BSN Advice for BS graduate

Elenaster · Sep 23, 2003

I suggest you look into an accelerated BSN program for people such as yourself who already have a BA/BS in another area. These type of programs are cropping up all over the US.

Wren · Sep 23, 2003

Jen,

I had a BA in psychology and got my BSN through an Accelerated program like Elenaster mentioned. It allows you to utilize the college courses you have already taken and focus on the nursing courses. The program that I graduated from also allowed you to apply to an MSN program and just continue on in school and several students in my program did that. I didn't because I wanted to get some nursing experience before getting an advanced degree and then I never really wanted to go back.

Good luck!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2003

Originally posted by jen1003
Also, I've read several posts in this forum on the differences between BSN and ADN. The biggest difference I've gathered is a BSN allows you to grow into a management position. Would this still hold true for myself if I pursued an ADN since I have other degrees and management experience?

In your case it probably would not be too much more time involved in getting your BSN as you already probably have a lot of the required related courses in your bio and business majors that you already have. The nursing courses would focus on hospital management issues, etc. which you probably don't have, so I would recommend a BSN, since it might not take much more longer than you think.

Whether you can advance into management without an BSN and a bachelor's in another area varies from institution to instution. One of our high up directors in the hospital I work at has an ADN. All of the other managers, administrators, and directors have either a BSN or a Masters.

Good luck!

Jamiers · Sep 23, 2003

There are many graduate schools that are geared for BA/BS students who did not receive a BSN. It is a 3 year master program (ie) Stony Brook, Northeast Univeristy, etc. You will need to take your GRE's if you haven't already and usually must have an overall GPA of 3.0. This route is the best! You could be a NP in 3 years!

Good Luck! :nurse:

nurse2be in ny · Sep 23, 2003

I have a BS in another field, and am in the process of applying to a combined accelerated BSN/MSN program (three years total). At the end, I'll be a Psych/Mental Health NP. These programs are great for those of us who are changing careers. You may need to take some pre-requisites, such as Anatomy & Physiology; check with the school you're interested in to determine exactly what you'd need to take.

Good luck!

purplemania, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2003

Look at the University of Texas (Austin) website. Their nursing dept. offers an alternative program for people who have bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing. An acquaintance got her RN in 15 months and lacks 5 course having MSN. I do not know if program is offered online but you could look in to it and see what is offered in your area, just in case. Good luck.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Sep 24, 2003

Jen -- I say do the ADN thing, then go directly to the MSN. You already have a related BS. With the MSN, few, if any, will care that you don't have a BSN.

This was recommended to me by a university dean when I was pursuing a teaching degree, and already had a bachelor's and master's in two other fields.