Anyone done BA to RN? to MSN?

elkpark · Jun 6, 2014

Well, there isn't any way to become an RN without completing a nursing program, so you're going to have to do some school; but you don't necessarily have to "redo" college entirely. There are "accelerated" BSN programs for those with a BA/BS in some other subject; these are typically 12-18 months in length, and consist of all the specific nursing content (not any of the general ed) of a BSN shoehorned into a shorter, more intense, course of study. Many "regular," non-accelerated BSN programs are set up as two years of general education and prerequisites followed by two years of the nursing program itself, so you could apply to regular nursing programs in your area as a transfer student into the last two years of the program. There are also ADN programs in community colleges that would accept many of your existing credits for most-if-not-all of the general ed requirements for the ADN (although the value of getting an associate's degree in nursing vs. a BSN is highly questionable these days -- see the many, many, many existing threads on this site debating that issue ...).

There are so-called "direct-entry" MSN programs that take people with a BA/BS in another subject and no nursing education or experience; these program consist, basically, of an accelerated BSN program mashed together with an MSN program. They can be "generalist" MSN programs, that prepare you for basic RN licensure but nothing else, or they can be programs that prepare you to be a nurse practitioner, CNS, or CNM (advanced practice nursing).

There are many variable to consider, and only you can decide which is the best choice for you in your personal, specific situation. I encourage you todo some careful research.

Also, in regard to "redoing" college, since your previous degree is a BA in a non-science field, you can expect to have to do some serious science prerequisite courses for any of the above programs (I'm guessing (and I apologize for assuming, if I'm wrong) that you don't have any recent chemistry, A&P, or micro credits on your transcript).

Best wishes for your journey!

monicacz · Jun 6, 2014

Thank you elkpark! That was very helpful!!

I am strongly considering an online accelerated BSN program from Western Governors because I work full time. Or do you think the best use of my time would be to find the right MSN program? I've started doing my research but I don't actually know what it's like out there in the real RN world (although you are right, there are many many threads on this site that help!) so it's hard for me to guess what employers value more.

I definitely will be having to take several science prereq's which I don't mind at all, but I am looking to find the shortest route to the same outcome so I can afford to make the career change. Do I take them at a community college and transfer to a university? Do I knock them out with a combined online program? Should I jump into an ELM/MSN program? SOOOO many questions, yikes!

BeachsideRN, ASN · Jun 6, 2014

Online BSN programs are generally for RN (and) to BSN not career changers. You should only need to take the science pre reqs to get into a BSN program. Since you ready have the gen education requirements from your first degree.

BeachsideRN, ASN · Jun 6, 2014

Also someone pointed out elsewhere on this forum that some hiring managers do not like direct entry MSN candidates for whatever reason

JuliaRNMSN · Jun 11, 2014

I completed a RN accelerated bridge program requiring I was an RN. I also had a B.S. in another discipline and that was enough to bridge into the masters program after 12 credits of BSN level theory (the bridge). I really learned so much and the resources were great-- library, ebooks, and never tech problems. If you are self motivated the online or hybrids are high quality from my viewpoint!