BSBA to BSN at TESC via Accelerated BSN Program

[clydosaurus]

Thank all of you in advance for your amazing insight. This forum is truly a community.

Does anyone have any experience with TESU accelerated BSN program? It's very new, I think 2014 was the first graduating class and everyone passed the NCLEX.

I've been testing here and there for the past several years, but I ended up getting an ok-ish job in 2013 with a long commute and a lot of stress which has slowed me down. Now I'm motivated to finish up, move on and move out.

With the new enrollment tuition changes at TESU, I'm considering aligning the pre-requisites for the nursing BSN with a few classes to finish my BSBA in General Management. Initially I did not care about a GPA, and wanted to test out exclusively but now I'm thinking I should leave my options open for the future, especially if I have to pay anyway.

I have gone back and forth about Nursing for years, though I'm not sure I want to work in a hospital setting for long (maybe a year or two) but I do think an RN/BSN would be a tremendous long term career asset. New Jersey is home to many many pharma companies. I think (and hope!) that a BSBA /RN/BSN could at the very least get me a decent job in compliance.

The cost at TESU is considerable, and I need at least 3-4 years to figure out the financing for both the tuition and living expenses during the program. What I really want is my SO to complete the program first, and we support each other during the process. That, of course, is a whole other story and may not be a reasonable option. If I have to take a student loan, I do not want to exceed 20K. Though I am extremely adverse to taking out a student loan, this would pretty much be the biggest gift I ever allowed myself. I'm in my late 30's with no children. If it makes any sense, putting this much boost into my career at this stage in life is my consolation prize for not having a family.

For my more immediate financial and employment needs I do want to complete the BSBA first. I also worry about my long term stamina, and don't want to pigeon hole myself at all.

According to the website, the following coursework must be completed with a letter grade:

Statistics
Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab
Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab
Micro w/lab - not avail at TESU - Avail online at several local CC's
Chemistry
Nutrition

I'm willing to pre-train for the science classes (who said you can't read the book before the class starts?) and blow them all out in 2017 after I've finished all my testing.

Does this seem like a reasonable plan?

Any advice or stories will be appreciated.

[cookderosa]

I have no first hand experience with TESU's program, so I'll lead with that.

Back after I earned my BA I really, really, really thought hard about getting out of my field (teaching /culinary arts education) and getting into healthcare. I wanted to take a few classes, so I took a grad class in psychology and one in biology - both at Harvard through their continuing ed option. I ruled out psychology immediately, but medical sciences appealed to me. Having a mom who was a nurse for 40 years and wonderful experiences with nurse midwives, I decided that I'd go into nursing for the sole purpose of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife - that's a master's degree, so I'd have to get my RN first. I bring this up because it's similar to what you're considering. I had a non nursing bachelors, which opens a lot of options for earning an RN.

(spoiler, this was around 2009-2010 and I did NOT end up going to nursing school, I earned my master's in nutrition instead)

I started my prereqs using online science w/lab courses (for science majors) at Ocean County College in NJ. If I had had that to do over again, it would have made a lot more sense to do that inside my bachelor's degree- so I think you're on track with using your nursing prereqs in your business degree, even if it's slower or more expensive (it will be). *keep in mind nursing prereqs almost always have to be graded credits, so classroom makes this slow- you have to do things in sequence, and sometimes prereqs have prereqs, so the "pre-nursing" part can be 3 semesters in some cases.
While I was doing my sciences, I started exploring options. There is an amazing nursing forum called AllNurses. You should check it out. I started reading and posting there regularly. I was pretty open about all of that on this board too, so I'm sure I have archived posts here about various pros and cons of paths- but in a nutshell, for non-nursing bachelor holders, there are 3 options:

ADN programs at the community college. An associate degree is for sure the cheapest, no question. You can do the whole degree all in for about $10k depending on where you go. Since a BSN isn't always the entry requirement for advanced practice education, this is probably the smartest option. In fact, I interviewed a lot of nurses who all told me to get my RN for as cheaply as possible. I applied to both ADN programs in my area.

BSN or accelerated bachelor of science in nursing. Expensive but fast for an accelerated program. I applied to 1 of these (ABSN). Most ADN nurses can find jobs that will give tuition funding for a BSN, especially one online, so for them, a 2 year BSN is the way to go. I didn't apply to any of those because I didn't qualify, but ABSNs are usually less than 2 years. My local one- back then - was $40k all in.

Masters with integrated RN. Expensive, long, hard, but ohhhh so appealing. Perfect way to tap into my impatience. I applied to 3 (?) of these. I'll have to dig out my folder. Anyway, University of Illinois Chicago was my first choice and I got in. In fact, despite being <cough> non-traditional in age, despite having tested out of 75% of my bachelors, despite having taken all my prereq sciences via distance learning, I got accepted into every program I applied to. I tell you this as an encouragement because if you visit any of the popular nursing forums, people are VERY QUICK to tell you what you can't and shouldn't do. It's all bunk. Get good grades and follow the application instructions to a T and you'll get in!

