USF Accelerated vs. St. Pete College ASN

[Kellacan]

I currently attend st. Pete College...doing pre-reqs. I was just wondering what those of you think about this.......

I had discussed the possibility of applying to USF's Accelerated program with a St. Pete College nursing student who said that she heard that if you do not have a medical background USF's program will extremely rigorous. Not that I am afraid of a challenge by any means but I want to make sure I am well prepared. I see the advantage of USF's program- BSN in 2 years sounds good to me...I will definitely want a BSN b/c I want to get a Masters eventually so its really a time issue.

I thought maybe some USF Accelerated students could give some thoughts on the curriculum, especially if they do not have a medical background.

Thanks for any responses!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I have precepted the accellerated students. I'm presuming you have a degree in another field, and no it doesn't have to be medical related. Once you have your pre-reqs done (A&P, Micro, etc.) the program is one year of intense study and clinicals basically cramming 2 years of nursing school into one, but not the two years like SPC, it's that plus courses such as community health, research, leadership, ethics, etc. It takes a lot of discipline and focus and you can't work a job.

All that said, I think it's definately something I would recommend for you because it fits in with your long term goals nicely. It's a great program and the students have a high pass rate on NCLEX.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[Kellacan]

I do have a degree in an unrelated field. I didn't think that USF required a degree in a medical field. I was just wondering if their program was extremely difficult for someone without any medical background at all.

I think you are right though. With hard work & discipline it can be done. I just want to be prepared for what I would be getting into if I decided USF was the way to go.

I also have a time issue. I can get into St. Pete College in Aug. 08 and apply while I am taking Micro over the summer. To apply to USF you have to have all pre-reqs completed before applying so I would be out of school for a whole semester and would not be able to begin their program until Jan 09.

I am just so excited and really want to get started into a program so I am just exploring my options. I am really just not sure about which path to take.

Thank you so much for your response.

[LeavingTeaching4RN]

Since you have a degree, you can do either program. If you do the ASN program, you can then, do an RN to MSN bridge program. I faced the same delimna. I will get a BSN only if I decide to become a CRNA because admission into those programs are quite competitive. If I decide to get an MSN in education, leadership/administration, or become an ARNP, I will simply do the bridge program.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Good luck!