Lately I've been contemplating what would make the most sense. I have all but 3 of my ASN pre reqs satisfied, and I'm not sure how many BSN. But I was set on getting my ASN then doing the bridge program - now I'm not too sure.
I'm currently taking chem, will be taking ap 1&2 in fall, as well as retaking political science, then microbiology and sociology in the spring. Ive thought about just going straight through. I do have two kids, not employed, and I'm just not sure lately.
What made you decide? Or more so helped you decide?
I went for my ASN because I already had 1 Bachelor's degree, and not enough money to even consider an ABSN program. My ASN program was well respected and I learned a great deal, got hired before graduating even. I took a year off to learn to be a nurse, and now I'm 1.5 semesters away from graduating with my BSN and I just hit my 2 year "being a nurse" anniversary. I'm paying for my BSN completely out of pocket too. I'm happy with the way I've done things, I wouldn't change it if I had the chance.
I went for my ADN for several reasons (I was also accepted to an LPN program but chose the ADN route)
1. I went back to the same school I graduated with my bachelors from 20 years ago - they accepted all my credits so the only pre-reqs were A&P and Micro
2. They have an RN-BSN program that I will be automatically accepted to because I got my ADN from them
3. I need to get back into the workforce - I've got 2 school age kids, a mortgage and 2 car payments...
4. The local hospitals love new grads - and hire us ADN's over some of the other schools BSN's because we are better prepared
5. the only local ABSN program requires ridiculous pre-reqs like 12 credits of religion/philosophy/theology (as it is religiously affiliated) and at $500+ per credit it seemed hardly worth it!
Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.
I went for my ADN for several reasons (I was also accepted to an LPN program but chose the ADN route)
1. I went back to the same school I graduated with my bachelors from 20 years ago - they accepted all my credits so the only pre-reqs were A&P and Micro
2. They have an RN-BSN program that I will be automatically accepted to because I got my ADN from them
3. I need to get back into the workforce - I've got 2 school age kids, a mortgage and 2 car payments...
4. The local hospitals love new grads - and hire us ADN's over some of the other schools BSN's because we are better prepared
5. the only local ABSN program requires ridiculous pre-reqs like 12 credits of religion/philosophy/theology (as it is religiously affiliated) and at $500+ per credit it seemed hardly worth it!
Haha where do you live? My local hospital has a thing on their career website saying no more new grads! Lol
Parental pressure, haha. My parents are very much against loans, and my dad was an alumni of the local community college. In the end, it was worth it because I graduated debt free and am working as an RN while working towards a BSN.
Thanks - yes, I'm not married to this course of action by any means, but it's the path I'm pursuing right now.
I'm so afraid of getting roped back into a desk job if I have a BSN, which would make the many sacrifices I've made to study nursing in mid-life almost meaningless.
Like most of the posters, it was the cost that was the deciding factor for me as well. Even with being accepted into the nursing program, I am still debating whether to take more Mathematics courses. While doing the pre-reqs, I found out that I was pretty good in Math and my instructors have told me I would be an awesome Math teacher! Go figure!
I went for my ASN because I already had 1 Bachelor's degree and not enough money to even consider an ABSN program. My ASN program was well respected and I learned a great deal, got hired before graduating even. I took a year off to learn to be a nurse, and now I'm 1.5 semesters away from graduating with my BSN and I just hit my 2 year "being a nurse" anniversary. I'm paying for my BSN completely out of pocket too. I'm happy with the way I've done things, I wouldn't change it if I had the chance.[/quote']
This is exactly my story! I have my bachelors degree and the ABSN program in my area is $90k. That's JUST for the program, not living expenses!! So I am starting an ADN program in the fall for about $2000 total. I am hoping that between my husbands job and what I've saved we won't need any loans for living expenses but we will have to see... Either way, graduating with little to no debt is much better in my opinion.
Also the community college I will be attending has a very strong tie with one if the hospital systems in my area and it is highly reputable. Once I graduate, I will do the bridge program from the school I got my BA from.
This route just worked better for me and my husband!
The deciding factor for me was the cost. I already have a Bachelors so I am not eligible for grants. I will be paying for nursing school out of pocket so that was the deciding factor for me. Otherwise, I would have gone for the ABSN.
Same for me I have a B.S. in Biology no grants available and i've maxed out on my undergrad loan eligibiliy so its going to be outta pocket for me plus what ever scholarships i can earn. And heck in the long run I save about 25k in costs by going this route. Earn my RN at a C.C. then earn my BSN in a completion program.
Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP
1,004 Posts
I went for my ASN because I already had 1 Bachelor's degree, and not enough money to even consider an ABSN program. My ASN program was well respected and I learned a great deal, got hired before graduating even. I took a year off to learn to be a nurse, and now I'm 1.5 semesters away from graduating with my BSN and I just hit my 2 year "being a nurse" anniversary. I'm paying for my BSN completely out of pocket too. I'm happy with the way I've done things, I wouldn't change it if I had the chance.