Which program would you choose?

[araew2129, ADN]

I already have a Bachelor's in Social Work degree and worked in child welfare case management for about 10 years. I was planning to enter a Master's in Social Work program, but decided I was really more interested in the medical field and would love to eventually become a RN case manager. I have completed prereqs and am currently applying to nursing school. I am very torn between 2 programs:

1) A concurrent enrollment program between our community college and a university. Spend 2 years doing the ADN program and online theory work, awarded an ADN, can sit for NCLEX and begin working bedside. Continue online theory work for 1.5 years and earn a MSN. Total cost for ADN and MSN portions is just under 30k.

2) A traditional BSN program. Takes 2.5 years to complete program, then taking the NCLEX and begin bedside. Total cost is just over 20k.

I wonder what you would recommend? My inclination is to go for the MSN program because if I do need the MSN for RN CM positions, this seems like the most cost effective way to have that degree. My concern is continuing school during my first 1.5 years of learning to be a nurse. I understand the learning curve that first year entails, I experienced it in social work as well. Plus, if a BSN is an acceptable degree for CM positions, I may rather save that extra 10k in school costs. Not to mention that this BSN program has a 100% NCLEX pass rate and a very small cohort, so it is an excellent education.

Either way, I do plan on 3-5 years of bedside nursing before transitioning to CM (so long as, in practice, I find that this is still the path I want to be on. I understand my nursing experience may lead me elsewhere). I should mention that in my area, ADN nurses do get hired at hospitals, and our community college ADN prrogram has an excellent reputation.

I am applying to both programs, so perhaps the choice will be made for me if I only get into one of them! But in case I were to be accepted to both, which would you recommend? 

[Luchador, CNA, EMT-B]

Find out which one gives students a better clinical experience. My school is awesome with a 4 to 1 or even 1 to 1 teacher/student ratio. At another school in the area the students can't even find their instructor during clinicals.

[araew2129, ADN]

So is 4:1 a good clinical ratio? I believe that is what the ADN program offers. I have an advising appt for the BSN program this week and will ask there as well. Thank you for the advice!

[Golden_RN, MSN]

You shouldn't need an MSN to work in case mgt.

You don't mention pre-reqs, so the time to finish those is something to keep in mind. The different programs might have slightly different pre-req requirements.

[araew2129, ADN]

I am done with prereqs for all the programs I am applying to and have already turned in my applications. Thank you so much for the feedback on the need for a MSN degree ?