Traditional BSN vs ABSN?

[Jannie92]

Which one is better? I'm a little confused about the pace of traditional BSN programs for second degree students. If I already have a degree in another field, and I'm doing a traditional BSN program, would it take a full 4 years to complete, or would I be able to finish it sooner?

Before, I was set on applying into ABSN programs once I graduate. However, the prices and competition of these programs are intimidating, so I might consider the traditional route instead. However, would traditional be cheaper or more expensive?

[ThatBigGuy]

If you apply for a BSN program as a second degree student, they will generally take all your core classes and accept those, which leaves you with the 2 years of nursing school. Depending on what core classes transfer, you may have to retake a portion of those core classes.

If you have to retake one core class, that's not a big deal. If you have to retake 5 core classes, that's a much larger issue. The more core classes you have to take, the less likely you can squeeze them in with your nursing school course work, which leads to extra semesters. It would do you a lot of good to have the BSN school do an audit of your transcript before applying so you know what transfers and what is left for you to take.

At best, the BSN route will take you two years, but it might be longer depending on what courses transfer from your previous degree.

The ABSN courses are fantastic for certain people. The initial cost of the program is offset by the quicker entry into the job market and the resulting paycheck. However, it's insanely difficult due to the sheer amount of course work crammed into such a short period of time. Generally, you have to sign a waiver stating you will not work during the program. Also, you'll have to sacrifice much of your social life and/or family life in order to make it through. Then again, you'll be done in half the time and you'll be back to being a normal human sooner.

I was a 2nd degree student, and everything transferred for me. Also, I got to skip the general waiting list for entry into the program because they reserved a few spots specifically for 2nd degree students, so I was accepted into the first semester I applied for, and was graduated 4 semesters later.