Getting a BSN but have BA in Business ???

Chris99mu · Dec 23, 2009

I am like you in that I too have a BS in Business Admin and am taking classes at the local CC to get my ADN. However, instead of getting ANOTHER bachelors degree, I was told and am planning to get my Masters (ARNP) once I have worked for a few years. I need nursing experience, and if pay is not that big of a deal (ADN pay v. BSN pay) which it isn't to me, then the second bachelors is redundant.

Definitely check it out - might not be worth it to get a duplicate bachelors degree given your end goals.

Christina

jam911 · Dec 23, 2009

I am like you in that I too have a BS in Business Admin and am taking classes at the local CC to get my ADN. However, instead of getting ANOTHER bachelors degree, I was told and am planning to get my Masters (ARNP) once I have worked for a few years. I need nursing experience, and if pay is not that big of a deal (ADN pay v. BSN pay) which it isn't to me, then the second bachelors is redundant.
Definitely check it out - might not be worth it to get a duplicate bachelors degree given your end goals.
Christina

oh tell me more

Chris99mu · Dec 24, 2009

I'm not sure what you are looking for in terms of "more." If you have specific questions, ask and I will do my best to answer. PM (private message) me if you have the ability.

nj640 · Dec 25, 2009

I understand from an FIU standing..you must have fulfilled a BSN before you can apply to ARNP program...you cannot just do ARNP with an RN & AS in nursing...no matter how many years experience you have...at least this is what I understand.

labrador4122, RN · Dec 26, 2009

I understand from an FIU standing..you must have fulfilled a BSN before you can apply to ARNP program...you cannot just do ARNP with an RN & AS in nursing...no matter how many years experience you have...at least this is what I understand.

there are programs that are RN-MSN and there you take your classes required for a bsn & msn together, then you do your ARNP license.

FIU doesn't have that, that's why you have to have a BSN before starting their MSN program.

Barry has, and FAU has an RN-MSN option.

Personally, I don't want an MSN yet, so I'm doing the RN-BSN option. THe RN-MSN is about 3 years in barry and FAU.

nj640 · Dec 26, 2009

I think the question asked was about going from an AS in nursing to BSN to apply for the ARNP program (which is a masters level degree for an RN)...if one already has a BA in Business, is there a shortcut?...I do not think this is possible.

Sure, at FAU or Barry there is the program you mention...but, it is still 3 years, which is like a master's in itself...as a comparison, you can do an Executive MBA in 1.5 years...so having a BA in Business, or another degree, does not allow you to leapfrog from RN to a BSN or into an ARNP program.

I myself have a degree in Finance and honestly I believe you have to put in your time as an RN...there shouldn't be a short cut just because I have a degree in a totally unrelated field...I'm sure all nurses would agree

there are programs that are RN-MSN and there you take your classes required for a bsn & msn together, then you do your ARNP license.
FIU doesn't have that, that's why you have to have a BSN before starting their MSN program.
Barry has, and FAU has an RN-MSN option.
Personally, I don't want an MSN yet, so I'm doing the RN-BSN option. THe RN-MSN is about 3 years in barry and FAU.

babe48076 · Dec 28, 2009

I have a BBA and I am starting the ADN program in 2 weeks. There are Masters programs for RN's that hae a bachelors in other fields. I am going to go that route instead of taking out loans for 2 bachelors.

nj640 · Dec 28, 2009

But then MSN and ARNP are not the same...have a BA in Finance and am starting my RN in January...my goal is to transition into a BSN...which MDC has a part time program for this...then onto ARNP.

JJV04C · Dec 28, 2009

There are some great Accelerated BSN programs for students who have a Bachelors in another area; FAU, Barry and Nova I believe all have that type of program. I am applying to FAU Accelerated BSN in May 2010 (I have a degree in Finance and Italian), the program is 3 semesters and really intense, but I will finish with a BSN in a shorter amount of time than I would finish my ASN at a community college. I also plan to go into an ARNP program. I know that at FAU you can start out as RN with ASN, then to the BS-MS Dual program and indicate that you want to do the Nurse Practitioner track: http://nursing.fau.edu/index.php?main=2&nav=498; but since you don't yet have your ASN anyway ABSN might make more sense.

Hope that helps and good luck!

nj640 · Dec 28, 2009

but...by taking these accelerated programs, whether at MDC, Nova, Barry...aren't you risking your GPA taking a beating?

the last time I checked...MDC and most other programs like ARNP are using GPA as a heavy determinant to who gets accepted.

yeah...you may finish 1 semester ahead of me, but mostly likely your GPA will take a big hit over mine...I'm just saying...this is just my observation...also, FAU, NOVA or Barry programs are expensive compared to MDC...

it's very easy to fall into the trap of "Accelerated" program...and I know some people are constrained for time and money to take whatever is fastest.

at the end of the day...it's how well you do in your NCLEX to get your RN and then what GPA you have to apply to the BSN and ARNP programs.

JJV04C · Dec 28, 2009

I guess that just depends on the individual. I don't think these programs are for everyone; just an option. For me personally, finishing with my BSN earlier so I can continue into my masters program is important and I know that I can handle the accelerated workload, lots of students can. You just have to make that determination about yourself before going through with it. Like I said, just another option to consider! :)