Private ABSN vs Traditional BSN

U.S.A. North Carolina

Published

Hello,

i need some advice about which BSN route to take. I have a BA in biology and have been working as a lab tech since I graduated in 2013. I really like working in the lab, but I have no job security because I am not certified. I have applied to a technologist program 3 times and not been accepted. I still like healthcare though and am thinking about getting my BSN.

I have been accepted into an ABSN that starts this May but it is a private college with a tuition of 43k for a 12 month program. I would have to work during the program about 20 hours a week to pay my rent and get by while in the program. I currently do not have any student loans.

option 2 is to look at the traditional BSN at the local state university. The tuition would be about 16k for im guessing 2 years. It is a cheaper route but somehow it feels like I would be going backwards because it doesn't require a bachelors. Maybe 2 years would go quickly, but that just seems like a long time! On the plus side, I would be debt free and be more likely to pay my bills on time.

What at would you choose? Any advice? I want to go into urgent care and possibly get my NP in a few years.

Thanks for for reading and responding

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Have you investigated whether or not you could realistically work 20 hours a week during the 12 month ABSN program? I am betting most students are living on loans in the program.

I don't really see how the traditional BSN is a step back. In the end with both programs you graduate with the same degree. Don't get hung up on admission requirements. If it gives you the opportunity to graduate debt free I think that is a MAJOR advantage. If you are wanting to become an NP save your money for that.

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I toured the ABSN campus last week and I asked several people about working during the program. They said that it is "highly advised" that I do not work that year, but some people do work a day a week. They said two days would be impossible. I guess if I did accept the ABSN I would work two shifts (24 hours a week) during the summer semester that is only 4 days a week. And the other semesters I would work one day. I am lucky that my lab tech job is very easy and there is usually a lot of NetFlix during my shift! I am mainly worried about the debt though. I am a very frugal person!

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Is the private ABSN program an accredited Institution for a BSN Program? IS it a For-Profit Institution?

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Yes, this is an accredited BSN program. I do not know whether or not they are for profit. With the tuition price it sure seems like it!

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I am in an 18 month accelerated BSN and wouldn't change it for anything, it is more expensive though 55k but we have learned a lot and there are high standards of achievement here. Many of my fellow students work weekends or evenings to get by but the school also offers work study to help people talk to the advisors of each and get a tour to help make your decision.

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Update: I contacted the state school and the admissions lady said I would be disqualified from getting my BSN there. I got to Cs in my prerequisites (retook one of them) and they only allow one C that you must retake. So it looks like my options now are an ABSN with lots of debt, an ADN that would take longer, or maybe something else. I'm so confused!

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