Should I get ADN or LPN? Already have BS degree

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I am looking for opinions... I am at a crossroads. I'm 36 and just started prereqs in January at the local tech college. I already have a BS in Sociology that I got 14 years ago. I had to take over quite a few classes since my math, statistics, and sciences were obviously outdated.

My concern is time. I have an 18 month old and work part time in an ER. The closest second degree traditional BSN program is almost 2 hours away. The only accelerated BSN program is also 2 hours away. I'm in rural SC near Myrtle beach.

Long story short, my pre req gpa is a 3.0. People going for RN have 3.0 and up. Entry into the program is done on a point system. I automatically lost a point because I'm not a county resident. My advisor told me to do the lpn program first then do bridge and then to bsn at a closer school that offers RN-BSN. ( first time I have seen a university the only offers RN-bsn and no traditional bsn) :down:

Being that the school only does fall admissions I already won't finish lpn program til spring 2016. If I do ADN it will most likely be December 2017 before I finish...either way I am still working on other classes needed for ADN so when I'm finished lpn I can go straight into bridge program.

What do you think? Do you think it's feasible to do the bsn program with commute time, part time job and 18 month old? I'm a little aggravated that bsn programs are so far and between in this state...

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I'm right there with you. I know exactly which schools you are referring to because I am familiar with them. I also understand your frustration. Starting next month I'll have a 90 minute commute one way to my practical nursing program.

No, it isn't ideal but I refused to let another year pass me by. Whether are not I made the drive time was still going to tick away and at least now I'm closer to my goal. I can't say whether are not that's the right decision for you but I wanted to let you know you are not alone.

You can drive to FMU for approximately 2 years after all prereqs are done and earn a BSN or apply to HGTC or both :-). I do believe that while that don't have an accelerated program they do have special admissions criteria for those that already hold a bachelors degree. So that's in your favor.

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I forgot to add that I have two boys, 7 and 5. The youngest is autistic and I wish I would have done this when they were younger. Just daycare, no homework, school assemblies, class trips that I would have to miss out on.

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I'm right there with you. I know exactly which schools you are referring to because I am familiar with them. I also understand your frustration. Starting next month I'll have a 90 minute commute one way to my practical nursing program.

No, it isn't ideal but I refused to let another year pass me by. Whether are not I made the drive time was still going to tick away and at least now I'm closer to my goal. I can't say whether are not that's the right decision for you but I wanted to let you know you are not alone.

You can drive to FMU for approximately 2 years after all prereqs are done and earn a BSN or apply to HGTC or both :-). I do believe that while that don't have an accelerated program they do have special admissions criteria for those that already hold a bachelors degree. So that's in your favor.

Lol funny you picked up on my schools!! Yes! FMU and I already spoke. Their director of nursing is awesome and SO helpful! They do have a 2nd degree bsn program. Too bad I can't say the same about the admissions office. FMU is 1hr 45 minutes with no traffic on these desolate back roads... I drive my grandmother to Florence for dr appts so I know the drive well. MUSC accelerated program is also about 2 hrs... Right now I'm at HGTC ;-). Been here since January. I just decided to do lpn first last month.I like the campus and the people. They said after you finish RN they have some type of pact with CCU. It just seems far away from my child which makes me nervous. Also spending approx 4 hrs a day in the car?? I did that living in Baltimore commuting to work and it's exhausting!i will think about it being you make a valid point.

Thanks for the support and good luck with your program!

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Thank you and good luck to you as well.

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