BSN Programs

majanrii · Oct 23, 2009

I've been an office manager for over 10 years and recently got laid off. I decided to follow my true passion and become a nurse, however I don't know if I am elegible to enter a BSN program since I only have my high school diploma.. Can anyone please help????

I'd also like some info on this also. I've been working on my Associate degree for an MA.

CuriousMe · Oct 23, 2009

I've been an office manager for over 10 years and recently got laid off. I decided to follow my true passion and become a nurse, however I don't know if I am elegible to enter a BSN program since I only have my high school diploma.. Can anyone please help????

Hi Serena71,

Most programs (either ADN or BSN) require about a year of college coursework they call prerequisite classes (some BSN programs require two years of perquisite classes). They usually include writing, algebra, anatomy & physiology, human development, and nutrition. Once you take these, you can apply to a nursing program (often you can apply when you're still taking them as long as you have a plan to finish the classes before the program starts.).

What you might want to do, is to contact each school you're interested in (you could likely just go to their website) and check out which prerequisite classes they require.

You are absolutely eligible (with a HS diploma) to take these classes. One thing many folks do, is to take these classes at a local community college (you want to make sure the specific classes you're taking at the CC are the exact ones that your BSN school is looking for). You'll likely have to take reading, writing and math tests. The good news is that these aren't tests that you can fail....they are just to place you in the right class, so you don't have to sit through something you already know or try to take a class that you aren't prepared to do well in.

I wish you all the best as you start on this path....Congratulations on taking these first steps!

Peetz, BSN · Oct 23, 2009

If you are pursing a bachelors of science in nursing you first must complete your RN requirements. You are not required to get your RN, such as the NCLEX exam and all, you can forgo that and continue on with your BSN. I am in my 4Th year ( 2 years of pre-reqs, with 2 years of RN studies) then I can take my time with the BSN studies or get them all done in one year. I plan on working as an RN then taking the slow track to my BSN. I am currently registred as a student with OHSU in Oregon, which came with my RN program. Plan on getting A's in your prereq classes to have a good chance of getting into the RN program of your choice. Because RN comes before BSN you will not necessarily enter a BSN program but an RN program that comes with the option to continue on to your BSN. Good luck, I know some who are in RN programs now who did not get a HS diploma just a GED, so don't let that stop ya.

iPink, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

Words of advice I can give you is start looking at BSN as well as ADN programs in your area, calling the college advisor for the programs as far as finding out what subjects are required. And then go from there (applying to a local community college to start taking those classes). I too was laid off from my job about 6 months ago and currently I'm taking the prerequisites needed for an Accelerated BSN program I plan to go into as it'll be only 15 months in length. I qualify for that program because I already have my B.A. in another field.

Wish you luck in your decision. After you're done it's going to feel great being able to put that "RN" after your name and start saving lives.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

There are nursing schools out there that will accept you straight in to the program (BSN schools). All your college credits would be included in the 4 years of school so there's be no prerequisites. Other schools will have you complete gen ed requirements in the first two years of school and then you take nursing classes in the second two (you may or may not have to apply for the nursing program while in school as opposed to at the initial time of application).

Are you willing to relocate? Go to school full time?

CuriousMe · Oct 24, 2009

There are nursing schools out there that will accept you straight in to the program (BSN schools). All your college credits would be included in the 4 years of school so there's be no prerequisites. Other schools will have you complete gen ed requirements in the first two years of school and then you take nursing classes in the second two (you may or may not have to apply for the nursing program while in school as opposed to at the initial time of application).
Are you willing to relocate? Go to school full time?

And some have you complete one year of prerequisites before being accepted into a 3 year nursing program.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2009

And some have you complete one year of prerequisites before being accepted into a 3 year nursing program.

Yeah, there's a lot of variation out there. I think the thing to do might be to decide whether relocation is possible or not; if not, see what the local schools want and how they work, and if so maybe find a BSN program that does direct acceptance (at least, that would be my preference if I was doing a 1st degree BSN from scratch).

ok2bme · Oct 24, 2009

Every BSN program I researched requires about 2 years of pre-requisites. Here are the classes required for my program (Texas A&M):

-2 English courses

-2 History courses

-1 Chemistry with lab

-2 Math (algebra and statistics)

-2 Anatomy and Physiologies with lab

-2 Psychologies (Intro and Lifespan)

-1 Microbiology with lab

-1 Fine Arts course

-1 Philosophy course

It's a big committment..this will take you two years full time. Not only that, but your grades have to be very good, 3.0 minimum, which wouldn't even be competitive for most schools.

Additionally, you will need vaccinations, CPR certificiations, tuberculosis test, a few other things like sometimes a drug test and letters of recommendation.

Best of Luck!!