So, if a man wanted to become a nurse...

[rebel100]

At two of the very large BSN programs in Texas (one highly rated, one not), only about 70% of the BSN students graduate on time. This fact is often missed because schools publish NCLEX pass rates, not on-time graduation rates. Assume 5% fail out completely or can't afford to continue leaving about 25% getting behind because of failing a course or dropping a course. Accelerated programs are much worse, which is why so many of them have been discontinued or lengthened. One of the last 12 month programs had less than a 50% on-time graduation rate.

Some nursing programs hide their graduation rates by requiring students to complete pharmacology before officially becoming nursing students. Pharmacology and pathophysiology cause a lot of the attrition.

Becoming an RN isn't at all like getting credit by exam or getting a degree from TESC, Excelsior, or Charter Oak.

There isn't a shortage of graduate nurses, hasn't been one for years, nor is there going to be one for many more years. Readers of allnurses.com know this, which is where these types of questions are best asked. Graduating from one of the very best nursing schools does improve the chances of getting hired.

I couldn't., agree more.

[nicholeccrn]

I am an RN and I am doing my RN to BSN online. I do not think that an all online school for becoming an RN would be a good thing. There are a lot of things that you need to do hands on. I have been a nurse for 6 years. I have never had a problem getting a job. I have 2 1/2 years of peds and 3 1/2 years of adult ICU and have my CCRN. I get phone calls and e-mails for jobs all the time. I do know many nurses (old and new) that cannot seem to get a job for anything. I think it boils down to the school you go to (reputation) and your ability to interview well. If you are not good at interviewing you will have a difficult time getting a job. Just my observations.

Nichole

[rntobe3069]

Excelsior College's online ASN program has specific requirements in order to be eligible: You must be a Licensed Practical Nurse (I was), Respiratory Therapist, Military Medic or Corpsman (or something to that effect), or have completed 50% of a nursing program somewhere. They do have a classroom option....good if you live in or can commute to Albany, New York. (Thank God for my LPN license because I live in Georgia!) I did EC's program and got my license in 10 months. BUT...I'd been an LPN since the stone ages and working in a hospital setting.

[rebel100]

Excelsior College's online ASN program has specific requirements in order to be eligible: You must be a Licensed Practical Nurse (I was), Respiratory Therapist, Military Medic or Corpsman (or something to that effect), or have completed 50% of a nursing program somewhere. They do have a classroom option....good if you live in or can commute to Albany, New York. (Thank God for my LPN license because I live in Georgia!) I did EC's program and got my license in 10 months. BUT...I'd been an LPN since the stone ages and working in a hospital setting.

Regular old Paramedic qualifies too.

[clep3705]

What does an RN to BSN program have to do with someone BECOMING a nurse? An RN to BSN program, which is usually 100% online, is for existing Registered Nurses who have an associate's degree to obtain a BSN. Existing nurse upgrades degree from associate to bachelor's degree in an RN to BSN program. Period.

If a person wants to become a nurse, then the person isn't a nurse and is not an RN. For the person who isn't an RN, these RN to BSN programs are totally useless.

It is impossible to become a nurse through online course work only.

[Snickerdoodle]

If a person wants to become a nurse, then the person isn't a nurse and is not an RN. For the person who isn't an RN, these RN to BSN programs are totally useless.

It is impossible to become a nurse through online course work only.

Technically, it's possible to become a nurse through online course work without being a nurse, *if* you have previous medical background, for example, as a radiology tech or respiratory therapist. Generally, at least an associate's in something medical will get you an online nursing degree. That said, I agree with some other posters who recommended doing gen. ed. through testing e.t.c. and then entering a B & M nursing program. In addition, I've heard horror stories about Excelsior's nursing program. Clinicals are absolute torture--according to ppl in reviews. Check out any prospective program thoroughly.

[frankiebleyes]

I agree, I had attended Univer of Delaware where I took a few courses prior to attending hospital (three year program) in Tennessee. I had no problem getting work and even after years out of the profession, where I kept my feet wet by doing volunteer work with "Doctor's without Borders" and Red Cross, still found myself offerred positions. I live in a state where many insurance companies are located, the offers from two of the biggest came several times in the past 15 years. I always kept my license current (just in case), but knew that if I ever went back to full time I would need to take refresher courses. Nursing is a wonderful profession, but too many nowadays go into it for the money instead of what it was supposed to be for, helping the sick. I'm proud I worked as a nurse for many years, but think there are many other health related fields that are wide open in today's market. Imaging and radiology, physical therapy, nurse practitioner, just to name a few.