I’m currently a high school senior that takes classes at the local CC through dual enrollment. I applied to around eight 4-year university BSN programs, one of them being my dream school: Simmons College. I was accepted there with a good scholarship, but it’s still $30k a year. Because of this, I’m considering staying at the CC for their RN program and transferring to Simmons (or another school) for an RN-BSN program. The only major pro to this is being able to graduate with less debt. However, I don’t want to miss out on a spot in the nursing program at my dream school and the opportunities (such as internships) available at the great hospitals in the Boston area. Can anyone provide some insight on this? Are there any downsides to an RN to BSN program?
RN to BSN programs are often geared to part time students who have been practicing nurses for a few years. Hospital employers will often pay the tuition for these part time programs.
What is the RN licensing exam pass rate for the CC program? What is their job placement like? Does that program have any formal articulation agreements with BSN programs that would guarantee a smooth transfer for you?
If the exam rate and job placement are good, attending the CC will get you started on your career wbout two years sooner, and will save you a lot of tuition money. Once you are working, it is likely that your employer will help pay to upgrade to a BSN. If money is a big issue for your family, this could be a wise financial choice.
here is a list of the RN to BSN programs in Mass, where it sounds like you want to go to school http://www.rntobsn.org/states/massachusetts/
The ADN (associates degree in Nursing) to BSN path is increasingly popular these days. You save money and the cost is often significantly less. It is usually easier to get into a RN → BSN program than it is to a direct-admit nursing program, and you eliminate the risk of not being accepted into the nursing program if you go to a non-direct-admit school. Downsides include not getting the same college experience as those attending all 4 years at the same college and for those who decide nursing isn’t for them it isn’t as easy to change majors and get onto a new track as it would be at a 4-year college.