Need some guidance

[Heatherau]

I'm sure these topics exist all over this site and I apologize in advance if this topic has been exhausted over the years.

I'm in need of some advice from those who have traveled down a similar path.

I just turned 30 and have had the transition into a career in nursing on my mind for over a year now. I have only ever held non-medical/healthcare jobs in the past. I have a bachelors degree in psychology with a 3.2 GPA. I have taken the following courses: lifespan psychology aka human growth & development, chemistry, biology, statistics. I have yet to take A&P I, II or micro but will work toward it in the upcoming year. My passion is mental health and being in a behavioral setting or psychiatric hospital would be my ultimate goal. I want to do a direct-entry or accelerated BSN program but around here (Boston, MA) they are extremely pricey ($60,000 or more for Northeastern) and very competitive. Honestly, I'm not sure I have a high enough GPA for one of those programs.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I've been told to just shoot for direct-entry but others have told me to go ADN through a community college to avoid lots of loans and there are so many RN-BSN programs I can do. Also, would anyone recommend LPN first? I have seen a lot of jobs for LPNs in mental health/substance abuse settings. My main objectives are to be able to work part time in the field while I attend school and I'd like to try to avoid a massive student loan. Any advice is appreciated!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

What can you afford? That really has a bearing on route you take

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Avoid the direct entry RN schools with 60,000 tuition......community college ADN, Community college and hospital LVN/LPN programs are more affordable, possible enhanced clinical.....however the most important thing, what is their NCLEXRN pass rate?.......with your psychology degree, a community college ADN, esp after you wipe out A&P, chemistry, and for some reason I thought nutrition.....anyways......reasonable cost and you set for RN boards,.......with your prior degree,, a few pre req....and your RN, you can be making some $, while pursuing BSN, if that is your goal.........you might down the road look into mental health psyc. Nurse practioner, not a "lot of them,". And appear to be in demand.....best wishes...keep us informed......I hope other experienced nurses give you input also.....I honestly, and it's just me think you are almost too educated......for a LPN/LVN program.....with your Bach.degree in psychology......I was, "I thought" when I attended a diploma nursing school for my RN, after being a biology major for 3& 1/2years.......with the mind set in the 70s...well I have more education than some of my instructors, persona, from a 20yr/olds....eyes...it was a distraction, I had to work at to keep in check.....you will probably do better.....:). LVN/LPN-RN programs do produce a good RN, But a lot are LVN-ADN......since you are "still young". I would at minimum pursu in the end some way the BSN.