Stuck with how to move forward in Nursing

Hey, So I am also an LVT (licensed veterinary technician) in NYC I've been doing it for ten years and I want to get into humans. I applied to an AS RN program here and was unable to get in. You have to apply to the school, take a course at that school to take the nursing entrance exam and then you can apply to the program. I applied with a 3.5GPA. You can basically only apply to one program at a time, (cant attend two different schools at the same time) with all these steps you need to take. It's difficult and I can only do so much since I already have courses transferring in that I can't bring up because they are a passing grade.

I decided maybe I should get my bachelors (got into a school that offers BA/BS) and then apply to multiple accelerated program Bachelors to BSN programs.  I was thinking while obtaining the bachelors to get a CNA certificate and work in a hospital for the experience. Now I am being told that I would be a waste of money and those programs (Bachelors to BSN) are just as difficult to get into. I want to work with humans, I know I'll be good. I am honestly lost right now though with how to move forward and classes start next week.