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Discussion

Very troubled, Accelerated program or transfer?

Hi, I recently began to consider the route of nursing, after originally planning on going to grad school to become a PA.

What changed my mind was the fact that I am almost sure I want to get in to pediatrics or neonatology, and I know that NP's have the edge over PA's in that area. Also, I know that PA's are trained in the medical model, and have recently been realizing I don't think I am quite cut out for that personally.

Right now I am going into my sophmore year of undergrad for Biology at a SUNY school that does not offer nursing.

My question is, what would be the better path:

Transfer to a school that offers nursing as a major, or get my bachelors in Bio here, then do an accelerated program after that? What are the pro's and con's to both?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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    • Expert

    Either route can be OK -- assuming that the nursing program is of good quality.

    However, I would recommend the traditional route if that is reasonably availability to you for the following reasons.

    1. Many of the accelerated programs are so intense and go so fast that students have trouble really absorbing it all. Going at a slower (traditional pace) provides the opportunity to learn things a little more thoroughly -- it gives you "time to think" as you get exposed to the material. It works for some students, but not for others.

    2. Why spend the money (and time) on biology courses that you don't need? A lot of people say, "Education is never wasted," and that is true ... but spending another 3 full years getting a biology degree will do little for your nursing career -- and will cost a lot of money and time that you may want later.

    3. Also, once you actually get a BS degree, it limits the type of financial aid you can get. You are planning to go to grad school. It will be expensive. Use whatever financial eligibility you have to invest in nursing -- not a biology career you don't want.

    4. If you decide you don't like nursing (in your junior or senior year of nursing school) ... you will have invested less and have more options if you are still an undergrad. If you wait until you already have the BS in biology and are also half-way through your accelerated nursing program to actually experience any nursing and find you don't like it, you will be in a worse situation.

    That is why I think that in your particular situation, it would be better to switch to nursing now and get the BSN as an undergraduate. Then you can go to grad school with your hospital employer helping to pay for it while you work as an RN.

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    • Author

    Alright, thanks so much for the feedback.

    Since you recommend transferring, and it seems like the better option, can anyone post their opinions on good schools to transfer to?

    I would prefer to stay in the SUNY schools if possible.

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