BA degree in Sociology, CMA certificate, now what?

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I love to learn and apply the knowledge. I have several related andunrelated certificates and a higher level education in another unrelated field. All my life I wanted to be in the medical field, I did not think I had the aptitude to be good, so I chose another path that was easier. A couple of years agoI began volunteering for various organizations. I finally found my passion, helping people. I learned I was good at it. Then one day I saw a car accident which involved a motorcyclist. I stopped and observed the situation. After the individual began to code, I made some decisions, based on my training as avolunteer first responder. The actions I took were correct, the person livedand after 21 very long minutes, the first responders came on to the scene. That moment was an epiphany for me, and would guide me into a blind decision ofgetting my CMA. I have finally completed my clinical hours and realized that Ineed more. More answers, more information and more training.After reading the numerous threads, I believe I have myprerequisites for the RN program, however I am confused. Several people I knowat a well-known HMO are taking the RN courses on line; I was told I would haveabout 6 months of school left to complete my RN, based on my education. The MD I work with recommended I become a PA. BSN appears to be another path. Any ideas? I'm lost. Schools have not been helpful, all state I'm "overeducated"... They neglect to note that I am under educated in this field,which I really want to be in. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Does the state one lives in predicate what you need to have with regard to an education and path to follow?

Hey, for what it is worth I think it is ridiculous to think that being 'overeducated' is a disqualification for nursing school. One of my fellow nursing students had a PhD and a few had masters degrees. There are tons of 'second career' nurses at work in our field. Many of the (relatively) newer bachelor's entry to nursing programs were designed for people like you who hold a bachelor's in an unrelated field but have completed the specified prereqs. A program like this should value and recognize your prior educational work. Typically they are a year to a year and a half of intense coursework and clinical.

Thank you for the words of encouragement. The work and schooling is not an issue, I'm up for it. I'll keep looking and trying!

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In order to become an RN, you have to complete the pre-licensure curriculum that is required for all accredited nursing programs in the US. This includes a specific number of clinical hours. Nursing cannot be learned 'online'..... at least not until we have true virtual reality environments - LOL. Think about it. How would you feel if someone was coming at you with an invasive procedure and his/her only training was via an online "class". Ridiculous, right? FWIW, don't consult a physician about nursing education... they don't know anything about it unless they were a nurse prior to becoming a physician (we don't say "doctor" because that title also belongs to those of use who have doctorates in other disciplines).

"Overeducated"???? Not possible. Health care is the highest educated industry in the US. Bachelors is entry level for most. Masters is entry level for many disciplines; it is the level at which nurses receive specialty education. It is not unusual for nurse educators or nurse executives to have doctorates. I can pretty well guarantee that advanced degrees will become even more commonplace in the years to come.

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