Becoming an RN?

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Hello, I am a senior in high school in SC and I want to become an RN. I really dont want to attend USC columbia because of how big and expensive it is. I am very confused on how to become an RN without any degrees or experience. What degree do i have to obtain in order to be considered an RN? I DO want to later go on to get my RN to BSN. Please help me someone! thank you so much

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In order to become an RN (Registered Nurse) you must first attend an accredited school of nursing, whether it be a diploma program, associate program, or bachelor of science in nursing program. You must first earn a science in nursing degree before you can sit for the NCLEX-RN (national licensing exam for registered nurses), where upon passing you will be a licensed and registered nurse (RN).

In order to go on and get your RN-BSN degree you must first be an RN with a diploma or associate degree in nursing. Then you can apply after being a licensed RN and obtain your bachelor's in science of nursing. You can also apply directly into a BSN program which usually lasts four years. You will graduate with your BSN and will not need to attend an RN-BSN program. You will simply sit for the NCLEX and be an RN, BSN.

There are many threads on this topic that you might find of assistance. Since you are still in high school you might talk to your guidance counselor about your plans to become a nurse and allow them to guide you. Also, be sure to research the facilities in your area to ensure that you are applying to a program (Diploma, ADN, BSN) that will allow you to land employment upon graduating nursing school.

Best wishes.

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South Carolina State University

this is the Link to the college i want to attend. When you go to the link you will see that SCSU is closing their LPN-BSN program. So could I still go straight into the BSN program? If not what degree would i have to get to be eligible for this schools RN-BSN?

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Sorry but no. Beginning spring 2015 SCSU will only offer RN to BSN.

You can Google South Carolina Board of Nursing and on their site they have an education link that will lead you to the option of selecting all LPN or RN programs in the state. That's a great place to start. Find the schools that offer nursing and go from there.

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Would i be able to take online classes to become an rn while attending SCSU? How much more would it be to do so?

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Would i be able to take online classes to become an rn while attending SCSU? How much more would it be to do so?

I don't think you understand. In order to enroll in the SCSU program (RN to BSN), you must already have your associates degree in nursing.

In order to be considered for admission, each student must possess an unrestricted South Carolina or Multi-state licensure as a Registered Nurse.

You need to find a direct entry program to get your RN, or you can get your LPN first and bridge to higher degrees later.

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i understand that but im saying just enroll as a student to get my basics until i get my RN online?

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That's a bad idea. You have no idea if your credits will transfer or if SCSU even has the right credits to transfer to a nursing program. Find a college, university or program that offers your pre-reqs as well as your actual nursing classes all under the same roof and go from there.

Even if you try to do the online route, you'll have to fulfill a clinical portion of your education in person. There is a lot to gain by going to a regular brick-and-mortar school, especially for your initial education.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

There are no online only entry to practice nursing programs. You must attend in person clinical. The school you wish to attend only has a program for already licensed RNs who completed a diploma or 2-year associates program and wish to complete the additional coursework to attain a BSN.

If you wish to become an RN you need to find another school to attend for your entry level nursing education. You can go straight to a BSN program and earn your degree and eligibility for an RN license in about 4 years.

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You'd be better off going to a technical college for prerequisites then transferring to a BSN program at one of SC's public universities.

I have nothing against SCSU, I'm a former student. While Columbia is the flagship it is not the only branch of USC.

I know of four other branches that offer a BSN and one that offers an associates degree in nursing.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
i understand that but im saying just enroll as a student to get my basics until i get my RN online?

You cannot get an 'RN' online. Your prelicensure nursing education must take place in-person in a classroom-based format. This is because clinical practicum requires hands-on patient care experiences.

The only exception to this rule is Excelsior College, which offers a distance-based nursing program for those who are already licensed as LPNs or paramedics.

And even though Excelsior exists, it should be the option of last resort because not all state boards of nursing accept the nursing education offered by them.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
You cannot get an 'RN' online. Your prelicensure nursing education must take place in-person in a classroom-based format. This is because clinical practicum requires hands-on patient care experiences.

The only exception to this rule is Excelsior College, which offers a distance-based nursing program for those who are already licensed as LPNs or paramedics.

And even though Excelsior exists, it should be the option of last resort because not all state boards of nursing accept the nursing education offered by them.

Even excelsior has a hands on clinical component the CPNE and only presently licensed LPNs and currently active certified paramedics are eligible for admission.

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