Best options!?!

TazziRN, RN · Jun 1, 2007

Are you an RN? I do not know for sure, but I believe you need a degree in nursing to become an NP.

There is an NP forum here, they can probably answer your question.

Miss C · Jun 1, 2007

Are you an RN? I do not know for sure, but I believe you need a degree in nursing to become an NP.
There is an NP forum here, they can probably answer your question.

No, I am not an RN, that is why it did not sound right for me to just take missing prerequsites to become a NP.

And thank you!

TazziRN, RN · Jun 1, 2007

Most welcome! And welcome to the zoo! We're pretty nuts here but you won't find a better group of people anywhere else on the net.

tartay0211RN · Jun 1, 2007

From what I know you have to have your RN first then you can get you NP. This also means you have to have your BSN not just an ASN. Be aware that the laws are changing and to be a NP soon it will require a PhD. I think that is the plan for 2015, so you still have time but I wouldnt wait to long. There are schools out there that have fast tracks for nurses who have a previous degree in something else. In my experience too it is best to get a few years as a nurse on the floor to build up your assessment skills and understand what it is to be a nurse. Good luck, My husband has a bachlors in Psych and he is going back to school because he was making such a poor salary and he really didnt like his job. He considered nursing but is now getting a masters in Counseling, which is another option you may have if you do not want to do nursing.

SonicnurseRN · Jun 1, 2007

There are programs where you can do your ADN to MSN NP in my area ... it saves you a couple of semesters.

happybunny1970 · Jun 1, 2007

We have an program in this area that grants a combined BSN/MSN (awarded simultaneously). To enter, you have to already have ADN and at least one year's experience working as an RN. It takes 3-4 years to complete, after all prerequisites are done. Most of the prerequisites are accomplished when attaining the ADN, but not all. Since it actually takes 3 years to get the ADN (because you have to have prerequisites for that before admission), then two years for the ADN, then a year for the advanced degree prerequisites, then four years for the program... it takes at least 7 years if you go straight through this way (taking classes full time, even while working, since you have to be working to apply for the advanced degree program).

Myself, I couldn't do quite this much. I've had to spread out the classes more -- I can only handle two classes per semester in the middle of my already busy life. Last semester I took three and it like to killed me!

The upshot is that the Masters program has three different focii, of which you choose one: Business Administration, Education, or Nurse Practitioner. The track you choose determines the final classes you take. There's also an option to drop the last year and just obtain the Bachelor's degree.

The one benefit of already having a Bachelor's in something else is that it may take care of some of the prerequisites.

MB37 · Jun 1, 2007

I have a degree in psych and have the same goal. I am currently in an accelerated second bachelors degree program for nursing, which takes 15 months. Prereqs took me 2 years, but that's because I transferred and they changed. If you are staying in one area for sure, you can generally knock those out in a year even if you used psych classes for all your undergrad science courses. Some schools (not mine) also offer "direct entry" masters programs, but I thought I would like to work as a nurse for a few years before I commit to even more school. That might be what who you talked to was referring to - do your nursing prereqs, then apply to direct entry, which would probably be about a 3 year program. (maybe more) For those of us who already have degrees, the ABSN is usually faster than getting an ADN. It does cost more most of the time though, and because of the pace it's much harder to keep working if you need to. Hope that helps!

**All Heart RN** · Jun 1, 2007

Hey,

I'm not sure where you're located but I have a friend who attends an Ohio university who had her Bachelor's in Community Health Education and Master's in Public Health (without any background or degree in Nursing) and was able to enter into an accelerated BSN/MSN program that will ulitimately lead to a NP. In her first year she earned her RN and then immediately entered into the Master's portion of the program. She is currently in clinicals for the ACUTE care portion of the NP program. She said the program is EXTREMELY intense but it's possible to stay afloat if you are truly dedicated.

Check out Ohio State University's website (osu.edu). You'll find info there.

Good luck

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2007

Hello, I am a recent graduate, I just received my Bachelor's in Psychology. I have a nursing assistant certification as well. I want to get my Master's for Nurse Practitioner, but I am not sure which path to take.
One school told me to just finish up my prerequisites at a community college and I can apply for the Master's program.
OR
Do I have to or can I start somewhere else.. I am not sure.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

This school may have a masters direct-entry program, or an accelerated BSN for those who already have a bachelor's in another field.

Research your options carefully - your questions will be best answered by the schools you are considering.

The graduate student forum here at allnurses.com: https://allnurses.com/forums/f223/

Good luck to you! :)

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jun 1, 2007

You need to talk to the school that would provide the NP degree. In Texas they require NP's to be practicing RN's first.