BS in Health Sciences Instead of BSN??

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So I was trying to see if anyone else had done this; I am an active RN with my ADN. I have been looking into BSN programs and either there's so many extra classes that it would take much longer than I'd like to finish or due to the school being on quarters vs semesters, my financial aid would run out before end of the program and I'd have to pay out of pocket or do a personal loan. The BS in Health Science at the local university I already have a lot of credit towards because of another degree I have so I could finish that in a year. Is this something I can do? Would I be able to eventually apply to an MSN program with this or do I need the BSN??? Thanks in advance

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

You need the BSN. A BS in anything else just won't count in nursing.

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Specializes in PMHNP-BC.

I am not sure that I agree with the previous poster. I would look into schools and read their application criteria. I understood that if you have a RN license and a bachelors in anything you could apply to a MSN program. Shoot... just look at all those direct-entry DPN programs! I have heard of schools that take any non-nursing, bachelors prepared student into their DPN program, which is ridiculous!

I *might* be wrong but your best bet would be to contact the schools you are interested in and ask.

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I am not sure that I agree with the previous poster. I would look into schools and read their application criteria. I understood that if you have a RN license and a bachelors in anything you could apply to a MSN program. Shoot... just look at all those direct-entry DPN programs! I have heard of schools that take any non-nursing, bachelors prepared student into their DPN program, which is ridiculous!

I *might* be wrong but your best bet would be to contact the schools you are interested in and ask.

I imagine "all those extra classes" would then be required again. This short-cut idea doesn't sound like a time or money saver.

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What is your goal in obtaining more education? Do you wish to have a more marketable resume and greater ability to meet the base requirements to work in variety of nursing specialties? If so,a BSN will be much more helpful than a health sciences degree in achieving your goal.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

There are RN to MSN programs that accept nurses without BSN's and take them to the MSN level (often picking up the BSN degree along the way). However, not all MSN programs are like that. And note that those problems take longer than a BSN to MSN program because they include some of the BSN level content in the first year. In other words, ADN to MSN is quicker than ADN to BSN to MSN ... but those programs are longer than BSN to MSN.

An ADN to MSN program might be a good option for someone looking for the shortest route to an MSN -- but not all MSN programs include that option. Some programs only admit students who already have their BSN.

Each program is different; so you have to check with the specific MSN program that interests you.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If your goal is to get an MSN then yes, you could get a non-nursing bachelor's degree to enter an RN to MSN program.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

BS + ADN does not equal BSN. If the program you are looking at specifically requests a BSN, this probably won't cut it.

However, a lot of MSN programs do not require a BSN or even a BA/BS to apply.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

If you have a degree in another field, what kinds of extra classes are you talking about. I have a BS in Biology so when I went to do RN-BSN, I had all the non-nursing undergraduate classes so other than some odd class that my school required, I was able to get my BSN with taking the minimum hours required of all nursing. Now I am in an MSN program and am planning to do my DNP, because I also have a masters in another field, I do not have to take any graduate level electives, so it is shortening my DNP program.

Your financial aid should not "run out" I have been eligible for financial aid for every degree that I have done. You should not have to take out a personal loan. Many places are helping, financially to help employees further their education. Mine gave me tuition reimbursement as a hiring perc and now that I have been there for a certain amount of years, I am getting help as an employee and more help going to the university that is associated with my hospital.

If you are going for a graduate degree, there is more FAFSA money available. I am only borrowing the minimum needed for tuition that is not covered fully (private university). Basically I am getting a private university education for the price of a state university.

That all being said, as the others have stated, you are going to have to check with each school to find out their individual requirements.

Hope you can get it worked out!!! Good Luck :)

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