Before applying to nursing school..

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Do you actually need a BS in nursing? My plan has been med school for years but lately have been looking at nursing school. The thing is, I'm completing a BA in music with a minor in chemistry, which would be totally ok for med school as long as I take the mcat and do my pre reqs. I've been looking at how to get into nursing school and everything I've read has said that I must have a degree in nursing to get in. Is this true? Does this mean I can't get into nursing school with the degree I'm almost done with?

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Do you actually need a BS in nursing? My plan has been med school for years but lately have been looking at nursing school. The thing is, I'm completing a BA in music with a minor in chemistry, which would be totally ok for med school as long as I take the mcat and do my pre reqs. I've been looking at how to get into nursing school and everything I've read has said that I must have a degree in nursing to get in. Is this true? Does this mean I can't get into nursing school with the degree I'm almost done with?

I'm confused, and curious about what "everything (you've) read" has been. The point of going to nursing school is to get a degree in nursing -- you don't have to have one first. I wonder if maybe you've been looking at literature/websites for BSN completion programs -- for individuals who have already completed a diploma or ADN and are licensed nurses and are now looking to further their education.

There are lots of "accelerated BSN" programs for individuals who are not nurses and have a BA/BS in another subject. You might try looking specifically for those. Also, conventional BSN and associate degree nursing programs in community colleges certainly do not require that you already have a degree in nursing to be eligible.

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I have just been googling things mainly stuff like 'how to go to nursing school' etc. Since I don't know anything, I don't know what the things I have read have been specific towards so you might be right, they may have been regarding completion programs. Google can get you into trouble if you don't know what you're looking for!

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How close are you to completing your BA?

If you really are interested in nursing look at the program's prereqs and evaluate if you'd be better off completing your current BA and then doing an accelerate program in Nursing (like Elkpark suggested). These programs are for people who already have a BA and want a Nusring BSN; typically take about a year of solid classes with full load even in the summer and intercessions. Or you could cut your losses now and change majors to get the BSN.

You can also earn an Associate's degree in nursing from a community college, but it may take you as long as the BSN route and you're better off getting the BSN.

Being accepted into nursing school is as competitive as medical school. You have to complete all prereqs and then apply to nursing program, then take another year or two of schooling.

If you decide nursing is what you want to do, after earning a BSN you may also consider becoming a Nurse Practioner. These are Masters and Ph level nurses who have expanded responsibilities (like diagnosing and prescribing), kind of a cross betweeen a doctor and nurse.

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I'm guessing you have been looking at MSN programs which mostly require an existing nursing degree. There are some exceptions like entry level MSN-CNL (Clinical Nurse Leader) programs. There are also many second degree BSN programs for those of us who have an existing BS/BA.

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