What is the best option?

[cas0043]

In a year I will graduate from school with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. I've been looking around at nursing programs and between the traditional BSN and the accelerated BSN which one would be my best option? Would I necessarily have to go the accelerated route or could I chose to do the traditional route and hope that most of my pre-reqs transfer over?

Thanks!

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

I would go through an accelerated version that way you don't have to spend an additional 3+ years in doing another bachelors. That, or doing a Direct-Entry program for your MSN.

[elkpark]

You would not have to spend "another 3+ years" in a traditional BSN program. Lots of them will transfer people with previous degrees in, and you would just need to complete the actual nursing classes, which are typically set up as two years of full-time study (assuming the courses you could transfer in would meet all the general education requirements for the BSN). Accelerated programs are typically 15-18 months, so an accelerated program would presumably save some time, but those programs are extremely rigorous and demanding and people are encouraged not to work at all during the programs. Also, they are usually pretty expensive. If you were able to transfer into a traditional BSN program, it might only take a semester or so longer, might well end up costing quite a bit less, and you might be able to work part- or full-time during the program.

I'm not saying that's definitely the best choice for you; just that you should look at all your options before making a decision. There is also the possibility of doing an ADN through a community college, or a diploma program if there are any near you. Best wishes for your journey!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

talk to the school advisor about your degree program. I have a feeling the accelerated program will suit you, but each school and each state has different requirements for graduation.

[krisiepoo]

noone can really answer that for you because it depends on you, the colleges, the curriculum, etc... I couldn't have done the accelerated degree because I have bills to pay that require FT work. find out what works best for you and then choose :)

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Hope is not a plan. If you want to find out how many of your credits will transfer into an accelerated BSN program, get a copy of your transcript and make an appointment to discuss it with the admissions officers of a few programs.

There are also several BS-in-anything-to-MN programs, and you might want to consider those.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

thread moved for best response

[RunBabyRN]

Look at the schools you're considering applying to. I know my program accepts 2nd bacc students, even though the university itself isn't accepting them. My BSN program is 2 years.

Look at the overall cost- I know some aBSN can be expensive. Can you handle the added workload of an aBSN right now?

I say get your transcripts to the schools you're considering applying to, and find out for sure what transfers over and what you might need to retake. Yes, it costs money to get the transcripts, but peace of mind is priceless.

[Remilekun]

If you don't want to spend extra time getting the specific pre-regs done I would do the accelerated programs. On the other hand though, I'm in class with some of the accelerated students and they complain about the pace of the program. Personally, I wouldn't do an accelerated program because I want to go at a traditional pace and glean everything I can.