Finish old degree first?

AZmom · Oct 11, 2006

I'd jump right in with those courses which'll get you to your Associates Degree Nursing (if nursing is the career path your heart is set on). An AA-GS is not going to be terribly valuable to you in obtaining your BSN; it's a completely different line of courses.

Check out RN-BSN programs in your area to see what sort of courses they require above and beyond what your ADN will get you.

stpauligirl · Oct 11, 2006

You may already have credit towards your BSN depending what kind of classes you took way back in '95. You kind of need an Associates to get into a BSN program. Here it is 62 credit total and the prerequisites include many General Studies courses like English Comp, College Algebra, Humanities, Intro to Psych, Intro to Sociology etc. so talk to your counselor tomorrow and see how many of your credits from your past are transferrable towards the BSN (or the ADN). I hope not too much was wasted and that you get to pick it up right where you left off. Good luck

jennifers · Oct 11, 2006

This is just my opinion. Do NOT finish your other degree first. Jump in and get your nursing degree. I am saying this because I finished my degree first. Then I learned that I cannot get a lot of financial aid now because I already have a degree. A lot of my state programs for nursing are the same way.

Mistysmoke · Oct 11, 2006

thank you everyone. now i feel a bit better about going into this appt today.

back in 95 i was going for assoc. of science for agriculture, but, since i can't finish that degree online, the advisor back home suggested going for the assoc. of arts in general studies.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2006

This is what I did . I applied to the nursing programs and did not get in so while I was waiting I worked on my AAS. I now have a AAS in Liberal Arts and now can apply to the BSN and ADN programs because my pre-classes are complete for both..

Mistysmoke · Oct 12, 2006

I had my meeting today. The advisor said she wouldnt worry about finishing the first degree. Its a 2-3 yr waiting period to get into the nursing program. With my family situation, that may work out for me as far as getting pre-req and co-req classes done beforehand.

She was very helpful and gave me information for the University as well as the one hospital that she knew of that had a program where if you worked there (doing anything) they would train you and educate you etc.... Im sure everyone here talks about this sort of thing. I have to figure out who exactly I would contact at the hospital to see if they are still offering this.

So, she suggested I get the assessment tests for math, reading and writing done, and maybe look into the classes open for the Spring (whenever that opens). I need to read the Financial aid information she gave me as well :)

WDWpixieRN, RN · Oct 12, 2006

You might also talk to any universities in your area offering BSN programs...where I live (I believe anywhere in the state if my kids are correct -- but definately locally), if you obtain an AA in GS from the local community college, it wipes out any core requirements at the university level and you can be admitted directly into the school of your choosing...obviously, nursing school is sometimes a bit different, but if you're thinking of going the BSN route, it might be worth talking to admissions counselors at those universities before making a final decision!

Hope that helps!

Mistysmoke · Oct 12, 2006

The University does have some Info sessions I can attend to find out more information. I just need to see when my schedule works with theirs :)

RussA, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2006

I'm curious, why would it take 2-3 years to get into a Community College Nursing Program. If you already have 90+ credits, I'm sure some could be applied towards pre-reqs. What are the pre-reqs for your school. The school I went to - all the pre-reqs could have been done in a year.

There was a waiting list, but was based on "best" candidates...bascially GPA. Once in the nursing program, the pre-reqs, nursing classes, and couple more classes - I received an AS, in Nursing and a AA, in General Studies.

I agree with other post - work on you Nsg pre-reqs....the previous schooling will come into play down the line. I'm now a RN, and currently in a BSN-completion program....and those previous credits filled lot of the gen ed requirements.

Mistysmoke · Oct 14, 2006

Because the only classes that MAY transfer are a psychology class, and biology class, the majority of my other classes were Agriculture. The waiting period is 2-3 years and they take 100 students a term, its just what the waiting period could be, because of the number of students.

The prereqs for my school are Intermediate algebra, Chemestry, and then they have Anatomy broken into three classes. Then my support classes are two Writing clsases, Early child development, Microbiology, drug calculations, psychology, Nutrition, Pharmacology.

Yes, I could get the pre reqs done in a year, but, the reason why the waiting period may benefit me is because I have one preschooler and take care of grandparents living with us, so going part time would work best for me. :)

deannicholas · Oct 14, 2006

Some schools have a rolling admission policy which is pretty much 1st come 1st serve instead of a merit based admissions. In a rolling admissions system, you have a set of guidelines you must follow, and if you do, you are put on the list for nursing school and you get in when it is your turn. I.e. taking certain prerequisites, maintaining a certain gpa, taking a nursing entrance exam test etc. This is why there is a 2-3 year waiting list to get in to certain nursing schools.