Should I finish my non-nursing BS first or just go for regular BSN?

[jenndslp]

Hi all, I am currently working on my pre-reqs, I'll be done with them in the spring. My ultimate goal is to become a CNM. I am one year away from my BS in communicative disorders, though I stopped taking these classes several years ago. My question is...do I go back and finish my BS in Communicative Disorders and then apply for an accelerated BSN or do I just go straight into a regular BSN program? I hate the thought of spending extra time in school, since I've already got over 90 units. And living in CA, nursing schools are so hard to get into, I almost feel like I might be put on waiting lists anyway, so maybe I should just go ahead and finish my non-nursing degree while I'm waiting to get into a Nursing program, then I can just jump into an accelerated one.

But then I'm reading about the absn programs vs. BSN programs and I'm seeing that many people don't care for ABSN programs. My head is spinning!!! I wish there was a very straightforward and obvious answer.

I am thinking I'll probably apply to both Cal State Universities and all of the private Universities, because I've heard that the increased cost of the private schools makes it a little less competitive since it's so expensive. I am just really confused as to what route to take...

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

My decision was to finish my current degree first. My situation was a little different- I hadn't taken any prerequisites, so I took those at a community college after graduating (and working for a year and a half) and then applied for the accelerated nursing program.

Since you only have one year left, finishing your degree and doing an accelerated program would be the fastest way to go. If for some reason you are unable to finish your nursing degree, you'll have that first degree to fall back on and your work towards that degree won't feel wasted. You could also do a direct entry to a master's program for midwifery with a BS in hand.

If you're concerned about the pacing of an ABSN program, there are 2nd degree programs that aren't as accelerated. You finish the degree in 2 years, and I've also seen plenty of programs where the only accelerated part is that you take classes full time during the summer to finish in a year and a half.

As far as quality of education goes, there are good programs and there are bad programs and that's not unique to ABSN programs.

One thing to consider is that a longer period of time in school will give you more of a shelter from the current economy. But if things aren't better when you're done, you've spent more time as a student when you could have been working as a nurse. Those lost wages add to the cost of going the slower, less expensive route.