CNA to BSN

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm 15 and deciding my future, I will be taking a CNA course in 2016-2017. I was wondering, if I have my CNA license right after graduating high school, is it possible that I could take a BSN program that would consider the fact I have the education requirements for a CNA and the program would take less than four years?

Specializes in Operating room..

I don't think it would count toward much. But it's ok to do it little by little...I got my LPN, my RN, then my BSN, and hopefully my MSN someday. Good luck! I think you're headed in the right direction!

Thanks! I just really can't handle 4 years of school due to my family's financial situation, and mine won't be any better. :(

Specializes in Pediatrics.

A lot of nursing programs require you to have your CNA before you apply...but it won't take any time off your schooling. It will still be 2 years of pre-nursing pre-reqs and then 2 years at a nursing program. Don't give up before you even get there! There is a lot of financial aid out there for people who don't have the means. Plus, going to a community college for the first 2 years during those pre-req classes is a lot cheaper then taking them at a university.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Thanks! I just really can't handle 4 years of school due to my family's financial situation, and mine won't be any better. :(
Can you handle two years of school at a community college to earn an associate of science degree in nursing (ASN)? With the ASN degree, you'll be eligible to take state boards and become an RN.

Dang, I was hoping it would take time off. I'd rather not get financial aid and such, you know? I think I might do that, or get an Associate's then go back for a Bachelor's at online school. What is the difference between the two anyway? I've heart a Bachelor's is more business and management orientated?

Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

When you get an associates you can work as an RN quicker, there's really not a big difference between the two except in a lot of regions they now require that RNs have their BSN. You can always get your associates then go for your bachelors. They're more flexible with you when you go that path anyway: online and evening RN-BSN programs.

Specializes in Public Health.

Do any schools in your area offer dual credit programs? Where you take classes at a CC while in high school? You could graduate HS with many pre reqs for nursing school completed already. Look into it.

Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

I recommend doing a little investigative discovery of the hiring practices in your area. Are you more likely to get hired as an ADN or a BSN? If the facilities where you desire employment in your area will not hire an ADN, you might find yourself having to start paying back student loans without gainful employment as an RN.

I can definitely handle that financially. I have been planning on going to a technical institute. However, I do think my state isn't hiring many RN's with an Associates. They're demanding Bachelor's.

Aren't CNA courses a prerequisite?

And yes, my school does offer that. But since I'm enrolled in the CNA course, I can't have that.

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