BS in Biology and want become an NP

elkpark · Sep 29, 2010

Welcome to allnurses! :balloons:

You have a few different options (I'm assuming that you're not already an RN). There are "direct entry" MSN programs (different schools have different cutesy names for their own program, but they are typically referred to, generically, as "direct entry" programs) for people with a BA/BS in another area who want to become nurses. Some of those programs offer NP concentrations. In order to do that, you'd have to know which "flavor" of NP you want to be. These programs typically take three years, or close to it, and you would come out eligible for licensure and certification as an NP.

You could do an "accelerated BSN" program. These are, again, for people who already have a BA/BS in something else and want to become nurses. The programs consist of just the strictly nursing content (didactic and clinical) of a traditional BSN program, shoehorned into a shorter amount of time. They typically take between 12 and 18 months, depending on the school. You come out with a BSN and eligible for licensure. From there, you could choose the traditional NP program of your choice.

You could also do an ADN program; assuming you have all the prerequisites (and your sciences haven't "expired" by the time you're applying), it would probably take somewhere around two academic years, maybe less, and would almost certainly cost a lot less than an accelerated BSN program. You would come out eligible for licensure (and with an AAS/ASN degree). There are some nursing grad programs that will take licensed RNs (ADN or diploma grads), with or without a BA/BS in something else, without a BSN degree (typically, they just add the necessary coursework to approximate a BSN onto the MSN program -- some programs actually award a BSN along with the MSN, some don't). You would then not have as wide a choice of NP programs, but you would be able to proceed on to graduate school (you would probably have a wider choice with the bio degree than if you had just the Associate's and nothing else).

There are so many individual variables to consider (cost, location, time commitment, personal considerations) that only you can decide which is the best choice for you. However, IMO, one of the best things about nursing is that there are usually a few different ways to get to where you want to be. :)

Best wishes for your journey!

iPink, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2010

The above poster gave you all the options you can take. I too plan to become an NP, specifically a Family NP. I just want to add, if you want to get some advice from great NPs, go to the "Specialty" tab and click on Advance Practicing Nurse, and find Nurse Practitioner forum. Smart, encouraging people can help you out when your ready to ask tons of questions.

physiology85 · Sep 30, 2010

I have a BS in Physiology and Neuroscience and I too want to become an NP. There are a few select programs that offer the "Entry Level MSN" programs with the NP concentration. Be careful to not confuse the Entry level MSN programs that have other foci, a common EL-MSN program concentration is Clinical Nurse Leader which does NOT allow you to become an NP. So when you are researching make sure you pay attention to the concentration.

Some programs to check out that I applied to are the following: Seattle University, Samuel Merritt University, Western University of Health Sciences, and UCSF.

I was an alternate for Western University Fall 2010 but did not get accepted off the list. I think very highly of this school and was disappointed that I wasn't selected. I highly encourage you to check out this program!

I was actually just recently accepted to Samuel Merritt University for Spring 2011 ELMSN FNP program! These programs are pretty small, have a very selective process, and are expensive but they have a great pay-off; a great career and to become an NP from a non-RN Bachelors degree.

It has been a very tough year of denials, wait-lists, and finally an acceptance, but if you want it you can do it. I do not have a great GPA but worked hard to improve it after graduating, volunteered a ton during undergrad, and I have a lot of paid health care work experience. Know your weaknesses and work to improve them because it is a very selective process; when they have so many applicants it's easy to deny someone who has an obvious weakness in their application.

I hope the best for you in the application cycle, I never thought I would be the one writing advice from this side because just a few weeks ago I was still the stressed out applicant. Good luck!