Overwhelmed, Trying to get a BSN as 2nd Degree Funding/Program advice much needed!

KALFRN14 · Apr 14, 2015

I know exactly how you feel. I graduated a few years ago with a BA in Criminal Justice and at the time wanting to be in the FBI, CIA, etc. By my first year as a Juvenile probation officer I knew it wasn't my calling and that I should pursue nursing as I had previously thought to go into. 5 years later and I am currently applying to ADN and BSN program because my only goal right now is to get into nursing school and become an RN. It is very hard to get funding as a post bacc grad and you pretty much have to take out loans or apply for scholarships ( which aren't many once you've graduated). I currently work full time and have taken out loans to fund my prereqs and for once I get into a program. It's honestly your only option to fund school if you can't afford it out of pocket. If you don't invest in yourself, then who will?! It sucks to have to pay back loans, but nursing is a lucrative career and you'll be able to afford to pay it back once you're working. Now doing an ADN first would be manageable because it will be cheaper and affordable out of pocket but a BSN will be a lot of money, especially depending on the school and type of program (ie: accelerated, 2nd degree, traditional). I say go the ADN route first ( if finances are the main concern and you don't want to take out loans) get the RN and start working, and then you can afford to fund your BSN education. It's ultimately what's best for you financially and for your future nursing career goals. It's going to be hard work no matter what, but if you really want to be an RN, you'll do whatever it takes! :)

phogan · Apr 16, 2015

Thank you so much for the resopnse!! It's so freshing to hear everyone's journey's on here :) How did you get a loan though because that is all that I want at this point. Was it a personal loan or were you able to get loans through financial aid?

KALFRN14 · Apr 17, 2015

Thank you so much for the resopnse!! It's so freshing to hear everyone's journey's on here :) How did you get a loan though because that is all that I want at this point. Was it a personal loan or were you able to get loans through financial aid?

You're welcome! Anything to help and encourage an inspiring and fellow nurse. You can apply through fasfa.gov or try Sallie Mae and other independent loan companies. I say do federal student aid through fasfa, that's what I did.

phogan · Apr 17, 2015

Perfect!! This is wonderful news. Goodluck to you as well :)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 17, 2015

Welcome back to Tx.

If you need to wait a while in order to qualify for in-state, I would advise you to do so in order to avoid paying more than you have to. Take advantage of the time to save some $ for school. You didn't indicate which area of the state you'll be moving back to, but all of the larger metro areas are pretty much BSN-only in hospitals now. Smaller cities and rural areas are still hiring ADNs in acute care, but that may be different by the time you get your license.... it's best to be prepared.

Reasonably priced nursing schools are uber-competitive! You'll need an excellent GPA in order to be eligible. I would also strongly advise you not to even consider any school that does not 'participate' in the gov student loan programs..... that means that they have been deemed ineligible due to high failure rates, appallingly low job placement for graduates, or high loan default rates -- all signs of a really shoddy school. Here is the NCLEX pass rate for all Tx schools. That's a good starting place for your decision.

Best of luck to you on your educational journey

hegster · Apr 19, 2015

If you already have a bachelor's degree, getting an ADN doesn't really make sense. Look for a 2nd degree BSN program, or simply transfer into a 4 year program as a junior. Look specifically at state schools, they are less expensive. You'll have to take a bunch of prereqs unless your first degree is in the sciences. Knock them out at a local community college, it's much cheaper.

vanilla bean · Apr 19, 2015

You could also consider a direct entry MSN program (I don't know if that's an option at any universities in Texas). By taking this route, you would be applying for student loans for grad school rather than for a second bachelor's degree.

It will be a lot less expensive to take the CC ADN route, but as another poster mentioned, employment opportunities may be limited depending on your local market.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Apr 20, 2015

I would move back to Texas, establish residency, and work and save money to go to school. It does not make any sense to pay out of state tuition. It only takes 6 months to establish residency.