New here....still in decision phase, need guidance

MB37 · Jan 29, 2007

I don't live in your area, but I do think you should definitely look into accelerated programs. In many cases they actually take less time than ADN programs even. The prereqs will be similar for every type of program, especially since you will have already taken your core requirements (English, math, language, etc.) for the first degree. There might be 1-2 classes that a BSN program will require that an ADN won't, but usually it's pretty similar. The accelerated programs will definitely cost more than an ADN, although how much varies by institution, and will be VERY time consuming. If your husband is supportive and/or you have other family you can count on, you should still be OK. I decided to do the accelerated BSN because it takes 15 months not 2 years, it's at a state school where tuition is still reasonable, and since I'm married we can afford (barely) for me to not have to work for that amount of time. Definitely see what's available around you - and you might want to post on the Mass. board for more local responses - and go to info sessions and talk to counselors and current students. Figure out what you can afford and what pace you want to work at. Then go from there! Good luck!

CuriousMe · Jan 29, 2007

I have been lurking for weeks.....these threads have taught me so much about being a nursing student and the career. How do y'all find the time to read and post?

I live on the other coast....so I don't know about the programs you refereed to.....but I thought I'd answer this question.

I know that I read and post while I should be studying :chair: In those moments when I just can't read another page or do another math problem....I pop in here for a few minutes before heading back to my school work. The work seems a bit more possible after visiting here. :)

Good luck as you start this adventure!

Peace,

Cathie

arciedee · Jan 29, 2007

Well, this is the first time that I've really popped in here since I started school two weeks ago... and I really should get back to the books!

I don't know a ton about MCPHS, though I did look into their accelerated BSN program in NH (they are starting it up this fall), but ended up being accepted to a direct-entry MSN program that started this winter. MCPHS is a new program, so there aren't a ton of people out there to report their experience, however from everything that I saw they are investing a lot of money and working very hard to make it a great education. I'm definitely jealous of the labs that they have/will have!

Unfortunately I don't know much about the ADN programs down there.

As for the pre-reqs, check with your schools' requirements. I know that MCPHS allowed some to be CLEPed, so you only had to study and pass a test. For lab sciences, though, they required you to take a class with a lab, etc. Community college courses were fine for those classes, though.

I would recommend starting slow if you're just getting back into school. Take one class at a time to get your feet wet and establish some strong study skills. Then you can add on as you get more comfortable. Good luck to you!

stpauligirl · Jan 29, 2007

I have been lurking for weeks.....these threads have taught me so much about being a nursing student and the career. How do y'all find the time to read and post?
I'm 40 y/o, a SAHM to twins, with a B.A. in English Lit. Held desk jobs until my kids came along five years ago. SOOOO not fulfilled with previous career....I DO NOT want to "work in an office" ever again. I want to help people (I don't listen to negative nurses). I came to a sincere, new-found, and deep appreciation of nurses during/after having my twins and other medical issues.
My kids enter kindergarten this September and it is now time for me to decide what I'm going to do with my working life and nursing is in the forefront. I've done alot of research on area schools.....yes, I need all the science pre-reqs (very scary to me!).
So my question is to any Mass/RI residents: has anyone done the BSN program at MCPHS? Or the ADN at Quinsig? Or RIC in Providence? (the fact that their are waiting lists is scary to me also, tho I will need time to do pre-reqs). I guess they all have wait lists....
I am hoping to set appts with school counselors this month, but I thought I'd ask the real pros: nursing students! Since I have a B.A. already...is it a no-brainer that I should apply to the accelerated BSN program???
One last question.......anyone do pre-req on-line courses? Are certain online schools better than others? I'm thinking Statistics and Human Growth would be the only online courses I should slightly consider.
Any advice...I'm open to it!
Thanks and sorry so long!

Welcome. How do I have time to study and post here? Well, I post here while "I rest my eyes" for a moment :lol2:

I don't know about online courses....wouldnt consider it. Example, my class mate takes the same class online that I am currently taking in class....we compare our notes and efforts...boy, the online version seems far more difficult to deal with since she doesn't physically hear the teacher lecture on the material....I don't think I would do well with it. It all depends on what class it is and how well you will learn from reading alone. Good luck with everything.