BA in Psych to ABSN..need some advice!

RHill9919 · Mar 8, 2014

Hi! I have a B.S. in psych and have applied to several ABSN programs. I have an ok GPA 3.6 undergrad with 4.0 prereqs. Like I said, I'm still waiting, but I think those stats make me a decent candidate. What does your GPA look like? You said you haven't taken or are working on your prereqs, so use those classes as an opportunity to bring your GPA up. I can't speak for how difficult the ABSN programs are. Like you, I've read a lot online about how demanding they can be. Already having a B.A. or B.S., why would you want to put yourself through any more schooling than needed? A traditional BSN program is 3-4 years, ouch. An ABSN program will get you a BSN, as opposed to a ADN or something else. Those degrees are great, but since you already have an undergraduate degree, why move backwards? Keep looking ahead. From what I gather, most hospitals would prefer you to have a BSN. While I am 100% for ABSN, I don't know your situation. Do you have kids, married, single, etc.? If you do decide to go ABSN, make sure your heart is in it and you are fully dedicated. The way I am, I know I can't have any distraction for a program like this so I am willing to fall off the face of the earth for a year.

Just my two cents, hope it helps.

Here is a link to several ABSN programs organized by state. I am pretty sure they are all accredited CCNE/NLNAC, but double check to be sure.

RunBabyRN · Mar 9, 2014

Just FYI, some traditional BSN programs are getting as short as 2 years, including CSU programs.

Whichever route you choose, make sure you do what you need to do to get As in your remaining courses. You need every GPA boost you can get!

Good luck!

dinobun · Mar 14, 2014

Good luck to whichever path you choose!!

I think if you're worried about getting into an ABSN program, then you should cast your net a little wider and apply to some BSN programs to be safe. (I'm not sure which schools to apply in NC as I'm from CA.)

I'm currently in a similar boat (I am finishing up my BA in Psych and will be branching to nursing). I think with my GPA (borderline 3.0), I will have to apply for a normal BSN program, or even a ADN-BSN program. I still need to complete my science pre-reqs as well, but I'm hopeful that my nursing path will work its way out. :up:

JChristn, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

My undergrad GPA was less than stellar, 2.79 in micro and bio, that was back in 2005. I took nursing pre-reqs at a CC in VA from 2009-2010 and my GPA was 3.5. I recently was accepted in a traditional BSN and will finish in 5 semesters. I think my TEAS school helped me out a lot! As far as schools in NC, the only ones I can think of is UNC or ECU. Good luck!

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2014

Only you can decide if ABSN is good for you. Are you single? children? I did an ABSN in '06 and I am single with no kids...so while it was challenging I did it without major agony. You just have to work hard which is no big deal. Actually the hard part is getting accepted because that is essentially out of your control. Once you are in then you hold it all in your hands.. I did mine in Virginia. May I ask why NC? If you are able to move then I would apply everywhere. When you are in ABSN program it is so quick and intense it hardly matters if you live in North Dakota or Wyoming or anywhere. I did my ABSN in VA and when I graduated I took the NCLEX in Nebraska. I would say do ABSN because the quicker it is over the quicker you are working.