pancano

Be carefule with ARNP, because a whole new set of laws are coming up within like 2 -3 years. I am not sure but look into it, I think some nurse practitioner's will need a doctorate after 2013? not sure the year. I heard this from other nurses getting a master's as a NP. I know nurse anesthesiologist will require a doctorate as of 2025, so that gives you a few more years to complete your degrees.

I will be graduating from a community college in May with an ADN, also with a a BS in something else. You need to consider do you have other student loans from first degree? Can you handle more debt, even with a better paying career? I also looked into other programs like Advanced BSN's for those that hold a B.S. in something else beside nursing, etc. I choose to go with community college, I finished all pre-reqs first which I did part-time while working (took 2 yrs since I was 3 months pregnant with first child & gave birth during that time). That allowed me to wait the 2 years back log at my area community colleges (same situation as yours). Then got into the nursing program and only had my nursing classes left to do. Looking back I am glad that I did it this way ($$ reasons, and time issues with also raising a small child, she is now 3 yrs old and I had family to babysit for free). It also allowed me more time to study and get a quality education, I have had lots of friends who didn't finish all pre-reqs first and struggled during semesters, some did not make it because of time issues with family, children, and all those classes. Let me tell you that I graduated with honors the first time, going to school full time like most out of high school students, and I thought nursing classes were about 3 x harder than any business class that I took the first time around. I have a newfound respect for nurses, especially those who attend school while trying to take care of a family. You won't qualify for financial aid if you are pursuing an Associates since you already have a Bachelor's, so be careful about what financial aid you are being promised at the first school. I don't know if there would be a ladder type of financial aid for the other programs since you would be getting a BS and MSN at the same time.