What do you suggest I do to become an RN as fast as possible?

[Principessa22]

Recently, I have been feeling very discouraged. I was a nursing student at a four year BSN program on the east coast. My husband is in the military. Therefore, after I completed 2 years at the university, we moved 1,800 miles away. Unfortunately, not many of my credits transferred to any schools here and I feel like I am starting over.

I started to attend a community college here because that's what accepted most of my credits. Now we are in an area where RN programs and schools in general are scattered. We are in Leavenworth, KS. I have all of my pre-reqs/general education courses completed except for a certain few that they didn't accept. I have to retake Anatomy, Microbiology, and a humanities elective.

I met with an academic advisor at my school the other day. She said that if I started the RN program at their school, I would have to finish it because if not, those credits won't transfer to another program/school.

I was considering finishing those three classes and taking other classes that are not needed to graduate from the community college, but instead that will transfer to a BSN program. Examples: Nutrition, Statistics, Chemistry, etc. Then, I would graduate from the community college with my associate's degree in Pre-Nursing and transfer to another RN or BSN program. Is that a good idea or is there something better that you could recommend? Thank you in advance for your help and guidance!

[zoe92]

I think pre nursing is a good idea. But do you know how long you will be in Kansas? The only reason I ask is because my S/O is in the military. He is going to be stationed in Dover at the end of this month & he guaranteed at least 2 years there. If you are able to find out how long your husband will be stationed (such as at least a year), it may help you decide what to do & if you can complete a nursing program there.

[squidbillies]

If I were you, I would get my associates RN at a for-profit school. They will accept you immediately, and it's very likely that some of your nursing courses will be accepted. In theory (with the right courses already taken), you could finish in 12-16 months at a for-profit school. Expensive, yes, but perhaps your husband can transfer his post-911 gibill to you? Or you could take advantage of the spousal school program (I can't remember what it's called) and get it for free.

After your ASN/ADN, you could go to an RN-BSN online program from a state college (there are tons), and do it all online, pay less than 5k, and do it in as little as a year.

[SycamoreGuy]

I think associates and then online BSN is the way to go.

[Patti_RN]

A word of caution about for profit schools (or any poorly ranked schools)-- they are expensive, many are not well respected, and the graduates of those programs suffer as a result of their poor reputations. It's tough to find a job if you graduated from a top-tier nursing school; if you attend a poorly ranked school you may find it very, very difficult to get hired.

Many students want to hurry through nursing school (or any program) and finish in the shortest time possible. Mostly, this isn't a great idea, but in your case it's understandable.

Your current plan seems to make the most sense: finish a two year degree, then complete your BSN at an online respected college or university. If you do have to move in a couple years, you'll have your RN license and the BSN completion can be done pretty much anywhere.

[rubato, ASN, RN]

I'm assuming you're talking about KCKCC, but could be wrong. If I'm not mistaken, yes, without actually finishing the degree, the unfinished nursing credits won't transfer. But, if you are able to finish and get your associates, that degree and those credits would transfer to a BSN bridge. I think, knowing that your husband is in the military, I'd get the ASN and then see where you're at. Maybe you then bridge here, in Kansas (I live in Shawnee), or you go to another school where you'll be moving to. Or, do an online program.

I also agree with Patti that the for profit schools may not be your best bet. They are super expensive and aren't looked on as favorably as some of the local CC or state schools.