questions about accelerated programs

I have the same dilemma. I have a BA in economics. There is a program 50 minutes away that offers an MSN (you can either go for the nurse practitioner or care/outcomes manager). The program last year was 43K. On top of that there is the cost of the commute and books. The program takes you from zero to RN in 15 months (through 2 summers) and then goes through the masters program in 2 years. I was originally leaning towards the NP, but EVERY nurse I've talked to has discouraged me from going that route. They all ask me why I want to have more responsibility for LESS money. So...after MUCH thinking, I've decided to go for the ADN right here in my town at a cost of 6-7K. It takes 18 months after the prereqs which is only 3 months longer than the accelerated program - and I can be home summers with my kids. After that, if I still want to get my MSN, I can apply with my BA and my ADN. I figure that working will open my eyes as to what I really want to do. There might be something just perfect for me that I'm not seeing now (looking from the outside in). It's a tough decision. I think the conservative route is best for me at this point.

I am in an accelerated BSN at Northern Kentucky University (WWW.NKU.edu). It's a 16 month program. I will be finishing may 2005. Semesters are doubled up(23-25 credit hours per semester). Classes are the same as the regular BSN program. I finish one year of nursing classes in one semester. Northern Kentucky University has a NCLEX pass rate over 90%!!!!I had to quit my full time job of 18 years to do this, but, it's worth it.

-Ross-

I have been accepted to an accelerated BSN program. I picked it because even with the higher cost of school than an ADN my biggest cost is living expenses while I am in school. It costs me a lot to raise a child and own a home on my own so getting in and out was the best option for me. If I did not have the high cost of living expenses I would have gone the cheapest route available. I had a lower undergrad GPA so if moving is an option there are accelerated programs that will admit you based on your last 60 credit GPA or the pre req class GPA. All schools seem to be competitive at this point. I would target ones that allow you to have the highest GPA as possible depending on their admission criteria. Then I would plan for second choice schools and apply to them too.

I avoided the MSN route because I am not sure what I want to study as a gradate student and I also felt my previous GPA would not be over looked.

The process was long and hard but I think it will be worth it.

I'm in a 20 month accelerated program, and I got my degree in Communications. We also had the option of going through to get our MSN, but I am not going that route. There are so many specialties in nursing, unless you somehow know what you want to do in nursing I don't fel like it makes sense (at least for me) to pay money to get a more specialized background if I don't know what I want to do.

I think it was worth it. It can be stressful, but I think that is just nursing school.

I have three words for you : Totally worth it!!!!!! I will finish an accelerated BSN program in a week (YEA!!) and I would not do it any other way again. It was intense, yes, but it was SO worth it. The hard work is now over and I am done with my bachelor's in 3 1/2 yrs. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Also, I worked more than part time as a tech AND went to school so if you want it bad enough you can do anything!

thanks everyone for your responses. i am sending in my first application tomorrow for a bsn/msn combo at columbia university. it is my first choice right now so i'll be praying hard for the next few months :)

in addition i'm applying to two more bsn/msn programs, an entry msn and a ND program. i'm figure getting accepted to 1 out of 5 is possible.

anyways thanks everyone for the advice and congrats jill21 on finishing. best wishes,

laura

I think it's really worth during the fast track nursing program, I would say for it. I'm going Nov 15th and talk to the unversity in my area regarding to fast track nursing program. I'm keep my fingers cross that I can get in the program, the program is a year old. Good luck to you and me.

I did an accelerated BSN (11 months) and already had a BS and MASters and when I statrted I thought about doing a BSN/MSN_ thank goodness I did not- now I would never really want to be a NP or clin spec- not for me. I've been done for over a year.

I personally say get your RN/BSN- work- let work pay for school. Theory and Reality of nursing are two totally different worlds.

It sounds like some pervious posters already have degrees they do not want to use or never worked in- why get more? I used my Masters for 6 years before I went back- glad I have it but there were people in my accerlerated BSN who never worked a day in their lives- how do you know what you want to be?

Just my opinion. Get the BSN- work and then the masters....

I have a BA in psych (cough cough, BruinLaura- from the year you were born :chuckle ) and I went on to get a Masters in health science- 7 years after graduating with that I have returned to get my BSN/MSN- totally worth it! If you apply to Penn ( actually less than Columbia and you get a BSN), let me know and I'd be happy to chat with you about Penn.

Good luck with your first choice

Yes - it's worth it. A little scary but worth it. I'll be finishing my BSN in 4 weeks (previously had a BBA). Many people in the program worked - some full time. It is hard, but if you don't have any other responsibilities (kids), you could do it.

Good luck.