of state, or do not plan on getting a higher degree, then it may be an option for you.