Transferring from a BSN program to an ASN - BSN program

[kitten2013]

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith which only offers a BSN program. I followed the 8 semester degree plan exactly and would have been able to apply for the program October 1st for spring admission.

I now have all my pre-reqs finished for this program, but I am switching schools. I am applying for the nursing program at the University of Arkansas Little Rock which only offers an ASN to BSN program. Since the programs are different, I am using my free semester to take any pre-reqs needed for the UALR nursing program.

Since it is an ASN to BSN program, will it take me six years all together to get my Bachelors degree when it could've take four years at the University I am attending now?

UAFS degree plan:

http://uafs.edu/degree-current/BSN-Nursing.pdf

UALR degree plans:

http://ualr.edu/nursing/index.php/home/asn/curriculum/

http://ualr.edu/nursing/index.php/home/bsn/curriculum/

I believe that all the courses required in the BSN program at UALR are all online course as well, if that makes any difference.

Also, looking at my student account at UAFS, my estimated graduation date is December 2017. I'm not sure if that is because I haven't applied for the program yet and they're just guessing or if I have been wrong this entire time about getting my bachelors degree in four years. I am so confused.

Thank you so much for your time and I greatly appreciate any feedback!

[Stephalump]

Yes. It looks like you moved to a school that doesn't actually have a BSN program for non-nurses. So you'll have to get your associates degree (looks like it'll take 2 years or 1.5 years). Then you can take the NCELX and decide it you want to go back to get your BSN.

[kitten2013]

Yes, I see that. I'm just having a hard time understanding why it'll take me six years instead of four to get my BSN. I guess the programs are really that different. I have all my pre-reqs finished for the ASN program and one pre-req left for the BSN program. Thank you for your time though, I really appreciate your feedback!

[Stephalump]

Yes I see that. I'm just having a hard time understanding why it'll take me six years instead of four to get my BSN. I guess the programs are really that different. I have all my pre-reqs finished for the ASN program and one pre-req left for the BSN program. Thank you for your time though, I really appreciate your feedback![/quote']

Sorry, my phone died while I was typing that an I forgot to finish my thought.

My point was that ADN programs are usually 2 years long, as are BSN programs. The ADN programs usually just leave out the research/ leadership type stuff, but otherwise go at the same pace.

So if you do an ADN and THEN a BSN, you have to take two years to get through school, take time off (usually) to get licensed and go through the application process for the BSN program, and then spend about a year taking the coursework. It's not a traditional way to go because it can take 5-6 years versus the 4-5 of a BSN.

[kitten2013]

Oh I see. That's a real bummer for me. I guess that's just an obstacle I'll have to deal with having already made the decision to switch schools. Thank you though! I definitely understand it now. I just wish they offered a BSN program as well, instead of just an ASN to BSN program.

[Stephalump]

Oh I see. That's a real bummer for me. I guess that's just an obstacle I'll have to deal with having already made the decision to switch schools. Thank you though! I definitely understand it now. I just wish they offered a BSN program as well instead of just an ASN to BSN program.[/quote']

Yeah, it's not ideal if you were looking for a shorter pathway, but once you dive into nursing coursework time will fly by, I promise. And then you'll be working as an RN during your BSN, so you'll be even busier! You'll be there before you know it. :)

Good luck!

[kitten2013]

Thank you! I'm super nervous, I'm sending in my application for the program this week! Crossing my fingers that I make it in!