Best Path to NP, B.A. in Psych

[psych1991]

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Hello everyone! I have been combing through the threads for awhile trying to answer this question.... I graduated in May of 2014 with a B.A. in psych. Since then, i have been working as a Clinical Allergy Specialist in various doctor's offices giving allergy care (tests and injections) to patients. Recently, after spending alot of time observing them, I have decided that my main career goal is to become and NP. So, what is the best path for me to take? From what i've read, here are my options:

1. ABSN - pros-quick cons- 2.74 college gpa, need pre-reqs, pricey

2. ADN - pros- cheap, multiple programs, no pre-reqs cons- time

My plan right now is to enroll into an ADN program at a community college so that I can pay for it as I go. I still have over 10k in undergrad debt and am trying to not have any more. Then, once i got my rn, i thought i could work and complete my msn online. I know rns don't make much compared with other fields, but they make more than I do! any thoughts on this plan? Any suggestions?

Also, i am 23 years old in the southeast.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Interesting. I'm curious. How are you able to perform injections and allergy testing? Is this delegated by your employing physician? Did you have to go through a state certification? I'm asking because this is usually strictly limited to licensed nurses & physicians ... in my state. Pharmacists (with additional training) can perform standard immunizations, but that's pretty much it.

Of course, your local conditions may vary, but your current GPA is not adequate for accelerated program in my area. They base admissions on cumulative GPA. It wouldn't be sufficient for admission to traditional ADN programs either. However, the commercial schools (investor-owned) have much more liberal admission criteria - probably because they are more focused on selling tuition than actual graduation.

[Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN]

Actually, most ADN programs have a lot of pre-reqs as well, and usually require at least a 3.0 GPA. You will probably be able to bump up your GPA while completing your pre-reqs.

[Cococure]

Quick question...why do you want to be a NP? Have you showed any? You can do the ADN program but they have pre reqs and your GPA would need to be improved, this can be done while doing your pre reqs. You can do the accelerated program which is faster but very competitive. Working as a nurse will give your the opportunity to earn a decent salary while pursuing your MSN. The path you choose will be yours but make sure you are aware of the time, schooling and money involved.

good luck

[PG2018]

Interesting. I'm curious. How are you able to perform injections and allergy testing? Is this delegated by your employing physician? Did you have to go through a state certification? I'm asking because this is usually strictly limited to licensed nurses & physicians ... in my state. Pharmacists (with additional training) can perform standard immunizations, but that's pretty much it.

Of course, your local conditions may vary, but your current GPA is not adequate for accelerated program in my area. They base admissions on cumulative GPA. It wouldn't be sufficient for admission to traditional ADN programs either. However, the commercial schools (investor-owned) have much more liberal admission criteria - probably because they are more focused on selling tuition than actual graduation.

In many states, there's no functional need for nurses. Anyone off the street can be hired to give shots, etc. They merely need documented competency. I've had allergy testing several times - never by a nurse of any level. Conceivably, a nurse may only be needed for rush immunotherapy.

This is a field of interest to me so I follow it to some degree. It's nothing but revenue. If I could be an allergy NP I would.