(Please Read) I am in community college right now.?

When I was in high school the councelors told me that I would have to go to community college to build up my Gpa. I would like to get my asscoiates degree in nursing in a community college before I go on to a university to do RN to BSN, but the comm. college told me that I would have to take all my basics first and some remedial courses as well. My boyfriend told me that it would be best to get all my basics done in community college, then do my nursing courses at a 4 year university.However, I don't want to go to school for that long if I don't have to. I have heard of people going to comm college for 2 years for their Associate in nursing, then doing only another 2 years in a 4 year university.

So, my question is do I really have to go through all this basic stuff and remedial or are they just trying to make more money off of me by telling me this?

Hmmm....your skepticism about the schools wanting as much money from you, unfortunately, is well-founded. But, since you can't change the school system, you have to roll with the punches and admit it is their ball, their court, their game and their rules. But, to keep from being sold a bill of goods, check with your State government Education department about the requirements for the AS nursing degree and the RN.

In some states, colleges are allowed to propose the curriculum they will offer and teach to award the degree. And while there are many courses that seem to be required by all states and schools, there sometimes is a variation...and that could make one program "easier" for you than another.

It seems one sticking point is your academic background. There are items in your question that suggest your preparation may not be a strong as some schools would like. Again, a program at one school is NOT identical to another school though both offer AS degrees in Nursing. So, just as in medicine, seek a second opinion. If there is another community college nearby, find out about their program and what they say about your background, the need for remedial course, etc.

One of the hardest things in life is being totally hones with yourself. While it is frustrating to have to study for more years to get to your goal, I can tell you from my personal experience teaching in community colleges that your ultimate success in school and in your profession is built on a firm foundation of the basics. Strong foundation = strong building. Weak foundation = weak building. If you feel you are ready, and the schools/counselors say you aren't, look in the college catalog to see if you can take "challenge examinations" for the courses they won't let you take. If you pass the challenge exam, you don't have to take the course. If you don't then you have to be prepared to bite the bullet and take the course.

Your BF has a good point. Taking all the general education required courses at a comm coll will help save you money as comm coll tuition is one of the best educational bargains (at least here in CA it is). Transferring to a 4-year RN program could mean full credit for your CC work which may be equal to the first 2 years at the 4-year college (in most cases it is), so then only 2 years to finish the RN. But look for a comm coll that may have made prior arrangements with a nearby 4-year college that makes the transfer process for certain majors much easier.

Hope this helps. Best wishes in your education and future.

No you'll have to do the remedial stuff there or in the 4 years.

An AS in Nursing gets you an RN.

You really don't need a BS except to maybe get a little more money.

Unfortunately the are telling you the truth. I agree with your boyfriend. Do all you can at the community college. I have been an associates degree nurse for 34 years and have done anything I ever wanted to. I hold a position that requires a Bachelors and have for about 16 years. I would get your associates in Nursing. You can begin your career and make good money. There are RN to BSN programs that just take one year. That would be your best option. Also if you are working as an associates RN most institutions offer tuition reimbursement for your BSN.

I think you misunderstand your bf, because he is right. Go take your basics at a community college and the remaining 2 years will be at the 4-year university. You have to go through all the required general education. Do you want a bachelor degree or just an associate?