CNA to RN or BSN

[dfrecore]

Nope.  And you can't get an RN degree online - it takes hands-on to do that.

You're better off getting your prereqs for an RN program, and then doing that or a BSN.

Excelsior actually does have an online RN. It’s designed for LVN/LPNs or paramedics. But I believe NY is the only state you’d be able to be registered in.

I meant that there's at least a portion that will require you to get your clinical hours - no way around that (God, I hope not!).

[sanantone]

Nope.  And you can't get an RN degree online - it takes hands-on to do that.

You're better off getting your prereqs for an RN program, and then doing that or a BSN.

Excelsior actually does have an online RN. It’s designed for LVN/LPNs or paramedics. But I believe NY is the only state you’d be able to be registered in.

I meant that there's at least a portion that will require you to get your clinical hours - no way around that (God, I hope not!).

And, the Excelsior program requires 200 hours of experience as an LVN/LPN or paramedic or current full-time employment as a military medic. 

It used to be scary. Excelsior used to accept students with no clinical experience or training as long as they completed a certain number of credits, EMT-Bs, and medical assistants. It's possible to become a certified medical assistant without any clinical experience through NHA.

[cookderosa]

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/...153391.php

"For the second time in less than a year, a Maryland law firm has filed a federal lawsuit against Excelsior College, alleging the school misleads students who are hoping to become registered nurses...

College officials have previously conceded that the nursing program, which was a mainstay of the school, had problems. It was downsized in 2016 amid realization that admission requirements may have been too lax. The program’s enrollment subsequently shrunk from 21,000 to 8,000 students between 2015 and 2018, the Times Union has reported."

This is not the plan to become an RN. EC serves many, but this is not what they're good at.

[clep3705]

All of the others have given you good, accurate advice.

Now to make generalizations to which exceptions can be found.

Most nursing programs are 4 semesters long. That's true of ADN and BSN. A BSN student has to complete more prerequisites and take more hours each semester. Many hospitals in large cities only hire BSNs. To maximize your long term employability, you need a BSN. In a large city with both ADN and BSN schools, the large hospitals offering the best clinical experiences tend not to accept ADN clinical students. You want to get the best possible clinical experiences. Being in a BSN program is likely to give you better clinical experiences. Get the best possible clinical experiences you can afford.

Of course you want to finish quickly. As the dean at Vanderbilt said, it's more important to finish well than early. Nine women can't have one baby in one month. Some things can't be rushed.

[Cheeseburrito]

I'm an EC ADN student but I was a critical care paramedic for 7 years before this. I feel the school serves it's purpose for me.

As a CNA I do not believe the critical medical thinking, STEM education, or clinical experience is there to bridge.

I recommend going a traditional BSN route.