BA Degree-Assoc or Diploma to BSN

U.S.A. New Jersey

Published

I would like some feedback regarding nursing school. It seems as though the way to get into a BSN program is to>

1. Have a bachelors degree already;

2. Have a diploma or assoc degree in nursing.

I was thinking do you think it is just best to go back to school and get a BA degree and then go to nursing school? It seems like all the assoc degree nursing program are 2.5 years with a waiting list and the diploma degree programs are 3 years. Right now the majority of the magnet hosp want BSN degree nurses and shooting for Master level.

I cannot find a night program anywhere in Southern NJ or PA other than La Salle. Could some one shed some insight. I do have my AS degree.

Thanks.

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You don't have to have your Associates in Nursing to get into a BSN program. I got into Rutgers this fall and I have an associates in liberal arts and science (non-RN) and I got accepted as a transfer student. Unfortunately next year Rutgers is not accepting external transfers. If you're willing to drive to north Jersey, Felician, Fairleigh Dickinson and Seton Hall will accept you as a non-RN transfer. I got accepted into those schools as well. It would suck if you had to get a bachelors in something else just to attend an accelerated track in nursing. I spent alot of time looking into different schools cause I was in the same situation as you....just do your research and definitely don't listen to what other people say, go straight to the source..the school. I can tell you from experience, I was discouraged when it came time to apply to Rutgers which was my number one choice because people were saying there was this long waiting list and it is extremely competitive which is true but its all about how you stand out. Well, good luck on your search!

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Wow thank you Dream. My problem is I want to obtain my BSN and unfortunately there arent any schools other than La Salle that doesn't require that you either need your bachelors in something else or already be established as a rn. It is unbelieveable that in NJ and PA they are the only ONLY school that has a night program. I have looked all over. I have no problem driving to Delaware; somewhere near PA, NJ or what have you. I called Villanova, Holy Family, Gwynedd Mercy, Temple no one has an evening program; not even an evening for an Assoc degree. Rutger is top notch congrats! I work full time days so my options are limited. Same with FDU days only. Stockton, Rowan all the same. Am I missing something?

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Moved to NJ Nursing Programs Discussion forum.

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