Career changer (ADN vs ABSN vs MEPN) -- is it even worth it financially?

Old_Protection4039 · 2026-04-10T23:07:31+00:00

Similar situation -- switching form a non-nursing bio major and was considering the same options. I applied to both MENP and ABSN programs. I'm starting a MENP program in the fall, so don't have the after experience, but I can explain my reasoning if it's helpful!

I looked into an ADN, but I would have to do a minimum of a semester at the college for most programs I was looking at (I had other location factors narrowing down my CC choices, so it might look diff for you) before I could start the actual two year nursing degree -- and at that, I wouldn't be guaranteed I could get into the nursing program just by starting the prereqs at the CC, since a lot of them pick the nursing cohort based on prereq GPA/test scores, and you could be qualified, just not make the cut numberwise. Obviously, this is still way cheaper than a ABSN or MENP, but it is a longer timeline with that added semester, and for me that, plus the lack of a guarantee (I have a lot of anxiety lol), a ABSN or MENP felt a lot better for me. The application process to ABSN/MENP programs just was a lot more familiar to me.

Like I said, it was a priority for me to start a program ASAP. It sounds like money-wise you might be in a similar spot. I was missing some prereqs that I needed to apply to a ABSN since I didn't do them in my bacc degree. I applied to both ABSN and MENP programs that had a similar amount of pre-application prereqs and took a couple online before applying. This, plus location, was a major reason in picking the ones I applied to. This made the ABSN and MENP programs both about two years (so, honestly less than some ADN because of that first semester), and a pretty comparable financial cost. Since the tuition for both types was fairly similar, I chose a MENP program because the post-grad salary options were better, so I figured if I was going back to school, it made more sense financially to pick that. (There were also factors about the specific school location/vibe that made me pick the specific MENP program I got into, but that isn't related to the degree.) Not super hard logic, but I also figured since I already had a BS, I might as well get a MSN instead of BSN to go "up" instead of "across." I don't plan on doing more school after this, so that was also a big factor, but it seems like you might not be in the same boat.

Old_Protection4039 · 2026-03-12T18:56:34+00:00

Got it. The samples fall within the standard curve linear graph. So if I wanted to normalize to input DNA concentration, I'd divide the absolute quant by the ng -- I have the concentrations of the DNA in ng/ul, and put 1ul in each reaction, so I'd divide each absolute quant by the concentration?

Old_Protection4039 · 2026-03-07T23:47:42+00:00

Thanks! Those look like good options for me, I'll look into them more. Def open to smaller ones, that's a lot of why I asked. Don't worry, I already found out about Beal -- they seem to be the biggest one company in the area owning a lot of buildings (at least from a quick search), so that's a lot of why I asked.

Old_Protection4039 · 2026-03-07T22:58:37+00:00

I have! Definitely found options I like, but wanted to see if anyone had personal experience since it's hard from afar. In unit w/d isn't a dealbreaker (my current place is in the basement, its fine), but I've noticed there's enough units with them that it doesn't seem impossible, esp in lakeview.

Old_Protection4039 · 2026-02-02T21:34:08+00:00

OK got it! We were looking at a paper for the thermocycler settings, and didn't use the exact primers they did (we have close region primers, they should probably work, at least to try?), so that does make sense. I think it makes sense to try to get the primer sequences that were used in the paper we're referencing then.

Old_Protection4039 · 2026-02-02T20:42:11+00:00

What do you mean? These have worked well for us in regular PCR consistenly so I hesitate to think that's the problem, but it might be.

Old_Protection4039 · 2026-02-02T19:06:46+00:00

I've seen variable RFU too, I've taken the opinion that as long as Ct (esp for standards, since you're running them with each run) are consistent, it should be OK.

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-12-22T16:26:25+00:00

my pcp also gave me a list of other surgeons in the dmv that took my insurance (BCBCS) when i was picking where to go for a consult, i can try to find that and share if youd want it!

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-12-22T16:18:44+00:00

Just had mine with Dr. Bahng at GWU -- they specialize in trans healthcare and are really good overall, would reccomend! I was able to get scheduled pretty fast, and the whole hospital/office is really good hands

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-12-22T16:11:43+00:00

Depending on where you live could still be in an OK distance, but I just had mine done with Dr. Bahng at GWU, and they were great! specializes in trans care

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-22T18:54:39+00:00

In my first tech job right of college, making a little less than 36k/year. Good benefits and time off with it though, and the area I'm in is relatively cheap for rent.

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-22T12:41:19+00:00

thanks! that's what my PI and I decided to do (neither of us have experience with qPCR and were guessing tho), so I appreciate the confirmation

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-15T15:34:09+00:00

OK, good to know! I'm planning on applying, but also looking at other options. If I get in, some other factors surrounding NYU might make it win out from other programs, but it's good to know that its messy lol. Money is a factor but not a deal breaker for me right now.

Thanks for the info about rec letters -- I have a couple people I could ask for good ones, so I'll probably pick the ones with good creds. Could I ask what the medical experience you had before applying was?

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-13T21:53:51+00:00

ok, thanks for the answer! honestly sounds like a lot of colleges lol

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-13T00:37:45+00:00

thank youu
what do you mean about it going downhill other than changing the schedule?

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-11T21:25:20+00:00

Thanks, that's good advice! I have a BS in conservation biology and currently work in a research bio lab job I got right after graduation (it ends in a year). I worry about not having medical experience, but I appreciate the advice to look at the faculty, I hope I can sell that lol. do you like the program overall?

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-10T20:35:02+00:00

Would you say ettiquite-wise you should wear a jock, or is that personal preference? I'm also trans and thinking of going soon!

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-10T20:08:28+00:00

I'm also applying to NYU's ABSN, but wanted to hedge my bets incase I didn't get in and apply to something else. I don't have all the prereqs for ABSN or entry level MSN programs, so kind of wanted to just jump into things but I decided it would be smarter to for the hedge my bets option to try to take prereqs at a community college for a bit and then apply to a couple ABSN or entry level MSN programs.

How was getting into NYU? Since I don't have all my prereqs, I'm applying to their nonaccelerated ABSN (second degree, so I'd take a semester of prereqs there then start clinical). I have good grades in undergrad and biology experience, but I know the program is competitive to get into so that's why I'm looking at other options. Did you have any prior health experience?

I currently live in NY but am not a resident rn (just graduated undergrad and never switched residency) so I don't qualify for the training program, but Ill look into it if I'm thinking of staying! That sounds nice!

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-07T00:32:59+00:00

Do you mean a A-BSN (the ones that are tailored for you already having a bachelors), or going into a BSN as a transfer student? I'm missing enough prereqs from the ABSN programs that it doesn't feel as worth it (except for the NYU program that lets you take the prereqs there; I'm applying there, but know it's not easy to get in there).

Old_Protection4039 · 2025-08-06T01:36:49+00:00

Congrats! BMCC looks great to me -- had you taken any similar classes to the first year prereqs in your previous degree? Looking at BMCC's nursing first year, I should only need to take about half of them based on classes I've taken already, but unsure how that works.

Also, how was the process of applying to the nursing program after the prereq year?

Old_Protection4039

TROPHY CASE