Which path should I take to become an RN?

[Catherine Stickles]

I have a Masters and a Bachelors in fine arts. Almost none of the credits I earned in art school can be transferred to any nursing program, so any accelerated program is out of the question. I have been told there is only two choices.

1. Medical Assistant to RN

2. LPN, work for a while and then go back to school to become an RN.

I would like to take a direct route to RN, and it seems as though getting an Associates degree is my best option.

Unless it's better to get prerequisites and then apply for an accelerated program.

I am very confused by all the information online and each schools very different opinions. I'd like to start this process as soon as possible. I'm feeling very lost as where to start.

[RunBabyRN]

I misspoke when I said MA to RN- I meant to say RN programs that do not have prerequisites. I have been looking at associate degree programs for RNs as well. I would like to hear anyone's opinion on that route.

Any RN program that does not have prereqs should be scrutinized, IMO. The few that exist with which I am familiar are through tech schools, and none of the credits are transferable, which means that if you WERE to pursue your BSN or MSN, you'd have to start from scratch.

You're better off doing your dues and just doing your prereqs like the rest of us. There's a reason for these courses. You have a lot to know before you start nursing school, and they help you to learn study techniques you'll need in nursing school (which is different than any other major). It also, honestly, kind of thins the herd a bit. Nursing isn't for everyone, and some people realize that when they're in these prereqs. Nurses have to know more than many of us imagined prior to nursing school. I know I was like, "WHOA" when I started school and realized just how much we were all expected to know. I remember posting on Facebook early in my program something about how much more respect I had for nurses!

[Catherine Stickles]

Run baby Run- I actually just meant a program that includes the pre-requsites, not excludes them. sorry about that confusion.

[stippie09, ASN, RN]

While I agree that a BSN is the route to go, finding the first job out of school is extremely hard for ADN or BSN. Here's where the problem lies; everybody wants experience but how are you supposed to grt experience when no one will hire you? I have friends that have their BSNs from reputable universities and they are having just as much trouble finding a job as I am. Both my sisters are nurse managers and they would pick a ADN with onr year experience over a BSN with all the trimmings and no experience. You have to make the best decision for yourself and family but do you research on schools CAREFULLY, there are too many accelerated programs gaining conditional accreditation then losing it within six months. Then you are thousands in debt and have to start from scratch. Good luck to you!!

[ThatBigGuy]

There's too many options out there. You can argue all day for one and against another. What you need to do is just pick one, stop worrying about the rest, and accomplish that goal. Otherwise you'll go crazy trying to build a ginormous spreadsheet to house all the data.

I would strongly advise you to go the BSN route. Nursing is moving towards higher education (for example, an NP will require a doctorate instead of a masters in 2015). Not only does this keep you up to date academically, but opens up management positions that an ADN just cannot reach.