Hello everyone! I am 31 and I already have a B.S. in Human Development but I want to go into nursing. There are terms that are very confusing to me. If I apply for a BSN do I have to be an RN first? I have been looking at the Universities in my area that have nursing degrees and they advertise RN to BSN degrees and BSN programs. If I need to be an RN first where are these programs. Are they through hospitals only? I live in Chicago, do any of you know if there are any programs in Chicago that offer paid training?? Any help would be greatly appriciated!!

Generally, there are 3 paths you can take to get an RN:

1) certification -- this is an older model, and I don't see many of these programs around anymore - you are certified but no degree --then you take the RN exam

2) associates degree course (ADN) 2 years, you graduate with a degree -- then you take the RN exam

3) bachelors degree (BSN) program -- 4 years and then you take the RN exam -- you graduate with a degree

RN's can go back to school in the RN to BSN program to earn their bachelors degree. BSN's have a few more options than ADN's do.

I am taking an ADN program, I need to work! After that, I plan on doing the RN to BSN program, the only difference is I will be able to work at an RN's pay while doing the extra years for the BSN.

I hope this helps...

Go talk to your local VA hospital to get some information about VA scholarships, working part time as an aide while you go to nursing school, or just to get to know them and see what is going on. The nurse recruiter can probably answer a lot of your questions and/or point you to someone who can. Buy her (probably a female) lunch in the cafeteria and have a chat.

:roll It definately helps. I am familiar with the certificate programs as well and they are non-existant here! So if I enroll in a BSN when that is complete then I take the RN exam! Thanks for your help!!