RN or ADN?

[olive003]

Hi, I am taking my pre-reqs for nursing. I had originally considered taking a two year associate degree program for rn and then at a later time I would go back to school and get my bsn, but I already have an associate degree in general ed. All I have to do is take the science classes that are pre-requisites for nursing and then I will be ready to enter the program. The dilemma is that I can get into nursing in January for a two-year program because there is no wait and they have 120 slots for fall and 120 for spring. Also, the program is non-accredited but still lets you sit for the NCLEX. The school that has the bsn is very competitive to get into and they only have 36 slots in the fall for the whole year. If I get in though I'll only have two years left to go and I'll have my bsn and if I go the associate program I'll have two and then another two later on for my bsn. I just don't want to go through so much extra school and money when I already have my associate degree. Any input would be very appreciated. Sorry this post is so long.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

You said your goal was to go back to school and get your BSN. This might prove difficult if you go to a non-accredited program. Some RN to BSN programs require an ADN from an accredited program.

Just another wrench in your thinking.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Maybe I'm a little neurotic, but when I see School #1 has no wait list and lots of room and School #2 has a wait list (or highly competitive entry requirements) and only 36 spots, I have to wonder about School #1.

It's not accredited, which is a flag to me to bypass it. You may well find you aren't able to do anything with those credits later, when you are ready to get that BSN.

I already had a prior degree (A.S.) when I entered school for the second time for nursing. I was able to apply many class credits and only had to re-take courses that were too old (sciences). It made it less stressful and time-consuming for that second A.S. :)

[rninme]

Agree with Tweety's post. The RN to MSN program that I am enrolled in requires that you graduate from an accredited school of nursing. No ifs, ands or buts.

Go for the accredited school....especially if you would like to eventually obtain an advanced degree. Just my

[hospitalstaph]

I think it's important to point out that they may not be accredited for a good reason. A new program can get state approval (thus allowing you to sit for NCLEX) but has to wait until they graduate their first class to be evaluated for accreditation. If this is the case with this program, maybe it's worth looking into. If not, I would think about long and hard before going there.

T