Which program do I pursue at age 44?

[LaniMacho]

I'm looking to start over after being an LVN in Texas years ago. My license is inactive, in good standing. Rectivating it is a logistical nightmare because I moved to a compact state. It's not worth it to get that license back, especially when I haven't worked in over 10 years. I want to get my BSN now that my kids are getting older.

Im looking at 3 options. All have positives and huge negatives. So I'm asking for help.

Option 1 is a local community college. It's the cheapest. I can get my Associates, but I'd be finishing right about the time all local hospitals will be forcing ADNs to get their BSN or leave the hospital setting. I know I can bridge, but that makes the process that much longer.

Option 2 is a traditional 4 year university. The most expensive option. Obviously the most direct route. However, competition is fierce and I do worry how competitive my old self would be against 20 year olds. And honestly, at this age, I don't have the time to apply year after year.

Option 3 is an accredited "for profit" school that offers a BSN degree. My credits would actually transfer if I hated it. It's just a little cheaper than the 4 year college (only because of a military discount). They do give me about 9 hours of credit for LVN and they guarantee 5 spots in their BSN program from students who are bridging. But, I've heard some good things and some not so good things, especially about financial aid and them finding new ways to get you spend money. I want my degree to be taken seriously. (I did verify that they are accredited by the same people who accredit the other schools, so that's a plus, but the negative things I hear still make me nervous.)

its time to enroll, so any advice/experience would be helpful and much appreciated.

[rquinn0111]

Me too, same boat. I'm aiming for option 1. I'm almost done with my prerequisites at a community college. If the BSN doesn't work out financially, I'll go ADN route. The main reason I didn't jump on the ADN is because my community college's nursing program is under probation.

[Sp2017]

I think Option 1 is the best choice for you because you don't have to deal with high competition "against 20 yr olds". Most ADN programs are lottery-based and cheap. As long as you are qualified, you have a same chance like others.

[CRGRN]

LaniMacho,

From your text it sounds to me that you prefer option 3 but may want to research the additional costs first. You have trepidation and all manner of concerns about this pursuit, which is only natural and reasonable.

are you ready to make a plan? (most important) are you committed to do this?

At your age, you have many yrs of nursing heaven and hell ahead of you, perhaps even advanced placement nursing, if you desire it.

Assoc degree with transfer to a Baccalaureate program is a good option. As another nurse recommended, make sure your credits transfer and apply toward your BSN. My opinion is to absolutely directly obtain a BSN, via community college to a 4 yr school or directly from a Baccalaureate program. There is a movement within nursing to set the minimum educational requirement for a RN at the doctoral level. That won't happen for many years. Look how long it took for a BSN to become the (pseudo) standard.

There is no denying the benefit of education for employability and enhanced wages and autonomy. You can't lose by moving forward, regardless of the educational path you choose. That's one of the truly wonderful things about nursing. Your experience is going to benefit patients and less experienced nurses (regardless of degree status). It's all good.

Best wishes, and please do get back in the workforce. You're needed.

[Bumex, DNP, NP]

I would go option 1 or 2. Even for profits with better reps are still not going to be as good as either of your first two choices.