What path should I take?

If you dont want to be a cna im not sure why you are going in nursing...either way its going to take time any path you go on. Im taking the community college route. Im just starting my pre-reqs this semester and should get in fall 09.

Move to bakersfield and go to Bakersfield College to get your Assoc. Its pretty easy to get into the program (in comparison to most california colleges anyway) and they start a new class every semester, so even if you didnt get in your first semester, youd only have to wait one more semester to try again. About 60-80% of applicants get in the first time they apply, so you would probly have a good shot. if that plan doesnt appeal to you, i would def either go accelerated bsn route or get your lvn. If you went the medical assisting route while waiting to get into the nursing program, it seems like it would kind of be a waste of time if nursing is really what you want to do. hope that helps!

Thank you so much for the info. I will definitely look into Bakersfield. Not my first choice of living, but I don't care anymore! I think you are right about the medical assistant thing...doesn't make much sense. I guess I'll also look into accelerated programs as well. I really don't want to go the private school route if I don't have to...I hate debt!!

Best of luck to you as well!

I Live In Bakersfield Right Now And I Moved Down Here From The Central Coast. Its Not As Bad As People Say. Its Not Much To Look At But The People Are Cool And Theres Lots Of Things To Do On The Weekend. The Nursing Program Has A Really Good Reputation. Also, Remember That Once You Get Your Assoc. You Can Always Do An Online Bridge Program If You Want Your Bsn Down The Road Good Luck!

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration & I hate debt too. I chose the Community College route & it will cost approx $10,000. The school has a great reputation in the area, I will get my ADN & become an RN...... BUT not until 2010!

The nursing program is a 2 year program, but ..... I was missing 6 pre-req's. So I took A&PI, Chem, Psych & PE last semester and will be taking A&PII and Micro beginning next week. So this entire nursing experience will take me about 3 years.

You say you can't stand the thought of waiting that long, so if I were you, I'd check into an advanced BSN route. I don't have a lot of info since this isn't the route I chose, but I think you could be done in 18 (or so) months? It will cost more, but you can apply for scholarships & take out a loan.

I want to pursue my BSN or MSN later, but I plan on finding an employer with tuition assistance/reimbursement. Since I already have a bachelors, I don't know if that means I can/should skip the BSN route & jump straight to MSN? Or would I have to have most of the classses from the BSN degree anyways.....

For anyone who is reading this that happens to know~ can a person jump straight from a Bachelor's degree (in anything~not nursing & not currently an RN) to the MSN program? How long would that take? Maybe that would be a route you could take.... it might be a little longer than the advanced BSN program, but worth it in the end?

How far do you want to go with your nursing career & how long do you want to go to school? Thinking about these things may help you decide.

Thanks for all the advice. Arabmagic I am 99% positive you can go get your MSN if you are an RN with a previous degree in another field. I've been looking into programs in my area, SFSU and Sonoma State University which both offer such programs. That's why I don't want to go the BSN route...it doesn't make sense when I am eligible to get an MSN. Hope that helps...there you should search for MSN programs in your area and I'm sure you'll find a lot of options and can skip the BSN when you are finished with your ADN. Best of luck!!

I I chose the Community College route & it will cost approx $10,000.

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You say you can't stand the thought of waiting that long, so if I were you, I'd check into an advanced BSN route.

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How far do you want to go with your nursing career & how long do you want to go to school? Thinking about these things may help you decide.

What's your ultimate career goal? The amount of schooling depends upon this. Say you want to become a CRNA then you'll definitely need a BSN to apply to the program. If you don't mind just working on a floor and not moving up into management then depending upon your state the ADN program may be sufficient.

I understand that in some states there is a grave difference in what ADN and BSN nurses get paid. It just depends upon what your goals in nursing are.

As for becoming a CNA, if you don't have medical experience and/or are challenged by whether you really want to do nursing or not I think that is a good place to start. Working as a cna or dcw can help prepare you. Good luck.