(EDIT TO ADD: I shouldn't say there are only 3, I think it's possible in some parts of the country to still earn your RN through a diploma program, but it's very very rare)

So, 2 of the programs required having a CNA before you could apply, so in the middle of all of that I got my CNA and started volunteering at a medical clinic. I deferred admission for 1 semester, and then I withdrew all of them. I won't bore you with the rest, it's not really relevant. But, I would also encourage you to go for it!!!

[dfrecore]

I've looked into Nursing here in CA, so my info will be a little different, but here goes.

Your very best and cheapest option is to take all of your science courses at a B&M CC nearby. It will take longer, but you need the grades, and many programs require butt-in-seat science w/lab courses. I think Stats & Nutrition are fine to test out of or take online though.

Here, you also have to get your CNA as part of your RN. That can be done quickly and cheaply through an Adult-Ed program if you want to do it ahead of the RN.

My daughter was interested, and basically you have to get straight A's here in the science courses to get accepted into the RN programs - they are all impacted and have years' long waiting lists to get in. So I told her that she should take the SL Nursing Bundle (or maybe several bundles) while in HS to get a head start. That would get her familiar with the material, and prepare her for college-level texts and college-level requirements. It certainly couldn't hurt to be in CC and taking the courses basically the second time around, while everyone else was going through it for the first time.

Also here, they request that you do not work at all while going through the RN portion of the program (basically for about 18 months). They say there is too much schoolwork, and too much clinical time, and you have to be available when they schedule you - they will not work around your schedule AT ALL. Not even a little bit.

Once you have the RN, the RN-to-BSN program is much easier to complete in terms of being able to work while doing it. Actually, most of the programs here are at the local State colleges, and assume that you're a working nurse while going through the program. We have one that just opened up at the closest state school, and it is $13,500 to complete. Again, a huge waiting period to get in, and it's impacted, but the price certainly beats TESU's pricing.

Do the BSBA through TESU since it's the cheapest and fastest option. Take your B&M science courses that you'll need for the RN program at your local CC. Consider getting your CNA if you need it for the RN. Then start looking at RN programs, and do that as cheaply as possible. Then look at RN-to-BSN programs, and try to find one that is cheaper than TESU. I just don't think they are the best option. You may even think about going out of state or go through WGU or something like that.

Also, you can look at one of the threads here on the forum, they talked about the fact that many schools pre-test nursing students before allowing them to take the NCLEX, and boot out anyone who doesn't do well. So basically they have you go through the entire RN program, then take a test, and if you don't get 100% on it, they boot you out of the program - even if you passed all of the courses in the RN program. THEN, they have the remaining students take the NCLEX, and get to claim 100% passing rate of the NCLEX. My friend went through our local CC, all 30 of the people who started the program had 4.0's going in, about 18 made it through the full 18 months of classes, and passed all of them, and then only 8 passed the TEAS with 100% and were allowed to take the NCLEX. All 8 passed it. So the school claims a 100% pass rate.

[dfrecore]

You might also think about getting your BSBA in Heathcare Management. Your 6 AOS courses can be taken at CSU-Global. They have exams for $250 each.

[Hunter91]

I've looked into Nursing here in CA, so my info will be a little different, but here goes.

Your very best and cheapest option is to take all of your science courses at a B&M CC nearby. It will take longer, but you need the grades, and many programs require butt-in-seat science w/lab courses. I think Stats & Nutrition are fine to test out of or take online though.

Here, you also have to get your CNA as part of your RN. That can be done quickly and cheaply through an Adult-Ed program if you want to do it ahead of the RN.

I don't believe this is true. I spent a year in an ADN program and we we preparing to be RNs to take the NCLEX, not CNAs. CNA license was never pushed on us. If you want to pick it up on the way to your RN then you can, but it's a personal choice.

My daughter was interested, and basically you have to get straight A's here in the science courses to get accepted into the RN programs - they are all impacted and have years' long waiting lists to get in. So I told her that she should take the SL Nursing Bundle (or maybe several bundles) while in HS to get a head start. That would get her familiar with the material, and prepare her for college-level texts and college-level requirements. It certainly couldn't hurt to be in CC and taking the courses basically the second time around, while everyone else was going through it for the first time.

Also not completely true. Some ADN programs do indeed have waiting lists. Most ADN programs (I applied to about 8 of them) use a lottery system once the requirements are met. This means grades aren't the be all end all, and you simply need to make the cut and cross your fingers

Also here, they request that you do not work at all while going through the RN portion of the program (basically for about 18 months). They say there is too much schoolwork, and too much clinical time, and you have to be available when they schedule you - they will not work around your schedule AT ALL. Not even a little bit.

They did request this in my old ADN program. There were a few people who still worked part-time and graduated. This will be determined by how much of an income you need, how many hours you work, and the type of work. If you come home from work exhausted and don't want to study, then forget about it.

