BS in Chem, Quickest path to RN?

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:uhoh3: I'm a little confused by all the different levels of nursing programs and degrees. I want to be able to work as an RN but already have a BS degree (from 20 years ago!) Do I have to go back and get another bachelor's in nursing, or is there some way I can just get the training I need to pass the test and be an RN?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

Youll have to apply and get into at least a 2 year ADN/ASN or Diploma program. There is not fast track (that im aware of) to RN unless you are already an LPN. Good things is that you probably have all the pre-reqs and Gen Ed courses that sometimes accompany the nursing program and can just focus on the nursing classes/clinicals while you are in school. You can also do the BSN route, whatever you have time for.

EDIT: Just noticed that your sciences are 20 years old! You might have to retake some of them to have them be valid in the eyes the the schools. Some schools like science classes to be less than 5 years. I havent seen any though, that take sciences over 10 years old.

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You may also look into accelerated BSN programs. At least in Illinois there are one year accelerated programs. These programs are actually shorter than many ADN programs.

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And for any program, you'll probably have at least a year of prereqs, depending on what they accept from your old degree and what they require on top of those. Accelerated programs may be the fastest option, and you do receive a BSN, which is a higher degree for the least time commitment. However, they wil tend to cost more than ADN programs, may have a longer prereq list, and will severely limit the hours you can work outside of school. Google your state's board of nursing website, and then look at the sites of all the schools in your area. ADN and BSN both enable you to take the same RN licensure exam at the end of the program.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

To add to what others have said, besides accelerated BSN programs there are also direct-entry MSN programs. Associate's degree or diploma programs are always an option, too. As others have said, you will likely have to take some pre-reqs no matter what route you take, but check with schools you may be interested in to find out what they will accept from your prior degree.

Good luck!

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Check out San Francisco State at Canada. They have a fast track for people with Bachelors degrees and it does not have to be a BSN. Check out the website at nursing.sfsu.edu

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See what credits will be accepted. Take your transcripts to the school you're interested in applying to, and see what transfers. You may be eligible to apply as a Second Bachelors Student

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You may have to take some of the sciences over again, but the good news is once you have a Bachelors (if science oriented) you can usually get a BSN in 1 year. Check around in your area, you may be surprised.

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Thanks everyone for all the info!

I'll do some research and let you know how it goes.

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There ARE RN fast tracks as well as direct entry MSN programs. If I had a Bachelors already I would definately for the Masters just because it looks best on the resume and takes the same amount of time if not less in some cases.

There are also accelerated programs available that you may be interested in,.

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