Published Oct 13, 2016
Macdeddy05
23 Posts
Hi I am a mom of a 3 year old and just had my second child. I already have my lpn license but would like to go back to get my b.s.n. Does anyone know a good online school I can enroll in for cheap? I don't want to return back to work right away right now.
Devon Rex, ADN, BSN
556 Posts
Hello Macdeddy05,
Going from LPN to BSN is quite a journey. First, let's make a distinction... LPN is a license, so it's RN. The Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are college degrees.
In order to get to BSN, you have to go through ASN. Now, you may decide to take the NCLEX-RN after you complete the BSN (which I don't recommend), or take it right after the ASN.
The ASN programs are not offered online (not that I've ever heard/seen of). That is because they include a clinical component throughout the semesters. So you will be practicing your new skills with fellow classmates in different places and scenarios.
There are plenty of BSN programs online. If you want cheap, but reputable... look for public institutions in your state; private are definitely more expensive. However, there is no way around the ASN clinicals. So you will need to spend time away from home and the kids, so a supportive family is very important.
My recommendation: go to an institution where you plan on pursuing the ASN. Find out which, if any, prerequisite classes you are missing. Take those classes. Then decide when you want/can start nursing school and ensure your supportive network is behind you on this. Otherwise, you will find yourself choosing between your children's immediate needs and nursing school.
Hope this helps.
Buyer beware, BSN
1,139 Posts
Hello Macdeddy05,Going from LPN to BSN is quite a journey. First, let's make a distinction... LPN is a license, so it's RN. The Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are college degrees.In order to get to BSN, you have to go through ASN. Now, you may decide to take the NCLEX-RN after you complete the BSN (which I don't recommend), or take it right after the ASN.The ASN programs are not offered online (not that I've ever heard/seen of). That is because they include a clinical component throughout the semesters. So you will be practicing your new skills with fellow classmates in different places and scenarios.There are plenty of BSN programs online. If you want cheap, but reputable... look for public institutions in your state; private are definitely more expensive. However, there is no way around the ASN clinicals. So you will need to spend time away from home and the kids, so a supportive family is very important.My recommendation: go to an institution where you plan on pursuing the ASN. Find out which, if any, prerequisite classes you are missing. Take those classes. Then decide when you want/can start nursing school and ensure your supportive network is behind you on this. Otherwise, you will find yourself choosing between your children's immediate needs and nursing school.Hope this helps.
Devon Rex is right!!!
But for you, no for-profits. They will eat you alive when they find out your demographic/situation: "young mother, LPN, with 3 year old and new baby who wants to go back to school."
Go to (collegescorecard.ed.gov) to look around and avoid the the predatory soft-soapers. It's a good way to, in an unbiased format, shop.