[Christie76]

Hi all... this is the first time I've posted here and I hope someone out there can answer my question. I graduated w/ a BA in Psych 3 years ago...and am now thinking about going into Nursing. I was pre-med, but switched to Psych 1/2-way through, and now am regretting not switching to Nursing.

What is the best way to go from a BA to an RN? I don't want to do 4 years all over again...is there a way schools handle cases like me? Do I just do Nursing classes....or will I have to do all electives, etc. over again? I'm sure every school handles it differently, but is there anyone out there who's gone this path? Going back to school to be a nurse?

Thanks for any help you can give me!
Christie

[kona2]

Hi Christie-
I don't know of any schools that offer a BS in another major to bridge to a BS in Nursing. I have, however, heard of a BS (in other majors) bridging to an MS in Nursing, though. You could obtain your RN & go back for your MS within 2 years (that's shorter than 4!) I don't know what is offered in your area, but here's a link to nursing programs in Georgia (your listed home state). Good luck!

http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/rn/approved_schools.htm

[Christie76]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely check out that link. Thanks again!
Christie

[lishio]

Hi Christie,

I'm new here as well and I actually have a BSc in Psychology too!(which I obtained a yr and a half ago) and am in the process of upgrading to get into Nursing next fall. I'm taking some prereq's , which I have most from my psych degree and I'm upgrading my pathetically average GPA . There are actually a few schools here in Canada which offer a 2 year nursing program for those who already have a degree (UBC, U of C, U of T), but the average to get in is pretty high....as high as graduate schools! You obtain a BSN after the 2 years. I'm not sure if those kind of programs exist in the States, but you may want to look around. Good luck!!

[Christie76]

Thanks Lishio.... I was hoping there was some kind of program at a nearby school for people already with degrees to get a BSN. I'm in the process now of contacting schools to see about their programs. I'm married now and it would be way too hard to do 4 years of school all over again...and too expensive!
Thanks for the input! Good luck with your education!
Christie

[lishio]

Yeah Christie I know what you mean! My fiance is patiently waiting until I finish my schooling, before we tie the knot So I tried to find the quickest way and yet at the same time, a way that wouldn't sacrifice my education...if that makes any sense. To make it even harder, he lives in Ohio, which makes it almost impossible for me (financially) to go to school down there, especially as an international student! Anyhow, I hope you find the program you're looking for!

[Christie76]

Thanks Lishio! Best of luck with your future wedding also!

[jdewkz]

Hey Christie,

There are some new programs out there that offer MSNs to people with non-nursing undergraduate degrees. I don't know about Georgia but I live in the Bay Area and there are 4 graduate programs that offer this. You usually have to have certain prereqs before applying (ie Anatomy, Micro, Nutrition etc) however every school differs in what they want. The programs typically take between 2.5-3 years to complete and you come out with a MSN and a RN (some do offer a second BS). This person I know developed a forum about these types of programs for people to go to-

http://www.340clifton.com:81/apnforum/index.jsp



Good luck to you.

Beth

[Christie76]

Thanks for that info, Beth! I was wondering if they'd allow people to join Masters programs without a Bachelors in Nursing... I also checked out the link you provided... thanks for that! I definitely need to talk with some people at the nursing schools at the colleges around here to see what it'll take...
Thanks again everyone for all the great info!
: )
Christie

[lgreen]

I am currently sort of getting a second BS in nursing. I believe that at most schools you just need the prereqs and then the nursing courses. They don't make you do all of the GE classes. Although where I am they are requiring that I take 3 upper division GE classes. I would just look into all of the schools in your area. Good luck.