Confused on the timeline?

[teapot289]

Hi all,

So I'm taking pre-requisites to apply to an Accelerated bachelors program and expect to be done my pre-reqs by the end of the Fall 2010 semester (unless i need to take pharmacology or pathophys in which case Spring semester). I can't really determine this right now as I except my boyfriend's job to relocate him before then so right now I have no idea where I will be attempting to go to nursing school. So questions!

1. At what stage, if any, do I take the TEAS or NET exam? Is this dependent on the school requirement? I've read that most schools are switching to the TEAS exam as it is harder. Do I take this before I begin applying to programs so it can be included in my application?

2. When do I apply? I did some searching and see people who are preparing applications for a year from now and it freaks me out that perhaps I need to be doing that also instead of just focusing on the classes at hand.

3. If I end up relocating to an area with no ABSN program is it possible for me to apply to a regular BSN program as long as I have the necessary pre-requisites?

Any insight would be helpful. Thanks!

[mmt4]

I'd hold off on taking the entrance test until you have a specific program or programs to apply to.

Until you know where to apply, don't worry about when. The deadline is most likely going to be sometime during the previous semester, possibly near the start of it. The best you can do is get all of your ducks in a row - get your classes taken, know how to request transcripts, make sure your immunizations are up to date, etc.... You are likely to need an AHA CPR certification, but again, I'd wait to see - the school might offer it, there might be a discount somewhere, and the closer to the start you get it, the longer it is good for, giving you time to get it renewed when you need to.

I am sure you can apply to a regular BSN program, but depending on the school you may have additional prereq requirements (like State Constitution, etc...).

[bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN]

1) You don't have to take the NET or TEAS exams before you apply for the program, although depending on the school it would probably help them out. If you got a high score on it then it would probably even help YOU out if you had the score at the time of your application period. Most schools are indeed switching to the TEAS since the NET is very easy. However, not ALL schools have made the switch yet--make sure to check the each school's website to see which exam they're accepting.

2) Most schools require you to apply about a year in advance. For example, here in CA, all CSUs take applications in October for the following year's fall entry. Eg you'd apply in October 2009 for fall 2010. However, for some private schools they take applications as late as March 2010 for entry in fall 2010. Once again, it depends on the school. Look into every school for their application filing periods.

3) As long as you have the prerequisites for a regular BSN program, you can absolutely apply. I've known 2 people already who switched to a BSN program from an ABSN program since they didn't get in. What they did was apply to both BSN programs and ABSN programs and took whatever accepted them.

Best of luck!