Hello out there. I currently have a BA and want to go into nursing. My schedule won't allow me to do an accelerated second bachelor nursing program. I have to go part time. My question is should I go for by BSN and have two Bachelors or just do an RN program. Is there a difference between a BSN or RN, BA? Could I still go into management or get my Masters degree as a BA, RN. Is the pay still the same. I just want to choose the right path. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have a BA, and I got my BSN. I would not have been accepted into ANY good PhD programs without the BSN. A Bachelor of Arts is not related to Nursing, and will be recognized as not related to nursing.

My BA has never played into my job prospects.

To get a Masters at most reputable schools of nursing, you would need a BSN, not just a BA. Management, in many hospitals, successful candidates have MSN's, not just a BSN. I think it might be possible in certain hospitals to obtain management position with a BA, btu then again, it is possible to attain a management position with an ASN, but it isn't so common anymore.

I don't want to be discouraging, but your former education, will not usually substitute for a BSN. (At least, in my case, with a BA from a top 25 university, this was true).

Thanks so much for the info! It sounds like getting my BSN is the best route to give me plenty of options for the future.

I have a BA in Psych and Master's in Psych. I'm applying for the accelerated BSN program. You need a BSN for a Master's. It also opens up management positions. The BSN pay may not be any different than an ADN's, however, it is looked up much more favorably. Good luck.

I just wanted to let you know that if you decided to do the 2 year RN program that they have online and in person MSN programs for people that have a non-nursing BS/BA and have a 2 year nursing degree. I just thought that info might help to know that you do not need a BSN to get into all MSN programs.

I have also been told by a few hospitals here in Michigan and in Indiana that they would substitute my non-nursing BS degree for management positions. So I think that must vary from hospital to hospital.

I have a BA in Art History and have decided to go the Associate's Degree to BSN to Masters route. I know it will take longer but I am prepared for that. I live in RI and looked into the BSN program at Rhode Island College, their classes just aren't conducive to the working adult's schedule. I feel that at least I will be practicing while getting my BSN and hey, maybe I can get my employer to fund some of it! :)

It is actually not an MSN requirement that you must have a BSN first. Many will actually accept a BS or a BA in another area, if you have the RN after your name.

Depends on the school, there is no cut and dry rule.

And many management positions will accept a BA or BS, along with the RN, for the same duties that a BSN would have.

It is actually not an MSN requirement that you must have a BSN first. Many will actually accept a BS or a BA in another area, if you have the RN after your name.

Depends on the school, there is no cut and dry rule.

And many management positions will accept a BA or BS, along with the RN, for the same duties that a BSN would have.

What Suzanne said!

G'd luck!