Second degree accelerated BSN programs in the area

Jules A, MSN · Apr 17, 2009

Hi,

If you position yourself between Baltimore and DC you won't have any problems. LPNs are still used in many hospitals but as anywhere LTC is where the most jobs are. Our pay is good, imo. Johns Hopkins has program that might apeal to your husband. I'm sure there are others also. Keep us posted.

sewnew · Apr 19, 2009

Johns Hopkins has a second degree BSN with a direct entry to advanced practice option. You apply to both the BSN portion and the MSN specialty at the same time. The BSN portion is 13.5 months long with the length of the MSN portion dependant on the specialty you decide on.

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/academics/academic_programs/bacc/seconddegree/

If you do decide to live closer to DC, then Georgetown has a similar second degree BSN option. Again, you also have the option of direct entry to advanced practice. One thing to consider about Georgetown is that they offer a scholarship program in conjunction with Washington Hospital Center. If you sign a 3 year contract to work for WHS after you graduate, then they will pay for 80% of your tuition at Georgetown.

http://nhs.georgetown.edu/academics/BSN2nd/index.html

A third option is Univ. of MD's clinical nurse leader program (CNL). This is a little different than traditional second degree BSN options, and is a fairly new program. If you have a Bachelor's degree in another field, then you can apply directly to the CNL program, which is a direct entry MSN program. The CNL is basically a generalized master's prepared nurse. Sort of like a BSN, just at the master's level.

http://nursing.umaryland.edu/programs/ms/accel.htm

Hope some of this info. helped.

SiennaGreen · Apr 19, 2009

I would suggest that you balance your (his?) future career goals with the cost (both financial and time) of the local second degree programs. Is the goal to become a CNL? Is the BSN the goal? I was in a position to do a second degree program near Balt. recently, and after much research decided against it. The biggest reason ended up being the cost. JHU's program is 60k and Georgetown was close to the same. Make sure you look into the traditional BSN option at U of MD also. If he has the pre req's covered- the program is only 4 semesters and a WHOLE lot less expensive than even their CNL program. IF you will be receiving substantial financial aid/grant money to cover the pricier tuition, that would have to weigh into the equation.

Now, I think I heard that Salisbury University (on MD eastern shore) had a second degree option also. They might be much more reasonable than the more urban areas. If you like the small town thing, Salisbury is a nice town and you are really close to the ocean :)

Best wishes!

mwk7m · Apr 20, 2009

Hi Heather - I also wouldn't completely rule out just going back to a program with a tranditional BSN option. I just recently finished the whole process of taking my pre-requisites and applying, and have just gotten my acceptance letters! I already have my BA, so I had ideally wanted to do an accelerated program, but have decided to leave my options open since there are also many good regular BSN programs in the area. Two other accelerated programs in the DC metro area are George Mason's and Marymount's. I know those aren't in MD, but are worth considering. If you actually look at most of the curricula, even the accelerated programs aren't really any more classes, you just don't have the typical student breaks, and may be taking one more class per semester. Up side to that is you get done sooner, but you (when I keep saying "you," I mean your husband) could maybe swing working if you attend a program with a slightly slower pace, which could help finances, if that is a concern. Other schools in the area with nursing programs (regular) are Catholic in DC and Mason also has the traditional option as well. I'd just advise, if you are looking at casting you net wide, pay close attention to requirements - that has been the trickiest part since everyone wants different things and has different deadlines.

Good luck!