If I can’t get into an accelerated BSN program, should I go for the LPN?


This Question From DC LPN Programs | 1 Answer


I have an M.A. in English and am currently taken the prereqs for the accelerated BSN. However, entrance is VERY competitive at the public universities and I’m worried I won’t get in. I’m limited to universities in the VA/DC area and as a much older student, there’s no time to waste! Would an LPN program be a good fallback plan? And if I become an LPN, would my prereq courses (P&A, microbio, etc.) transfer to an LPN-BSN bridge program? I’m so confused–help!

1 Comment so far

  1. cottonlily84 on May 31, 2010 4:13 am

    I have never seen a university offer practical nursing curriculum; those courses are much lower than university level. Our community college has a LPN to RN bridge program and the university has a RN to BSN bridge program. LPN to BSN is like missing a step. And the individual RN coursework credits don’t transfer to the university. It’s simply a program that allows RNs to step up to a BSN. That’s why they call it a “bridge” program. For example, Biology 101 specifically wouldn’t transfer from community college to university, they would simply start you out in the appropriate level courses for what knowledge you already possess as a RN.

    If you don’t get in the program right away you can forego the LPN program and opt to take courses which would transfer to university. You will need the BSN courses anyway- anatomy, biology, maths, etc. You need to contact the school at which you want to receive your BSN though. My local university is very peculiar about which coursework will transfer into the nursing curriculum. My SIL is a nursing student there now. Many of the the courses at our community college (where my sister is a nursing student) have special stipulations on them to qualify for transfer. For example some classes you must obtain signed verification from the instructor that you earned X number of lab hours. Other courses must be passed with a higher GPA than the community college requires.

    It may be very competitive but you certainly have advantages. Being older is not a drawback, it’s a plus for you. Programs are looking for dependable mature students. When schools turn out dependable mature nurses hospitals take notice and will look to that school to recruit employees again. And you already possess not only a Bachelor’s degree but a Master’s as well. I have no doubt that you will be accepted into the program. You’re an admission counselor’s dream come true!