carmens

You're right Suzanne, Pretty much all the community colleges in my area have a 1-2 years waiting list. I found, however, a nursing diploma program accepting applications for the spring semester ... you know, that "X Hospital School of Nursing" type of school. I was wondering if it makes a difference (from both the prospective employer's and the INS's point of view) whether you've obtained your Associates Degree from a Community College or a School of Nursing. Should I worry about things like accrediation and diploma recognition? Any advice would much appreciated. I'm also considering the accelerated BSN option, but I'm afraid my GPA is a just little over 3.0 ... and most colleges are so competitive and expensive... Many thanks, Carmen :)

Thanks Suzanne4, Your reply is very helpful. I'm currently on H1B visa waiting to be laid-off anytime ... I've always been passionate about health and what's going on inside my body and I'm a very caring person so I'm hoping that I'll find nursing to be just right for me. I'm just trying to decide if I should try to get into an accelerated BSN program (I'll have to take some prereq's first) or just try to get the ADN and pass the NCELX and then maybe later go for the BSN. Any advise? I'd like to be able to start working as soon as possible (and God knows I need the money) but I'm concerned I will not find employment with an ADN degree . Do you (or anyone else) have any idea if it's more difficult to find employment (and sponsorship for the green-card) with an ADN degree as opposed to BSN degree? Thanks again, Carmen

Hi, My name is Carmen, I live in upstate NY and I have a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science from an International University. I'm considering going back to school here in the States to get a degree in Nursing. I found several community colleges offering nursing programs where, for instance, "Graduates of this program are granted an Associate in Applied Science degree by the college and are eligible to take the National Comprehensive Licensing Examination in Nursing for Registered Nurses (R.N.)" or another where "Graduates earn a two-year associate's in science degree and are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam required for licensure as a RN." My question is: how do you compare this degree (AAS) to ADN? Can a non-permanent resident (like myself) get a job in the US with such a degree (AAS in Nursing) and eventually get the green-card? Many thanks in advance, Carmen