Prereq question

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Hey!

im getting started on prerequisites. Im getting mixed reviews on whether i should go for the bsn or rn-bsn. So i cant decide and it's driving me mad.

I have some credits already from another degree. So i need 5 classes to get in to the ADN or 9 classes to go for the BSN.

should i decide to go for the rn-bsn program later, should i take all 9 pre-reqs now so i dont have to finish them later, or does the rn-bsn online programs cover all that and make my efforts pointless? For my associates degree in business i did a non transferable degree. So i still need another english, and a couple others in order to complete the ed plan to transfer.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Getting a BSN first will mean it will take you some more time before you become an RN.

If you get into an ADN program, you may save yourself a year.

BSN programs take 2.5 - 3 years to complete while and ADN will take 2 years.

ADN programs are cheaper than BSN programs.

The RN-BSN option will let you practice as an RN while earning your BSN.

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Thanks Neo Soldier! But should I take the prerequisites for the bsn before i join the adn program? I know i have to take some for the adn, but i have more to take for the bsn. Wouldnt i just have to take them later (english, etc) prior to going into the rn to bsn program?

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Thanks Neo Soldier! But should I take the prerequisites for the bsn before i join the adn program? I know i have to take some for the adn, but i have more to take for the bsn. Wouldnt i just have to take them later (english, etc) prior to going into the rn to bsn program?

You might as well take all 9 Classes and apply to both the ADN and BSN program. A year and a half of prerequisites does not seem terrible.

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You'll have to see whether the classes you need for your BSN will be covered during the ADN. Personally, I knew that I had two classes that I would eventually need for my BSN and I had time during this past year to take them before I started my ADN program, so I did. I knew this would reduce my stress later because I won't have to worry about them. If you have time AND you know that this is the BSN program that you're planning to apply to, then go for it. Good luck!

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello!

Everyone is different, but this is how I did it...

I took all of my prerequisites for the ADN first; then went for my ADN (Science). Once graduated, I took the NCLEX-RN, passed it the first try and started looking for a job. At that time, I discovered I needed three more classes in order to earn an AA (Arts), which in my school was required to earn a baccalaureate degree (BSN). So I took those three AA prerequisites over the summer and started my BSN the following Fall. This setup provided me to get licensed and start working sooner as an RN.

Best wishes !!

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
Thanks Neo Soldier! But should I take the prerequisites for the bsn before i join the adn program? I know i have to take some for the adn, but i have more to take for the bsn. Wouldnt i just have to take them later (english, etc) prior to going into the rn to bsn program?

I would suggest you take what you need for the ADN and if you can squeeze in some BSN classes, do it! I just wouldn't recommend you sitting out a semester in favor of taking a class/classes for your BSN. Start applying for ADN programs once you become eligible. I would also recommend that you ask the schools you're applying to if it's possible to apply while you have classes in progress.

When you get into an ADN program, consider taking classes that count towards your BSN when you're on break.

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Getting a BSN first will mean it will take you some more time before you become an RN.

If you get into an ADN program, you may save yourself a year.

BSN programs take 2.5 - 3 years to complete while and ADN will take 2 years.

ADN programs are cheaper than BSN programs.

The RN-BSN option will let you practice as an RN while earning your BSN.

I would have done this (ADN, work as RN, while earning BSN, then grad school) but our local ADN program was 5 semesters. The BSN program is 5 semesters. I might as well get the BSN then.

Other than a lower cost there was no time advantage to the ADN program.

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Thanks everyone!

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Depending on your school, you may have the option to do a blended program. Some of the community colleges in Kansas have an agreement with the University of Kansas that allows the CC students to do all of their ADN classes at their community college while taking the RN-BSN bridge classes simultaneously online. KU calls it the Community College Nursing Partnership Program (CCNP). You may have a program like this where you live, and it's worth checking out.

I have a BA in a different field, and didn't want to do an ABSN program because the pacing was nuts. The CCNP is still a bit bonkers, but a reasonable bonkers.

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