I was BSN many years ago at a private college in WI because of the state programs having limitations in their program after the first or first two years of college. A familiar thing continuing. A HS friend of mine went to U - WI and was able to complete the BSN program - she had the advantage of being an only child of two highly educated academicians and could navigate through the culling process. I was strong in sciences, and the private school I went to was a school of successes - almost everyone completed the program because they truly educated. I was highly motivated, and actually completed a double major in 8 semesters. Back then, the differential between state and private education cost was pretty narrow - about $1300/year (my brother went to U - WI; he was a grade ahead of me).
A large ‘direct admit’ program is called ‘nursing scholars program’ at UABirmingham. One has to apply by Dec 1 of HS senior year. My DD graduated from that program this year and has a great job - was very well prepared. I do think they yield great results because the students that do decide nursing at that point have a passion for it, and they look at the student academic and testing abilities. There are some high stat kids that also do switch into UAB nursing program - and they may have to wait a semester to gain an open seat in clinicals. Some were in the sciences, biology, chemistry, and decided to not pursue that field and instead were attracted to nursing. Due to the size of this nursing program, they have nursing students beginning junior year clinicals Fall, Spring, and I believe also Summer terms. Since they are in a large medical community (including UAB Hospital), plenty of opportunities for the clinical assignments, including Children’s Hospital of AL right in the heart of UAB and UAB Hospital complex.
I do believe that if your state BSN programs are tough for entry, one look into the community college two year programs, and then completing BSN (many schools educate RN to BSN). Some of the programs award LPN after first year.
Nursing opportunities are expanding with Nurse Practitioner programs and the expansion of health care personnel with our aging population.
One needs a strong work ethic to successfully work as a nurse, and care/compassion. I just re-entered the work force as Charge RN.