BA in Psych working towards NP....Need Advice, Please help!

[Miranda2360]

Hello everyone,

I graduated in May 2014 from Mount Saint Vincent in NYC with a BA in psychology. I have had much experience working in the psych field from being a case manager in a mental health facility, to a program manager for dementia patients, to even working with foster children with disabilities. After receiving all of this experience I feel like it's time to truly chase after my passion which is to become a nurse practitioner. I have been doing some research but I would appreciate some of your advice as to where to go from here... I completed my prerequisites at MSV:

My grades weren't the best, but my overall gpa was a 3.0 after graduating.

Fall 2011 A&PI C+

Fall 2011 General Organic & BioChem I B-

Spring 2012 A&PII B-

Spring 2012 Gen, Organic & BioChem II C+

Fall 2012 Microbiology B-

Psych classes I received B's and higher.

I would like to continue my education in NYC, but I just truly don't know where to go from here? Any suggestions/recommendations?

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Use google. I am confused as to "you don't know where to go from here". To be a NP you need to get a BSN. You need to be a nurse. You complete that then some schools allow you to go straight on to your NP. Look online for schools where you want to attend and see what they offer. Your GPA may be a problem as many ABSN programs are 3.0 as minimum to start application. Your best bet is to talk with the actual schools and get factual info. Good luck.

[Olivia1022]

Do some research.. but as the responder above states, you have to first get a bachelors in nursing. You can either go the traditional route or try for accelerating nursing programs. You have most of the pre reqs programs require. However, your science grades are not strong, you may have a better chance on traditional programs.I believe you have to work as a nurse for at least a year and then you can apply to graduate programs to become a NP, GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY!

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

There are different routes and it's pretty confusing.

You could get an associate degree in nursing and then go for an RN to MSN Mental Health NP program where you bypass a BSN. Some programs will admit ADNs with a bachelors in another field but usually require some experience.

You could try for an accelerated BSN which is 1 year and then apply for traditional MSN Mental Health NP programs.

You could go for a traditional BSN program and then apply for traditional MSN Mental Health NP programs

You could go for a direct entry Mental Health NP program.

Keep in mind that nursing is competitive. You may be able to skip the year of nursing experience and see if your background will help you. It is up to the individual school.

For most routes, you need to be licensed as an RN but not necessarily hold a BSN. However, there are direct entry NP programs. Each program is different not all programs or methods will be available in each area. In fact, a lot of people have not heard of RN to MSN programs or direct entry NP programs.

I personally found it was cheaper to get an associate degree, go on for a BSN, and then a MSN instead of doing a RN to MSN program.

[Sweet charm, ASN, RN]

I am like you, I have my BA in Psych and had C/B average in pre reqs. I applied to a ABSN program and associates program and got into both. I chose the ADN because it was cheaper. I am planning on doing an RN-MSN program after I graduate. I live in so cal btw.