Which route is most ideal

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Hello all, I posted a couple days ago about a slightly different topic, but have a revised question. I had previously been in nursing school (about 10 years ago) and got through 3 of the 4 semesters, where I failed out of the third semester (by 2 measly points) at the time I decided not to retake the class and just go a different route. I ended up with my BSW and then went on to get a Masters in ABA. I'm now comparing my options of either going to my local community college and getting my RN (a non-competitive program with a 2 year wait-list to even start), then later completing at least a BSN; there is also concurrent enrollment program through my community college and I can pick from a few different universities to complete the BSN online as I go through the RN program (more competitive, but able to start sooner). I could also apply for a post-baccalaureate BSN program at Arizona State; or apply for an MEPN program through UofA. All of these have their pros and cons, I feel like in the long run trying to get into the MEPN would get me to my goal in the most direct route, but I worry about being successful as it will be more intense and also, while I might have some financial support from my mom; working would be near impossible and I don't know that not working at all is an option. At this point though, I'm 33 and really don't want to be just starting a potentially four or five year journey to get to at least the BSN level. Any advice?

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Specializes in MSICU.

Wow, very similar story to me. And I think we are in the same area! (I am in Tucson). I was a nursing assistant the first time I went to school and was going to go into nursing but decided on social work instead, got my BSW and worked as a social worker for 10 years. As I was entering into a MSW program, I decided that I really wanted to go back to nursing.

Now I am back in school for nursing. I also considered the ABSN program at ASU, but ultimately decided on the MEPN at the UA as I didn't want to move. However, as I worked through my prerequisites, I found the concurrent enrollment program (CEP) through the community college, as you described. I don't know if you are aware, but they also have a CEP with Grand Canyon University to obtain a MSN instead of the BSN as with the other universities. My community college is Pima, but if you are in Phoenix, the Maricopa schools also have this GCU CEP.

I just went through the application cycle and applied to the Pima/GCU CEP and to the MEPN program. I was accepted to both programs but decided to accept the Pima/GCU seat and turned down the MEPN seat. The Pima/GCU program it is far less expensive than the MEPN (less than 30k for both the community college and the full MSN program through GCU combined vs almost 45k for the MEPN), and also because it is a less intense program and I feel I will be better prepared to work as a nurse. Not to mention that the reputation of Pima graduates is much better than the UA graduates in the nursing community here in Tucson (at least this is what I have repeatedly heard).

Just an FYI, if you decide that a BSN is more efficient for you and you happen to be in Tucson, NAU has a traditional BSN program offered in Tucson as well. It is an excellent program. I would actually really love to attend that program (I did apply and am waiting to hear back), however I think may end up keeping the Pima/GCU seat either way as I think it would be smarter for me to obtain the MSN over the BSN.

Anyway, feel free to PM of you have question! I have really spent the last 2 years of my life going through this same process and decaying making and did a TON of research into these options!

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Specializes in MSICU.

Re-reading your post, it seems you are in the Phoenix area. In which case I would definitely recommend the GCU CEP with the community college. You bypass the waitlist there and still ultimately end up with the master's degree. And GCU offers a traditional MSN, while the MEPN is technically a MS-RN degree.

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I guess i’m too new to private message you, but yeah I do live in the Phoenix area. I just went to an info session at the community college and found out about the GCU program, it definitely does sound like a great potential option, but I need to do some more research into the school. The ASU Post bac program would get me through the quickest, assuming I can get in and would give me a chance to find a masters program down the road that fits more with what i’d ideally want to focus in, but I haven’t done a lot of research to see what other schools have to offer as far as concentrations. I may also be partial to ASU because I work as an enrollment advisor for some of their other online programs.

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Specializes in MSICU.

Oh yes, I can see why ASU might be a good option for you... especially if you would get a tuition break as an employee? That would be great as I know the ABSN is also quite expensive! Good luck with whatever you choose!

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Specializes in Child Welfare.
On 4/10/2019 at 11:33 AM, araew2129 said:

Wow, very similar story to me. And I think we are in the same area! (I am in Tucson). I was a nursing assistant the first time I went to school and was going to go into nursing but decided on social work instead, got my BSW and worked as a social worker for 10 years. As I was entering into a MSW program, I decided that I really wanted to go back to nursing.

Now I am back in school for nursing. I also considered the ABSN program at ASU, but ultimately decided on the MEPN at the UA as I didn't want to move. However, as I worked through my prerequisites, I found the concurrent enrollment program (CEP) through the community college, as you described. I don't know if you are aware, but they also have a CEP with Grand Canyon University to obtain a MSN instead of the BSN as with the other universities. My community college is Pima, but if you are in Phoenix, the Maricopa schools also have this GCU CEP.

I just went through the application cycle and applied to the Pima/GCU CEP and to the MEPN program. I was accepted to both programs but decided to accept the Pima/GCU seat and turned down the MEPN seat. The Pima/GCU program it is far less expensive than the MEPN (less than 30k for both the community college and the full MSN program through GCU combined vs almost 45k for the MEPN), and also because it is a less intense program and I feel I will be better prepared to work as a nurse. Not to mention that the reputation of Pima graduates is much better than the UA graduates in the nursing community here in Tucson (at least this is what I have repeatedly heard).

Just an FYI, if you decide that a BSN is more efficient for you and you happen to be in Tucson, NAU has a traditional BSN program offered in Tucson as well. It is an excellent program. I would actually really love to attend that program (I did apply and am waiting to hear back), however I think may end up keeping the Pima/GCU seat either way as I think it would be smarter for me to obtain the MSN over the BSN.

Anyway, feel free to PM of you have question! I have really spent the last 2 years of my life going through this same process and decaying making and did a TON of research into these options!

Hi, there! This is so similar to what I have been contemplating on doing. I am about to finish my BSW this December and I'm almost positive I won't be going after my MSW and switching to nursing. With that said, I've been looking into programs and I think the CEP RN/MSN with PCC and GCU is the best option for me for all the reasons you mentioned. Is it an actual MSN or is it similar to the MEPN where you get your RN and (I think) a masters in science? Could you give an update on how it's been and where you're at now? Also, do hospitals hire this degree the same as a BSN since you don't earn a BSN with this degree? Tried to PM you, but it didn't let me. Thanks in advance! 

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