Question about BSN or higher..

MsBruiser · Nov 30, 2008

I am very ignorant when it comes to college and how everything works so bear with me...
So, say.. if my goal was to one day get my bsn or masters in nursing... and right now I am working on pre-reqs to apply to marcopa nursing programs. After I get those done and apply, is there any classes I can take while I wait to help advance my degree?
Does that make sense? Or do I have to get ADN first, then do the bridge program, etc.
I feel like I should be going to school while I am waiting for 2 or 3 years, expecially since I eventually want a higher degree.

That is a really good question.

The specific pre-reqs for the BSN depends highly on the specific program (Grand Canyon, vs ASU, etc.). At the end of the day, though, most RN to BSN bridge programs are designed so you need no additional classes (Grand Canyon and U of Phoenix). The one exception is ASU. So if you have your heart set on ASU, you will need to do additional classes. Grand Canyon and U of Phoenix - no (I know this because I attended sessions at the hospital(s) where I work for the BSN/MSN bridge programs). The one class that Grand Canyon will absolutely require for the MSN is pathophysiology. Otherwise, they wrap all classes into the bridge program. Grand Canyon and U of P seem to dominate the bridge program market at a lot of hospitals for the RN to BSN.

That said, take "advice" on specific classes with a huge grain of salt on this board. I have seen people give flat out wrong information. If you really need the facts, make an appointment with an ASU/Grand Canyon advisor. They will lay it all out for you in writing.

MassagetoRN · Dec 1, 2008

Hausfrau,

I took the pre-reqs required for ASU BSN or RN-BSN while I waited to get in (I'm doing Banner's program the Spring!) and found those classes to be very informative and feel more prepared for nursing school. All the HCR's 210-240 are really interesting, including Patho. Math 142 is super easy, easier than 120. The advisors at ASU are really friendly, so I would recommend making an appointment with one. You can see them at any of the 4 campuses. Good luck on your journey!

RNGrad2006 · Dec 2, 2008

I am very ignorant when it comes to college and how everything works so bear with me...
So, say.. if my goal was to one day get my bsn or masters in nursing... and right now I am working on pre-reqs to apply to marcopa nursing programs. After I get those done and apply, is there any classes I can take while I wait to help advance my degree?
Does that make sense? Or do I have to get ADN first, then do the bridge program, etc.
I feel like I should be going to school while I am waiting for 2 or 3 years, expecially since I eventually want a higher degree.

I am in the Grand Canyon RN to BSN program right now and have 4 classes left after the one I am taking now. Statistics is a class that you could get out of the way. Taking Stats at Grand Canyon in 8 weeks on top of kids and working full time was a bit stressful. By the way I like your allnurses name...I can read and speak German so thought it was cute. But I wouldn't take any classes unless at community college because when you are an RN most hospitals provide tuition reimbursement. Also my experience at Grand Canyon for the BSN is that they want a certain amount of classes at the 300/400 level to grant the BSN so you might not want to take too many classes to transfer into University later. Seems frustrating when you are just waiting but this has been my experience.

rnturquoise · Dec 8, 2008

How long has the program at GCC taken you? I am probably going to start in January in the online RN to BSN program. I work 2-3 12 hours a week, and have two kids one of which is a toddler. Is is difficult with it all online or better?

RNGrad2006 · Dec 8, 2008

How long has the program at GCC taken you? I am probably going to start in January in the online RN to BSN program. I work 2-3 12 hours a week, and have two kids one of which is a toddler. Is is difficult with it all online or better?

I think you would do well with online in your situation because it is adaptable. You get the work assigned online and then you can fit it around your work and family schedule. With going to classes it less flexible and you have to be able to have the time commitment to going to classes each week. I have really enjoyed doing it online but am a self starter, motivated, disciplined, and enjoy self learning. I do one class at a time because I like to have a bit of a life between work, school and family. I started in March 2007 and should finish hopefully by June 2009 so just over 2 years at this pace. I think it is almost harder doing the school thing with school age kids as opposed to when my kids were younger because sometimes I struggle with finding time to help my kids with their homework, working, housework, and my own education. But it is possible. Just takes a lot of organization.

silentRN · Dec 8, 2008

Well, I guess while you're waiting for one program it wouldn't hurt to apply at a university. You may get in quicker and come out with a BSN. I got my ADN, took a semester off after graduating and am in the RN-BSN program. I recommend getting a BSN.

rnturquoise · Dec 8, 2008

Thanks for your advice RNGrad2006. I have done other classes online and they have worked out. I am going to go to an orientation on Monday to find out more. Congratulations on your soon to be BSN!