which pathway is better ?

[LovelyQue]

So , I'm in a community college taking my prereqs . I'm curious to know which direction should I go in . Should I take about 4 years to obtain my ADN and then transfer to a university for my bachelors which in total will take me 6-7 years to complete (to long for me) or should I finish my prereqs then apply to a CSU nursing program . How do that work ? Can someone explain the processes to me like which is faster or easier ?

[llg, PhD, RN]

The "best" way varies depending on your personal situation. For some people, the "best" way is to go full time, straight through from high school to BSN in 4 years. It costs a bit more money, but you join the workforce more quickly and earn money that you can use to help pay off any student loans, etc. (Assuming you continue to live very cheaply after graduation for a while.) Also, in many areas of the country, the only way you are going to get a good job as a new grad nurse is to have a BSN.

However, other people have children to support, other committments, etc. ... or don't live near a good, public university with a reasonable cost, etc. and don't want to move far from home to attend school. So for them, the 4-year BSN straight-through plan doesn't work well. For them, it works best to go to a Community College for their pre-req's and even for the Associate's Degree. Then they get a job as a nurse and complete their BSN on a part time basis, earning money while they work and often getting some tuition assistance from their employer.

Both routes are OK -- if you live in an area where new grad ADN's can find jobs. But one route might be better for you because of your personal circumstances. You'll need to assess your local job market and the schools available to you in order to make that decision -- combined with information about your personal life and preferences.

I went to college as a full time student when I was 18 and graduated with a BSN at 22 and don't regret it. (That was a long time ago.) I have had friends who chose the other route and they are happy with their decision, too. It comes down to personal circumstances and personal preferences.

[LovelyQue]

Thanks .

So , which way is faster . Getting my ADN at a community college then transferring or doing my prereqs at a community college then apply for a nursing program at a university ?

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

The nursing portion of both the ADN and BSN program is typically the same length - 2 years.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Thanks .

So , which way is faster . Getting my ADN at a community college then transferring or doing my prereqs at a community college then apply for a nursing program at a university ?

You'll have to map it out, semester by semester. It will depend on the specific programs. The courses you are now taking and the schedule for taking those classes might not match up exactly with the BSN program, which might delay you a bit if you transfer from one school to another. But then, it might be things will match up perfectly -- and you might be able to go immediately from you Community College into the 4-year college with no hitches in your schedule. It depends on the specific schools and your specific schedule of classes.

In other words, no one here can answer your question for certain. You have to sit down and actually map out the courses you will take at each school and see what path works best for you. (Assuming you have already talked with advisers at each school and know what courses will be required and when they will be available, of course.)