Can BSN rns get into non nursing masters and phd programs?

[mcpheenom]

I want to get involved in some sort of bioethics programs after I finish my BSN. I currently have an associates and have been working as a psych RN for a while. I'm trying to figure out a possible education pathway and am wondering if I will have to go back for a different bachelors in order to get into some of the non nursing graduate programs I'm interested in.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

The short answer? No. You don't. Many people major in one thing for undergrad, work for a few years, and then decide they want to pursue something else and go to grad school for a second career. Some graduate programs require prerequisites pre-entry and a certain GPA/GRE score, but having a BSN will only open doors, not close them.

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

You can, but you should think long and hard before you decide what degree/major you choose. I say this because I know people who have been burned by getting a non nursing Masters, then attempted to use it to get a higher level nursing job, and were turned down because it wasn't a masters in nursing. You never know what lies ahead. I'd see if there are any masters in nursing that would qualify you for what you want to do.

[elkpark]

You can, but you should think long and hard before you decide what degree/major you choose. I say this because I know people who have been burned by getting a non nursing Masters, then attempted to use it to get a higher level nursing job, and were turned down because it wasn't a masters in nursing. You never know what lies ahead. I'd see if there are any masters in nursing that would qualify you for what you want to do.

I agree -- if you want to use a graduate degree in another discipline to get out of nursing, or just for the personal knowledge/satisfaction, great -- go for it. If you are planning on staying (and furthering your career) in nursing, there is no other degree that will benefit you professionally as much a graduate degrees in nursing, and ITA you should think long and hard about putting the time, $$$, and effort into a degree in a different discipline.

Best wishes for your journey!

[ORoxyO]

As long as you meet the admission requirements of course you can. Many people get masters degrees in subject that do not relate to their undergrad. As long as they have the prereqs.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes, you absolutely can get into another degree for graduate work with a BSN in nursing. People do it all the time. It should not be a hindrance, as long as you meet the undergrad GPA requirement and the GRE scores (if required) are high enough. Good luck!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

If the ethics aspect has captured your heart and you want to stay in nursing, get the MN and take all the ethics-related coursework you can, perhaps by doing a dual enrollment in the Divinity School (honest-- I had a friend say she took the same coursework for her PhD in the Div School as she would have in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, but it was easier to get in and she worked with much nicer people). I would strongly recommend you do this in a real bricks-and-mortar campus, as you will need to meet a lot of people face to face to do this well. I think it sounds fascinating and would love to hear how it works out.