Accelerated BSN or MSN,don't know how/where to start?

[dallasmommyof1]

I have read a lot of this post as I wanted to get a better understanding of how accelerated BSN or MSN works?

Firstly, I have acquired my BS in Community Development in the Philippines.And I have plans of acquiring a second degree, hopefully in the accelerated BSN program if I get admitteds; as I am hoping not to redo the pre-req's that I had already taken 5 years ago in my degree. I would say I had better grades back in college not necessarily excellent. I also have a CNA license in the State of Wa. although we already had moved in TX but am looking into getting a reciprocation,so I can get a CNA Tx license.What do you think are my chances to be admitted in the accelerated BSN? And also what's the difference between the accelerated BSN over taking MSN? Which is more logical to do? Any suggestions or recommendation as to which college or universities to go in Dallas/FW or other cities nearby?

Also I am a staying home mom of 10 months old baby girl. So I was hoping if I have to take pre-req's I could do most of it online? Is it possible to take most pre-req's if not all online?How did you guys do it? What's the set-up mainly of online classes? Is it hard?

I would really appreciate if you guys could give me some information and whatever inputs you may have related to my questions. I really wanna be a nurse but I don't know what to do and where to start. I figure it out, I'd be do it soon than later because I'd hate to waste time and I'd like to help provide my family a better future esp. my daughter.

Thank you so much for your time. I hope to get responses here.Thanks a lot.

[sunray12]

Hello:

I believe I posted in your earlier thread. Coincidentally I'm online troweling for nursing info as I usually do these days. Here are some links that may help you:

Info about applying to BSN and MSN programs. There's also a current list at the top of the page of accelerated nursing programs in the U.S.

http://career.berkeley.edu/Health/NursApp.stm

Examples of descriptions of BSN and MSN programs:

This is info from Johns Hopkins Nursing. I know you're not anywhere near Baltimore but just to give you an idea about some general differences between programs.

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/academics/academic_programs/

About your prereqs and whether or not you would have to retake them:

This is where you are going to have to pick some schools that you are interested in and read their requirements. You say that you took science prereqs 5 years ago. Some schools consider science prereqs "expired" after 5 years. Some allow up more time e.g. 8-10 years. The good part is that your humanities and social sciences credits don't "expire" so that will save you some time and money.

You should also go to the "region" tab at the top of this forum, go to the US section and spend some time reading the forum for your state. You'll find very useful info and feedback there about most nursing schools in your state and specific programs in those schools.

Hope this is helpful to you.

[macizu, BSN, RN]

I too already have my bachelors and currently finishing up some prerequisites to try to get in next summer in accelerated programs in Texas. What I can tell you is this:

1) Find schools in the state you are going to be living in that you are interested in applying to. I understand that you are a mother of a new born; however limiting yourself to the Dallas/FW area is also limiting your chances of getting into another school in another city. (just some food for thought)

2) Go to their websites and check out each of their specific requirements. I know for some schools, if you got your bachelors outside the U.S.A, the courses have to be approved by some board or something like that. The schools usually have this information on their website.

3) The schools contact information. Very important. Get their nursing departments' phone numbers and emails and shot off as many questions as you would like.

4) You should be able to take "some" of your classes online, but probably not all of them.

5) Never ask if a class is hard or not on this forum; it's a big mistake because you set yourself up for disappointment if the opposite happens. If you don't skip your classes and take them seriously, you'll do just fine.

6) You have a lot of work to do it seems but don't worry, the challenge is going to be worth it in the end. What we attain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly.

I'm sort of in your shoes except I'll be waiting for admission letters early next year. Good luck to the both of us :up:...

In solidarity...

Macizu.

[dallasmommyof1]

Thanks a lot for all the information you have shared. I will definitely look into the program soon.Thanks again.:)