Which program to choose???

Music in My Heart · Dec 18, 2008

Of course they're not all the same.

You have three degree options: AS, BS, MS

There are accelerated programs (they're shorter but more intense) or traditional programs.

Some programs utilize online classes as part of the program.

Which is best depends on what you want, what are your values, where you can get in, how quickly you want to be done, and how much money you have to spend on the process.

Public schools are cheaper but generally take longer to get in to. Private schools are often (not always) easier to get in to but are much more expensive.

2nd-BS programs and MS programs typically admit by means of a competitive process which means that - if you're admitted - there's generally no waiting period. Such programs typically run 12-18 months.

Regardless of degree (AS, BS, MS), you will be ready to sit for the licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN.

Lovelymo79 · Dec 18, 2008

I'm like you..I have a BA in English and I presently work in legal marketing. I worked at a hospital a couple of years after I graduated from college..and wanted to go into nursing then..but NO..had to work in Corporate America first..lol. Now, I'm bored out of my mind and looking to go into nursing.

My cousin is in an accelerated BSN program (she also has a BA already) but I've decided that's not for me. I'm really interested in getting as much clinical time as possible and it's just not enough for me in those programs (more theory than clinical). Besides, I HAVE to work and it's advisable that you don't in an accelerated BSN program.

I'm considering associate and diploma programs. I leaning more towards diploma programs now because the ones near me are spokem HIGHLY of (as well as the associate program)..I like the fact that they are associated with a hospital..and I'll be able to start this fall instead of next spring (which is the case for the associate program I'm considering). However, the associate program I'm considering is considerably cheaper...

Note also that some diploma programs also offer you the option to get an associate by taking an extra class. However, I'm not too concerned about that because 1) we all take the NCLEX and become RNs and 2) with my BA, I can do an RN-MSN program and skip the BSN..so I'm leaning towards that.

Decisions, decisions! :-)

Good luck!

Music in My Heart · Dec 18, 2008

My cousin is in an accelerated BSN program (she also has a BA already) but I've decided that's not for me. I'm really interested in getting as much clinical time as possible and it's just not enough for me in those programs (more theory than clinical).

Of course I can only speak for the programs of which I have personal knowledge but the clinical hours at the public and private school programs around here are all just about the same -- the minimum required by the state.

Our DEMSN program has the same number of clinical contact hours as the local ADN program.

"Accelerated" doesn't equal "fewer contact hours."

That said, a diploma program may provide more clinical contact hours; I wouldn't know because they don't exist around here.

Lovelymo79 · Dec 19, 2008

I think it all depends on what state and school..but the one I've looked at so far..I think overall, the diploma/ADN programs are more clinical hours. For example, the diploma program I'm looking at..4 days a week..2 days in lecture..2 days in clinical in a week A lot of the programs i know of (atleast starting off)..there is 1 day of clinical in a week.

But, maybe they catch up the further along in school you are.

The best advice..it all depends on your schedule, finances, etc. But, definitely do your research..and good luck!

SiennaGreen · Dec 19, 2008

It really is so individual. You MUST do your homeowkr and look at all your personal factors.

I would have preferred a direct entry masters or an accelerated program. Unfortunately, my GPA in my previous BS wasn't high enough to be competitive PLUS they are all very expensive around here. I finished any pre req's I had left at my local CC and applied to both the ADN at that CC and a Trad. BSN program.

I was accepted at both, and ended up choosing the CC ADN program because of cost factor (20% of cost of the BSN), proximity to my home, and hours. (I have child care limitations) This does mean that I will either take an RN to BSN bridge course after graduation or go hrough an RN to MSN program when I've had enough experiance to begin grad school.

Everyone has a different story though. Gather all you can. See what related to you and toss the rest. (or file it away for later because it is likely that you will reevaluate all your options several times!)

nursing8648 · Dec 19, 2008

I am going through the same thing! I have a BS in HRM, and want to change careers to become a nurse. The program that I am hoping to get into is a 2nd Degree Accelerated BSN program that will award me a BSN upon successful completion and I will be able to take the NCLEX-RN test. It is a 3 semester course, and I need 5 science pre-reqs to begin the program, but they let you apply prior to getting them done. You just have to have them completed before the program starts. This seems like the quickest and best option for me, although I am unsure if I will be able to get in Fall 2009 or will have to wait until 2010.

Serenity4984 · Dec 23, 2008

Thank you all for your responses. Very helpful! Does anyone have any program suggestions in California?

serasarah18 · Dec 23, 2008

I think the best way to go as you're looking is to get started immediately on the prereqs. That was the limiting factor for me. Every school differs in what they want, but the three science classes that all schools require are microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. Google accelerated, or second degree programs in California and I'm sure you'll find some. Keep track and look up what their requirements are. Look into cal state schools, university of san francisco, ucla, ucsf; they are just a few examples. California tends to have a lot more prereqs than east coast schools which is why I didn't apply to any schools in cali (I'm also from california). Last month I applied for Hopkins, because they didn't require many classes and now I'll be starting next fall. They had an accelerated program, traditional program, and a masters combined program. Most schools in california didn't have as many options just in one school. But if you know what you want then it shouldn't be hard to narrow down a list of schools in cali. Keep in mind, if you do decide to go for a combined masters, you will be required to take the GREs as well. Hope this helps! It's overwhelming, but it's all worth it in the end.

Serenity4984 · Dec 23, 2008

It does thank you....I am trying to register for my pre reqs at saddleback community college but they are all full so I have to try and bump in the first day of class

serasarah18 · Dec 23, 2008

Yeah all these classes are impacted, because they're required for many students. I didn't get the best times either, but just be persistent and you'll get in somewhere. A lot of students drop out after the second or third exam.

Hanabna · Dec 23, 2008

Take your pre-reqs at community college and then you can go to Cal State Long beach, cal state fullerton, or Concordia University in Irvine. They have a second bachelor degree program.