Pre-Licensure: 2 or 3 years for BSN?

[Reincarnated]

Hey everyone.

Something that I've wondered about is: is there any different in taking a program that is 2 years versus 3 years for the same BSN degree? I don't understand why some universities are able to get a student in and out in 2 years, whereas other programs take 3? Some even have 2 and a half (5 semesters)...

Wouldn't it be best to just take the program that's 2 years so that one can go out and get a job sooner? What are the pros and cons of a 2 versus 3 year program?

[llg, PhD, RN]

A lot depends on the quality of the program and the specific details of each.

Some programs are longer because they include more content and/or teach in more depth. Sometimes, a program is longer because they simply present the same content at a slower pace. Some shorter programs skimp on the content and just teach the "bare bones" required stuff. Some short programs are short because they teach the same content as the longer programs, but they cram it down your throat super-fast.

So ... to decide between 2 programs of different lengths ...

1. Investigate the details of the content they provide. Is it really the same content or are their differences in the depth of what is being taught?

2. Investigate their NCLEX pass rates -- and their attrition rates. How many people who start the program actually finish and pass boards in the expected period of time. Some accelerated programs have high drop-out rates because students find that the program is too compressed. Some people learn better when they are given more time to digest the material and more opportunities to apply the material as they learn it.

3. Identify your preferences for the pace of the program.

4. Where does each program do their clinical rotations? At the best facilities in town or not?

5. Where do most graduates of each problem find jobs? At the best facilities in town or not?

Picking a school should involve an assessment of their quality and cost ... and not just the length.