Prospective Second Degree Nursing Student

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Specializes in ER, Cath Lab.

I will be graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Nutritional Sciences, unfortunately I have come to the conclusion that I don't want to continue with this field due to various situations. However, I would like to change my career path to nursing as soon as possible. My degree requires us to complete Anatomy 1&2, Microbiology, Chemistry for the Health Sciences (which is basically General, Biochemistry, and Organic Chem in one 4 credit class), and all of the other classes that most nursing schools require (English, Sociology, Psychology, College Math, etc). With this being said, I would like to enroll into a nursing program either BSN or ADN, but I would like to know if there are any 2nd year ADN programs with a cirriculum that consist of all nursing courses in the last year of the 2 year program, rather that being sequenced throughout the entire 2 years, because I would hate to spend 2 years on a ADN.

I would prefer an ADN program because most Accelerated BSN and Traditional BSN programs in the DC area are a little out of my financial league at the moment. I also figure that there's not much of a pay difference between RN's and BSN's, and I could easily participate in an RN-MSN bridge program later on.

For some reason I have been finding this search of schools very challenging and I would love to get some feedback if possible....THANKS!!!:wink2:

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Specializes in Gyn/STD clinic tech.

unfortunately, even with all my pre req's done, i still have apporx 1.5 years for an adn.

there is "fundamentals of nursing" "pharmacology" "matenral health nursing" med surg" etc.. each is taken in one semester..

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NVCC (Northern Virginia Community College) has an accelerated ADN program. Starts in May of each year, there is an online and in-person option. Here is the link to the programs they offer.

You can go the BSN route and apply for scholarships from the various hospitals. Some only pay for an ADN but I know INOVA pays for BSN. I'm a second degree student also and taking my pre-reqs at NVCC and applying to NVCC, GMU and MU next fall or spring.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.
With this being said, I would like to enroll into a nursing program either BSN or ADN, but I would like to know if there are any 2nd year ADN programs with a cirriculum that consist of all nursing courses in the last year of the 2 year program, rather that being sequenced throughout the entire 2 years, because I would hate to spend 2 years on a ADN.

All the ADN programs I've looked at (in Maryland) are two years of nursing classes. The non-nursing classes are prerequisites that need to be completed before even entering the program. If you've looked at a sample ADN program schedule and thought it was too "spread out" based on the number of credits per semester, then you will be in for a surprise. I'm in an LPN program and the two "classes" (plus clinicals and labs) I have per semester have been more demanding than any 5-class semester I had when I was previously in school for my BA. About 1/3rd of my classmates failed out the first semester, and I have a feeling plenty more of them will be gone after our current semester.

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To add on to what Rhone said....pre-reqs take at least a year or more, depending on the program. So with NVCC it's a year of pre-reqs and then a year of mainly nursing classes with a few support classes. Those can be taken prior to entering the nursing program, which is reccomended. Are you looking to go to school in NoVA or MD, or does it matter?

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Specializes in Adult and Peds ED, Forensic Nursing.

I was in a similar boat, all pre-reqs done and a previous bachelors. I did apply for accelerated bachelors, but also a 2 year associates. I ended up choosing the ADN because it was cheaper and started in September (I would have had to wait until May for the accelerated).

I second what Rhone said, the 8 credit nursing class may not sound like alot, but it will take up a huge chunk of time, especially if you are putting in a good amount of time studying. Also, the 2 years have flown by, I will be done in May and it feels like I just started. I know I would have been fine in an accelerated program, but I have been really happy I wasn't so crazy busy. I had time to do service projects, student government, extra classes, conferences, have a tiny sliver of my prior social life. 2 Years isn't nearly as long a it sounds.

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Specializes in ER, Cath Lab.

I'm open to schools in the DC/MD/VA area

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
I'm open to schools in the DC/MD/VA area

Try university of maryland at baltimore school of nursing. They offer a BSN two year traditional program...where after you've completed your prereq's you just go there to complete all your nursing courses and it's exactly two years to complete. And it's not that expensive compare to other BSN programs.

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Specializes in Rehab/Post Acute.

Our ADN program is two years of just nursing classes--- sorry. My situation is somewhat similar, I had a bachelors degree, then decided to go back for nursing. The accelerated BSN programs were more money than I was willing to pay (I didn't hate teaching that much haha, and would have just continued rather than pay that kind of money)--- I decided on a community college ADN program because we could afford it out of pocket, and it was all nights and weekends (and I was home on child rearing leave anyway for what would be the next two years--- so why not LOL?) Hope you find what your looking for.

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If you are a MD resident, I would second checking into UMB Nursing in baltimore. Good program and cost effective. They also have classes in Rockville.

I was a in a similar situation. Live in MD, and applied to my local CC and UMB. I was accepted at both and after looking at the bottom line, I decided to go the ADN route. The cost savings was around 12K. It wasn't a ridiculous amount of money, but I know when I graduate I can complete the RN to BSN through UMB completely online (if I choose) and the hospital I am working for will pay for it. In the end, I hold the same BSN degree.

Other than money, the CC classes and clinicals were much more conveneient travel and timing wise.

I'm not too familiar with the programs in DC, other than Georgetown, Catholic...yup, I bet they're pricey. I never qualified for grants and few scholarship because although my academics were great, my DH works and supports our family making too much to qualify. Not like I have money laying around to pay for school though...

Good luck. It is a difficult decision but make it wisely and move forward. Whatever path you choose, you will love it!

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