Want to be an NP but I need some advice

[MadiCherie]

It has been my calling to be a NP but I've hit a small bump in the road and I'm not sure what option is best for me. Unfortunately for me, I did not get into any of the four BSN programs I applied to. I have my CNA certification, 3.8 prerequisite GPA, 3.6 overall GPA, and I scored 88.5% on my TEAS but I guess that is not competitive enough. I have the option of going to an ADN program I was accepted to and take the RN-BSN route; or I can change my major to biology and do an accelerated program after I get my first bachelors. Either way I'm going to end up with a bachelors and then move onto grad school but I'm hoping to hear what route you took and your opinion on what you think I should do.

[CFLA.RN]

Go the ADN route and do RN-BSN online while you're working. You'll be getting the work experience you need and a lot of employers will provide tuition reimbursement for the BSN. It will also give you time to decide which area you want to be in, the field you think you want now may not be were you end up.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I personally did the ADN route because they accepted me quickly. I would personally recommend this route as it will be cheaper than getting a bachelors and then getting a 2nd bachelors. I have heard of people having difficulty getting financial aid or running out if they have to do a 2nd bachelor program. Try to remain as flexible as possible in case you have to move, but in my experience that if it is hard to get into a hospital then it will be hard to get into a hospital as a new grad overall regardless of BSN or ADN.

[MadiCherie]

Thanks guys, you've definitely reconfirmed what I was thinking!

[littlepeopleRNICU]

If you know you want to be a nurse practitioner, go the ADN route first. I did it that way and have no regrets...I wanted to get in the working field and got my ADN, worked through my BSN, and then an additional 5 years later, and am now in NP school.