Applying to a program

MB37 · Apr 11, 2008

Generally, nursing schools that I know of are operated within colleges/universities (except for the few diploma programs still out there). You typically have to apply to the college first, and then to the school of nursing within the college. There are college level prerequisites that vary from school to school, and you can take them at the same place or elsewhere - many people who want a BSN do their prereqs at a community college to save money, and then just transfer for the nursing portion of the program. Google "Massachussetts Board of Nursing" and go to their website - you should be able to access a list of all of the accredited schools of nursing in the state. That should give you a starting point. You can go to some schools' websites and see what their requirements are. You'll have to take basic college-level English, math, foreign language, biology, chemistry, psychology, and a bunch of other classes just to get into a nursing program, so that's what you focus on now - getting a good base in high school that will get you into a college or two, and maybe getting some college level courses out of the way now if your school offers AP, IB, or anything similar.

HieuNgu1155 · Apr 12, 2008

Generally, nursing schools that I know of are operated within colleges/universities (except for the few diploma programs still out there). You typically have to apply to the college first, and then to the school of nursing within the college. There are college level prerequisites that vary from school to school, and you can take them at the same place or elsewhere - many people who want a BSN do their prereqs at a community college to save money, and then just transfer for the nursing portion of the program. Google "Massachussetts Board of Nursing" and go to their website - you should be able to access a list of all of the accredited schools of nursing in the state. That should give you a starting point. You can go to some schools' websites and see what their requirements are. You'll have to take basic college-level English, math, foreign language, biology, chemistry, psychology, and a bunch of other classes just to get into a nursing program, so that's what you focus on now - getting a good base in high school that will get you into a college or two, and maybe getting some college level courses out of the way now if your school offers AP, IB, or anything similar.

thank you so much for the help i will keep that in mind, how many years of spanish do you think i should do in highschool? just wondering cause i kind of wanted to drop spanish and take human and anotomy instead

Also whats the difference in Rn to BS and Rn to Bsn are they the same thing? Same years of schooling?

MB37 · Apr 12, 2008

How many years have you taken? I think most universities like 3-4 years, at least they did when I was in high school. Also, remember that pretty much every university has a foreign language requirement. If you stick with Spanish you can take a proficiency test and maybe be exempted from a semester or two of it at the college level. A&P wasn't an offering when I was in high school. I can see how it could be interesting and provide a good base, since you will have to taken them again before NS.

RN to BS/RN to BSN - not entirely sure what you're asking. You become an RN after you graduate from an accredited school of nursing, with either an associate's or a bachelor's, and sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN (national licensure test). Some nurses with associate's (ADN nurses) return to school for a bachelor's, either in nursing (BSN) or in something else (BS/BA). There are bridge programs at many universities that allow ADN nurses to transition to BSN primarily online. If you think you want a bachelor's in nursing now though, it's probably easier to get one right away since you're still in high school and have the time. There isn't much pay difference ($0.50/hr at some hospitals near me), but you need the BSN in order to go back for grad school most places. It's not going to hurt to go for your BSN from the get go, as long as a school accepts you and you can afford it. However, if you work as a floor nurse, there isn't much benefit to having one either. There's a whole forum on allnurses devoted to ADN vs. BSN though, so if you want opinions on which is better, you should ask there.

mbb21 · Apr 12, 2008

Im a highschool student still and am wondering what are the perquisite for entering any nursing program for a bachelor ? What kinda of classes do they expect you to take? Ex-4yrs of math English science, foreign language? When applying to a college for a program, do you worry first about getting into the college then choosing your program or just choosing the program for the college?

Well, for starters, every nursing school is different. Of course, they all have similar pre-reqs of history, government, english, and so on. But, to find out exactly what is required, you need to call the specific nursing program and ask them for a copy of their curriculum. Then, complete those courses (for a BSN it's usually 2 years of pre-reqs) and apply to the program. I just got accepted into a BSN program and it took me exactly 4 semesters to finish-- 2 years. Then, the program itself is another two years. With that being said, you need to apply to the school/university first, take the pre-reqs, and finally apply to the program. I really hope this helps and good luck! I've realized that the most important thing to remember about getting into nursing school is to stay focused and STUDY! If you truly want it, put for everything you've got and you'll do well! :nurse: :nuke:

HieuNgu1155 · Apr 12, 2008

thank you for the information. This will make me more realize if nursing is the best major for me. Thank you for the help and i would put it to good use in the future.

HieuNgu1155 · Apr 12, 2008

thank you for the info. I will put it to good use