what if you already have a B.S?

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · May 17, 2012

Have you checked your state board of nursing? They have a list of all approved nursing programs. Once you find that, and go to the schools' site, you may be able to find an online program.

ryanalice · May 18, 2012

They do have programs like that. They can be pretty competitive-at least the ones in my area are - but you should look into it.

educalcu · May 18, 2012

As far as online, i dont know, however the school I went too (PLU) offers and ELM program, which offers non nursing bachelor students to get a MSN.

Shorty11, BSN, RN · May 20, 2012

I would look into Accelrated BSN programs for those who already hold a non-nursing Bachelors. Although, from what I understand, Accelerated BSN programs are highly competitive so be prepared. I already hold a BS in Biology. I have just finished my first semester of nursing school... I am now back in school going for my BSN this time. Although, I am in a traditional BSN program. My GPA wasn't high enough to qualify for an Accelrated BSN program in my area. Since I already have a BS in Biology, I already had the majority of nursing prereqs completed with my first degree, so I will complete the traditional BSN program in a total of 3 years. (1 semester of finishing prereqs and 5 semesters of nursing classes)

StephMom&RN · May 23, 2012

My story is similar to Shorty11 but I went another route... I have a BS in Biology and want my masters in Nursing... GPA wasn't high enough for some Accelerated BSN programs.. there was a long waiting list for the Masters-Entry programs (earn your MSN if you have a Bachelors in another field)... I reserached DOZENS of programs in my area and decided on a ADN/ASN program to get into field and to follow that up with an RN-to-MSN program... preferably online... I just graduated (with a much higher GPA this time) so the first part in done... I plan to work, get experience and in a year or two start a MSN program... I'm avoiding BSN if I can... if I go back to school again I want my Masters...

laurie121 · May 23, 2012

I have a 2 Bachelor of Science degrees, but not in nursing. Looking for an online school that has a 2nd bachelors program. Doubt one exists, but just thought I would ask.

thanks so much for your responses. Unfortunately I did not score very high on the TEAS test, wish I could find a school near me that did not require it but they all do.

Shorty11, BSN, RN · May 24, 2012

I was what my school called "TEAS exempt." My school does require the TEAS for admission, but since I already held a Bachelors Degree they did not require me to take the TEAS to be accepted into the program. Probably not all schools do this exemption, but I think it would be worth calling the schools you are considering and asking if they have such a thing.

sauconyrunner · May 24, 2012

On line programs for nursing will usually require you to arrange your own clinicals. If you already work in a hospital this may be easy to do, but for a lot of people it is difficult to arrange clinical experiences.

Also check with your local hospitals. A couple of posters here mentioned that some hospitals don't hire from certain programs...just something to keep in mind. You don't want to put in a lot of work and find that no hospital in yur area will look at your application.

Good luck!