yes i am interested

DermNP2Be · May 1, 2007

If you already have a BA, getting an ADN may not be the shortest or most logical route (depending on whether you may want to go further in the future). There's a lot of direct entry programs that you only need a Bachelor's and the required nursing prereqs for- and the direct entry program typically only takes about a year and you leave with a BSN. Also, depending on the University, if the nursing portion of the program doesn't begin until the Junior year, you can complete the BSN in 2 years (once again as long as you have your nursing prereqs done).

RNDreamer · May 1, 2007

check out accelerated programs in NYC for students with bach degrees:

NYU

Columbia

Pace U.

Molloy

Adelphi (?)

dragonwarrior · May 2, 2007

well with the BSN...i would have to take pretty much all the prereqs since i hadnt taken them in college. that will take a while and cost a lot.

with the ASN, it seems like most prereqs are 4-5 classes and it will be lot cheaper.

DermNP2Be · May 2, 2007

The prereqs for the BSN program I got accepted to (as well as some other Universities) were the same for all the ADN programs I was looking at- I mean EXACTLY the same. The only difference is that for the BSN you had to have general education requirements, which I had from just my simple Associates degree. But the science prereqs were the same. That is why they will take someone for an accelerated program if they have a Bachelors degree; because the BSN just mainly involves more general education requirements than the ADN does.

CRNA2BKY · May 2, 2007

I already had 1 bachelors degree, and wanted to change my career and become an RN. I had to look at all my options, and I decided the quickest way for me to get into the field was actually get a 2nd bachelors degree. I am now in an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, and I will have my BSN in 1 more year. Then I can go on later and get a masters degree. So, you may want to check out accelerated BSN programs, as it may be faster and more valuable (potentially) for you to get a bachelors in nursing over an associates degree in nursing. Hope this helps.

MollyMel · May 2, 2007

I'm trying to not repeat too much info here, I hope it isn't too disjointed.

A major problem with the accelerated programs is that you usually can't work. But that is what student loans are for ;-) Also, many people I have heard from in regular nursing programs find the work load is so intense they don't want to work the second year anyway.

Many ASn's still require the pre-reqs. Places like BMCC you still need to take the A&P and a couple others before you apply. (cheap CUNY or community college programs can be really hard to get into mostly because of their price). Phillips Beth Israel doesn't require pre-reqs to start, but doing some classes (A&P, Micro Psych) at BMCC or another community college still ends up being cheaper.

If you want to go on to get a Masters it is important to make sure the ASn you are doing will tranfer well. Most 2 year colleges do have articulation agreements with BSn granting institutions though.

Ultimately what I have noticed is there is no one perfect path for everyone (even if they have similar situations). Go visit as many schools as possible, make speadsheets or lists to compare them, calculate tuitions, surf chat rooms (but take all advice with a grain of salt, even this) talk to anyone who will listen. Picking a nursing school I have found is surprisingly personal and you have to go with what feels right in your gut.

good luck, nothing compares to when that right school finally says yes!

edit

Also, taking pre reqs at a CC can be a good way to up your attractiveness to schools, I had a 3.0 from my bachelors, but am getting 4 A's this semester, it shows I am ready to buckle down and work. Schools like that for returning students.

I would tell the volunteed coordinator at the hospital you want to be a nurse so they will give you an assignment with patient contact or some nurse assisting (that's what I did).