Once you have the RN, the RN-to-BSN program is much easier to complete in terms of being able to work while doing it. Actually, most of the programs here are at the local State colleges, and assume that you're a working nurse while going through the program. We have one that just opened up at the closest state school, and it is $13,500 to complete. Again, a huge waiting period to get in, and it's impacted, but the price certainly beats TESU's pricing.

Many of my old classmates are practicing RNs and doing RN-BSN online, so this is true.

Do the BSBA through TESU since it's the cheapest and fastest option. Take your B&M science courses that you'll need for the RN program at your local CC. Consider getting your CNA if you need it for the RN. Then start looking at RN programs, and do that as cheaply as possible. Then look at RN-to-BSN programs, and try to find one that is cheaper than TESU. I just don't think they are the best option. You may even think about going out of state or go through WGU or something like that.

Also, you can look at one of the threads here on the forum, they talked about the fact that many schools pre-test nursing students before allowing them to take the NCLEX, and boot out anyone who doesn't do well. So basically they have you go through the entire RN program, then take a test, and if you don't get 100% on it, they boot you out of the program - even if you passed all of the courses in the RN program. THEN, they have the remaining students take the NCLEX, and get to claim 100% passing rate of the NCLEX. My friend went through our local CC, all 30 of the people who started the program had 4.0's going in, about 18 made it through the full 18 months of classes, and passed all of them, and then only 8 passed the TEAS with 100% and were allowed to take the NCLEX. All 8 passed it. So the school claims a 100% pass rate.

I don't believe this is true. I took the TEAS exam. It is a required exam before entrance to programs. It is a pre-entrance exam, not an exit exam. Although you are completely correct about schools booting people out for stupid reasons so they can maintain their NCLEX passing rates. This is what happened to me.

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[dfrecore]

Hunter91, I was sharing some of my personal anecdotes, and your experience may have been different.

Our local CC requires you to get a CNA on the way to the RN. it's not optional.

And, because the program is so impacted (I had a friend get a call 3 years after she applied), almost everyone that gets in has a 4.0. Our school has a point system, which is heavily weighted towards grades - you get more points for higher grades, and since only 30 students get in each year, and thousands apply, they end up with the best GPA's getting accepted into the program.

Yes, students have to pass the TEAS to get into the program, but our local CC also requires people to pass the TEAS with 100% before letting them take the NCLEX. This is not uncommon in many schools - they want a high NCLEX pass rate, so they have all sorts of ways to weed out anyone who isn't going to pass. You can look on other threads on this forum and AllNurses to see that my local CC is not the only one who does this - it's rampant in the industry.

[clydosaurus]

Thank you so much for your replies -- I am very interested in hearing people's experiences. Even though it may not directly apply, I pay attention to the hang-up details of all stories. One can never be too prepared... and snags are contagious. From my own experiences in life it seems when one organization creates a snare, the rest follow suit.

I did not think about the weeding out process for the NCLEX! The TESU program is open to 30 students, but there are only 19 in the photo!!

TESU may not be the best option, I wish my local CC was better - I've heard less than stellar reviews of their nursing instructors. TESU and Capital Health are at least close geographically. I'm going to see what my local CC has to offer as far as scheduling and transferring in credit. The best part of the accelerated program is that it is accelerated. I know myself well enough to know that I will not be able to work during the program. $40K for the program + 20-25K to sustain myself for a year is a tough figure to get my head around. I'm actually more concerned about the year of living expenses than tuition. I live on my own and I think having to work part-time or for significantly less money over several years would be worse for me than sucking it up for 1 year. I may be so so wrong. There are a lot of factors involved and I'm getting impatient. All of the effort is for long term earning potential and I have to keep that in mind. I don't know how long it will take me to earn enough money to offset the costs. I may be in for a harsh reality and find that I'm not making significantly more money with the credentials. If thats the case, i'd rather be out the time rather than the money. 10K or $15K more a year isn't going to cut it, I need $20K-$40K (within 3-5 years realistically).

Again, thank you, and keep the stories coming.

[bluebooger]

why are you doing TESU instead of a brick and mortar (traditional) school -- is it because of cost ?
there are plenty that offer accelerated BSNs
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/leading-initiat...BSNNCG.pdf

edit this line (supposed to be another pdf link)
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/leading-initiat...GENMAS.pdf

both links came from the bottom of
American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Nursing Education Programs


I know Columbia University in NYC has a accelerated program and they'll actually accept Excelsior's Microbiology and A&P exams (no labs required)
they also do not require chemistry (unless you're going for anesthesiologist)

[clydosaurus]

why are you doing TESU instead of a brick and mortar (traditional) school -- is it because of cost ?
there are plenty that offer accelerated BSNs
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/leading-initiat...BSNNCG.pdf

American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Nursing Education Programs

both links came from the bottom of
American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Nursing Education Programs


I know Columbia University in NYC has a accelerated program and they'll actually accept Excelsior's Microbiology and A&P exams (no labs required)
they also do not require chemistry (unless you're going for anesthesiologist)

TESU is closest to me. I'll look into Rutgers (where I started out).