ADN, BSN, ABSN, or MEPN?

Nursing Students School Programs

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Hi!

I would appreciate any feedback...

I have my bachelors degree already in a non-nursing field, and have 27,000 student debt. I decided to pursue the nursing field, and have been finishing my nursing pre-reqs at my local community college. I've gotten A's in all the classes (just have microbe to finish over the summer).

Now that I'm just about done with my pre-reqs, I'm thinking more about what would be the best program. Initially I was drawn to MEPN programs, but they are so expensive - range from $30K-$100K. The ABSN program at Samuel Merritt is around $75,000. And the tuition for an ADN program at community college may be covered since I get the BOG waiver. And then traditional BSN programs cost under $15K (I believe).

So given my current undergrad debt and how I would need to take out loans to pay for nursing school, and I should also say I live in California so I'm worried about job prospects if I did go ADN route, any recommendations on the best program to pursue?

I am open minded to working in different areas of nursing, but I am drawn to public health nursing or research nursing. Also I have about 6 months experience as a CNA in a SNF, and would not like to work there as an RN.

Any guidance would be more than appreciated! I feel so lost considering all the options. Thank you!!!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

do the ADN (cheap) and then do an RN-BSN bridge after you get a job, I bet they pay for it. I did my RN-BSN in one calendar year and it cost me nothing. I have a biology degree and missed the deadline for absn but it was actually fortuitous. I ended up spending a lot less $$

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Specializes in school nurse.
after you get a job, I bet they pay for it.

That's very rare these days...

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

What is MEPN?

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
That's very rare these days...

Disagree. Most hospitals I'm familiar with still offer some sort of tuition reimbursement program.

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Definitely something worth considering as it is the most affordable option. I am just worried about finding a job after graduating an ADN program because seems like employers look more for BSN grads

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MEPN regarding entry level master's programs. After completion eligible to work as a Clinical Nurse leader

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
MEPN regarding entry level master's programs. After completion eligible to work as a Clinical Nurse leader

As many of us would ask- how can a new grad 'lead' anyone? Not a fan of such programs.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

How on earth can someone be a Clinical Nurse Leader when they've never been a nurse?

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Haha yeah definitely seems crazy to be a Clinical Nurse Leader as a new grad! But didn't know if having a Master's degree in Nursing would have a benefit here in California

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If you are not a fan of drowning in debt I would go the ADN then bridge to BSN route. You will save a lot of money. I disagree that most employers will pay for it, though. Some will give partial reimbursement (like $1,000 per semester) but nobody where I live is getting free BSN out of their employers. It can be done for less than $10,000, though. I have a coworker halfway done with her online BSN program and she paid $9,000 and some change for it.

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Would absolutely like to avoid drowning in debt, especially considering I have 27K in loans from my undergrad, and would have to take out more loans for ABSN or MEPN programs. Thank you for the feedback everyone!

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