Choosing the right Degree

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Hi,

I am interested in transferring to UCLA's school of nursing for the accelerated MSN program once completing my BA degree.

I am interested to know if any of you have any advice for me on what the best major would be in order to get accepted into the nursing program. Or can I major in whatever I choose without it affecting my acceptance into the nursing program?

Any and all insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

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Im pretty sure that with most accelerated bsn or msn programs, it doesnt really matter what degree u have. Atleast thats how it is where I live. Im sure the school could tell u. they may have special criteria for that, but usually it doesnt matter what degree you have

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Specializes in School Nursing.

A biology degree might prepare you better than one in the liberal arts... but I think you can have any BA/BS as long as you have the prereqs. Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Your previous degree doesn't matter. As long as you have at least a 4-year degree, you are eligible to apply. Also, they have GPA requirements that you must meet. The ABSN program in my area is very strict on applicants having at least a 3.0 GPA from their previous degree, doesn't matter if you get a 4.0 in the prerequisites.

Have you completed their prerequisites? I'm assuming that AMSN program is a generic master's level program, no specialty?

Having no specialty is the reason I chose to go the ABSN route. I want to later get an FNP.

Good luck to you.

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i agree with the above posts. A science major might prepare you better since a lot of the required courses are nursing pre-reqs but as long as you have a good gpa in any major and good prereq gpa's it doesnt really matter what major you choose

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Your previous degree doesn't matter. As long as you have at least a 4-year degree, you are eligible to apply. Also, they have GPA requirements that you must meet. The ABSN program in my area is very strict on applicants having at least a 3.0 GPA from their previous degree, doesn't matter if you get a 4.0 in the prerequisites.

Have you completed their prerequisites? I'm assuming that AMSN program is a generic master's level program, no specialty?

Having no specialty is the reason I chose to go the ABSN route. I want to later get an FNP.

Good luck to you.

Yes, this AMSN program has no specialty. Is it better do an ABSN program and then do a master's to have a specialty? Are there better job opportunities for those with a specialty?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I wouldn't necessarily say it's better or worse. I guess it's just more personal preference. I will be completely new to the nursing field and want to get the BSN first. I don't want a general MSN (all the MSN's in my family have a specialty). Once I get my BSN, I will be focused on obtaining that specialty for the MSN. Of course, you can argue you can still get a non-specialized MSN and then later specialize, which is correct. But, I personally want my MSN to be specialized. Hope I was clear in my explanation.

I can only speak for areas that I'm familar with, but most hospitals desire/prefer applicants to have at least a BSN. However, the wall BSNs and MSNs keep hitting is hospitals wanting the applicants to have experience.

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I wouldn't necessarily say it's better or worse. I guess it's just more personal preference. I will be completely new to the nursing field and want to get the BSN first. I don't want a general MSN (all the MSN's in my family have a specialty). Once I get my BSN, I will be focused on obtaining that specialty for the MSN. Of course, you can argue you can still get a non-specialized MSN and then later specialize, which is correct. But, I personally want my MSN to be specialized. Hope I was clear in my explanation.

I can only speak for areas that I'm familar with, but most hospitals desire/prefer applicants to have at least a BSN. However, the wall BSNs and MSNs keep hitting is hospitals wanting the applicants to have experience.

Makes perfect sense. The reason I ask, is because I am definitely interested in working in Pediatrics. Is it necessary to have a specialty in order to do that?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

No, you can be an RN with an ASN, BSN, or MSN to work in pediatrics or any other specialty. You just may obtain certifications.

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No, you can be an RN with an ASN, BSN, or MSN to work in pediatrics or any other specialty. You just may obtain certifications.

Thank you for all of your help!

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