Dallas Area Nursing Education

[remotemedic]

Hi all, first time caller long time listener lol. I am former military and paramedic working overseas.....I just have some questions and appreciate any help regarding RN education.

1- I am British and the education system here (Texas) is different to what Im used to. I am interested in doing a BSN (seems to be the way ahead since hospitals more and more want BSN vs ADN). If I apply to college and plan to major in a BSN, do I undertake the pre-requisite courses at the same time as taking the general education courses, THEN apply for BSN nursing whilst attending college already? Ie do I basically do 2 years of schooling at a college THEN the BSN specific application comes in the last 2 years?

...in the UK if you do a degree in something you spend 3/4 years doing that subject not general education stuff.

2- Would it be easier long term to do ADN then apply for BSN at a college , or just do 4 years at a college and apply from within? (the UK also does not have community colleges so this is all new to me also)

Thanks for anyone who can help!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Howdy!

Traditional US university-based nursing education has a separation of pre-requisite courses (general education & sciences) that have to be completed PRIOR to being accepted to the nursing program.... even if it's at the same university. You will probably have to complete a separate application for admission to the nursing program after you have completed your pre-reqs. Some schools will let you apply if you're enrolled in the last semester of pre-reqs, but acceptance will be contingent upon achieving a specific GPA.

Example: Freshmen are considered 'pre-nursing' majors.... they apply to the nursing program at the end of their sophomore year. Current students of the university MAY be given some extra consideration, but this is not a sure thing. In addition to applying to the nursing program, you will probably have to take a standardized admission test as well. Admissions are based upon GPA, standardized test scores & "other factors" (depends upon the program). Nursing programs in all Texas metro areas are highly competitive.

Some progressive nursing schools have begun to integrate clinical exposure/training earlier in the curriculum, but it's really not very common yet.

Best of luck on your nursing education journey.