Anyone trying for a 2nd degree?

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Hi all! I recently decided to pursue a nursing degree, after completing a Sociology degree in 2002. The problem is, I didn't do all that well in college the first time (spent too much time in clubs, organizations and other social events) So I ended up with an overall GPA of 2.64.

I'm wondering if I have a chance at a 2nd degree program or if I should just try to see if schools would accept me as a transfer student. Most of the 2nd degree accelerated programs require a pretty high college GPA. 3.0 and above. If I do really well in my prerequisites (A+P, chem. micro ,etc.) will my chances improve? Do I have a chance at getting into ANY type of BSN program?:uhoh21:

I received my BA in Psych in 2004 and have been working in in the field since, but have been thinking about becoming a nurse for the past 3 or 4 years. A friend suggested I attend a community college since it's less expensive and less of a time commitment (vs. a 4 yr degree) and if it doesn't work out in the long run I wouldn't have invested too much. Does anyone have any insight as to how this may affect me finding a job once I finish?

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Hi, so happy to find this particular thread. I am 36, and have a degree in sociology (2001). My GPA is a 2.97 (working a full-time job and mommy).

I worked as a child abuse investigator for five years. I am looking to change careers, to nursing. I am very interested in the BSN Program.. unfortunately, quitting my job is NOT an option, two kids, mortgage, etc, etc..

My other issue is, I did not take math or science classes in college(besides the normal requirement. therefore i need all the Nursing pre-reqs..and i'm am VERY concerned if I can really handle the chemistry, anantomy/physiology... So any ideas or suggestions would be TRULY appreciated..

Thanks

Isitpossible:o

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Specializes in Cardiac/Stepdown, Rehab.

"Hi, so happy to find this particular thread. I am 36, and have a degree in sociology (2001). My GPA is a 2.97 (working a full-time job and mommy).

I worked as a child abuse investigator for five years. I am looking to change careers, to nursing. I am very interested in the BSN Program.. unfortunately, quitting my job is NOT an option, two kids, mortgage, etc, etc..

My other issue is, I did not take math or science classes in college(besides the normal requirement. therefore i need all the Nursing pre-reqs..and i'm am VERY concerned if I can really handle the chemistry, anantomy/physiology... So any ideas or suggestions would be TRULY appreciated.."

Hi there! It's funny how many human services employees end up becoming nurses... I quit my job in Child Protective Services last August to start taking nursing pre-reqs. I have met a LOT of nurses who started out with bachelor's degrees in Psych, Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, etc... They did fine with their pre-reqs and in the nursing program itself. Getting your nursing degree while being a mom and working is definitely possible, but I would look around for your pre-req classes at your community college for evening/weekend courses or even ones you can fit in during your lunch hour. I have heard that it's not recommended to work during the Accelerated BSN programs, so you might really want to start with a part-time evening/weekend RN program at a community college or hospital. Call around to see if any places near you have a program like this. If you want your BSN later, you could always do an online RN-BSN program and have your employer help with the costs :up::twocents:

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Starrynyte,

thanks for the response!! i found a BSN program that is actually 2 1/2 years, for night and weekend classes (not accelerated)...(geared for working adults)...i also found an 11 month program (accelerated) (however Iwould have to quit my job) i really wish i could do the 11 month, but quitting job is simply not an option...thanks for the idea to check out community colleges for the pre-req...the anatomy/phy and chemistry seem to be the hardest classes...the core classes really appear interesting....

let me ask you a question, how can one take RN classes on-line..don't all nursing programs require clinicals...so exactly what classes are you taking right now? and how challenging is it?

no can do for employer helping with expenses...no benefit to them for me to become a RN...

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Specializes in Cardiac/Stepdown, Rehab.

"thanks for the response!! i found a BSN program that is actually 2 1/2 years, for night and weekend classes (not accelerated)...(geared for working adults)...i also found an 11 month program (accelerated) (however Iwould have to quit my job) i really wish i could do the 11 month, but quitting job is simply not an option...thanks for the idea to check out community colleges for the pre-req...the anatomy/phy and chemistry seem to be the hardest classes...the core classes really appear interesting....

let me ask you a question, how can one take RN classes on-line..don't all nursing programs require clinicals...so exactly what classes are you taking right now? and how challenging is it?

no can do for employer helping with expenses...no benefit to them for me to become a RN"

It's great that there's an evening/weekend BSN program near you! That sounds like it'd be wonderful, and I wish there was one near me! I'm still only taking my pre-reqs and so far they have been very informational. Chemistry is boring to me, but as long as you get a decent teacher, you'll do fine. The hardest class(es) so far is Anatomy and Physiology... LOTS of info. and studying/memorizing!

As far as the online BSN, it'd be for someone who has already gotten their RN licensure (through a diploma or associate's degree program, for example). Say you decided to enroll in a community college's professional nursing program.... once you're an RN, you can work as an RN while taking the BSN classes online or during the weekend through a university... In this case, your hospital employer would likely pay for your BSN classes. Does that make better sense? Here's one that I'll look into in my area once I am an RN: http://www.nursing.vcu.edu/RN-BS/index.html The problem with getting a second bachelor's degree is that we don't really qualify for financial aid or scholarships.:o

Anyway, good luck! I would definitely start taking the pre-reqs ASAP and apply to that 2.5 yr BSN program!:yeah:

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Specializes in student; help!.

I have a BA (English. Qualifies me for "Would you like fries with that?") and I'm going for my ADN. I expect to go on to the RN and possibly a master's, but I'll figure that out as I go.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm getting my 2nd Degree!

I got accepted in to Linfield's Accelerated BSN today!

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Congratulations!!!:yeah:

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