Upper division transfer BSN vs. ADN-BSN Bridge

Nursing Students School Programs

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I'm in California. Is there an advantage to Upper Division Transfer BSN vs. ADN-BSN Bridge BSN (at the same university)?

For example, I'm taking prereqs at a local community college.

Given these two options:

1) After prereqs, attend BSN program at CSU as a transfer student (total 3 years)

2) After prereqs, attend CC for ADN, then bridge to same CSU for the BSN (total 3 years)

Is there any advantage to doing the Nursing program at the CSU vs. the CC when you'd be graduating with a BSN from the CSU either way in the same amount of time?

I know this is all hypothetical given how hard it is to get in to any program. Let's just assume you can get into either and have a choice.

1
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1) Pros:

  • BSN right away which is convenient BUT you will still need 1-year experience as a nurse to apply at most places(this is what I've gathered from browsing indeed for RN positions).

Cons:

  • -Higher priced (40-60k depending on FAFSA)
  • - Faster-paced 2.5 years with no breaks, and most likely won't be able to work during the nursing program. 

2) Pros:

  • Cheaper, 7k for 2 years with summers off. More "relaxed".
  • ADN-BSN programs are roughly 11-17k so even if you add this together and it will still be cheaper than the CSU. The programs I've looked at can be finished within 14 months with holidays/breaks with some completely online or meeting in person once a week. There are also programs where you can be enrolled at the same time.
  • You can work while in the nursing program.
  • You can work as an RN while working on your BSN and can potentially have this reimbursed by your employer.

Cons: 

  • Might have to relocate to Central CA for the 1-year experience while only having an ADN.

At the end of it all, I think it all comes down to the price tag of the journey to BSN. Especially if the programs you're looking at specifically are the same amount of time.

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13 hours ago, nursejeli said:

Might have to relocate to Central CA for the 1-year experience while only having an ADN.

Thanks for your detailed response! Can you elaborate on this "1-year experience" Won't all clinicals be done at the CC? Wouldn't the last year of of the BSN take place on the campus of where I am in the Bridge program?

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Specializes in Student.
2 hours ago, CloCloAA said:

Thanks for your detailed response! Can you elaborate on this "1-year experience" Won't all clinicals be done at the CC? Wouldn't the last year of of the BSN take place on the campus of where I am in the Bridge program?

I’m not sure if the “1 year experience required” that I kept seeing on most job posts meant clinical/school. Maybe I was mistaken.
I just meant that with the information that I’ve gathered that central CA is still hiring ADNs and not pushing for BSNs as hard as northern California or southern California. It’s more of a personal game plan that I would potentially move there right after getting my ADN/RN. 

What does your pros and cons list look like?

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