What's the Best Path to Nursing

beckyboo1, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2014

As a med assistant, you can't bridge to anything, you'd have to go to school all over again. Since you already hold a degree, have you looked into an accelerated BSN program?

OrthoNursing · Jan 20, 2014

bridging is always a possibility, look into both programs at the college/university closest to you and see what courses you can opt out of. With you needing to get your masters you will need to complete your RN, however if you're just trying nursing out I would start out as an RPN try it and if you like it then bridge to the RN then move to completion of you masters, plus a lot of places will pay for your learning upgrade if you're doing well.

However if you have a lot of the RN credits it might be less time to just go straight into the RN course and complete your masters while working.

stitcher75 · Jan 26, 2014

thanks for your suggestions. i discovered that 2 of or local universities offer accelerated BSN programs for people who already have degrees and that some of the hospitals have jobs for nursing students who've completed a certain amount of practicum. my first choice school is a private school, so it may be cost prohibitive. it's a 16 month program and you start with hands-on training in your first semester. second choice is IU school of nursing. it's cheaper, but 20 months and acceptance is probably more competitive because of it's reputation and price. we'll see. wish me luck.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jan 26, 2014

Definitely go the ABSN route, especially if you want to become an APN.

Good luck