Direct Entry MSN - when your BA is non-nursing

AB092504 · Aug 7, 2008

First off, welcome

Second, I am going to guess that you're going to need the standard science courses for all programs (Bio, A&P1, A&P2, Micro, Chem), so those would be a start. I don't know that I would take these online, but again, I've never taken an online course before (have my first two this Fall :rolleyes: ). These courses are just a bit information overload in terms of trying to "teach yourself" through an online course. But I'm sure you will hear the opposite from people on here who have done online sciences and have been fine! I think it's up to you, you almost have your undergrad so I'm sure you have an idea of how you learn. I have a BA in Psych and I don't know that I would let myself take those kind of courses online, but again, that's me!

I would take things like your Psych, Sociology (if you need it), Nutrition, Ethics, and possibly Math...although that one makes me a bit nervous too, online..

The only thing I would say is be careful about the time limits on your sciences. Most places you have had to taken your A&P's and Micro w/in the last 5-10 years, it varies by school..but there is more often than not a time limit, so you don't want to be stuck having to retake those classes if they lapse. So maybe start out w/ some of the other ones?

You can also visit the Distance Learning and Graduate Student forums on here. They'd be a huge help I'm sure.

Good luck, and have fun in Guatemala! :yeah:

chloe2326 · Aug 7, 2008

thank so much for your response! :)

i'm finished with my major already, so i'm taking an integrated biology & chemistry sequence this fall, just to cross those two off. the others i'll wait and see about taking them online or waiting until i'm back in the states. see, i have this bad habit of wanting to do everything at once... :icon_roll

but thank you so much for your insight. how are you finding the transition from your BA in Psych to NS?

AB092504 · Aug 7, 2008

You're definitely on the right path then. You sound like you got it together! It's awesome that you've already decided on a master's level program. That's my goal some day, I just don't know what I want to focus on yet.

I'm actually not in NS yet. I start next March in an accelerated BSN program for a year. But after 2 1/2 years of prereqs, I'm ready! I still have 2, possibly 3, courses to take next semester. If they don't except one of the courses from my BA. But so far it's been good. I've been doing well in my prereqs and really enjoying them. I'm just ready to be a :nurse: now! :rolleyes:

duckman954 · Aug 7, 2008

re: accelerated bsn online or otherwise

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hello all nurses,

i am new to your forum. i am not a conventional student. i am 56, and just finished a bachelors of science in 2 and 1/2 years. i had plans of going to anesthesia assistant school here in florida, but my doctor friends told me to forget that. they said to go through the nursing programs.

i am presently finishing a few more prerequisites at florida atlantic university; nutrition, human life span and growth. my bs is from nova southeatern university and my gpa is 3.35. i have all clases from inorganic chemistry i,ii, organic, bio-chem, ap i, ii, physics i, ii, bio i, micro3020, calc, stats, and a minor in phsyc with up to 4700 level. i am as hard a working individual as anyone. i study 7 days a week, it is my life. do care about anything else. need your help.

i have applied to fau's nursing accelerated nursing program, but am nervous since i found out that they have 325 applicants for 30 spots. you guys know the requirements for these programs. i know most just have the bachelors and basic prerequisites. i know i have more than most and the higher ended science courses. i do not have time to make mistakes. my goal is masters in nursr prac-acute care and doctoral so i may end my days teaching. i need advice on what i can do and not do or better still what should i do and what can i do??? (don't want to put eggs in one basket and get caught with my pants down, so to speak)

AB092504 · Aug 8, 2008

Hi duckman,

I guess it just all depends on what the GPA/classes completed that the other applicants have. I think it sounds like you have a great chance though! That's awesome that you have all your sciences knocked out.

To increase your odds, have you looked around at any other accelerated programs, or any direct entry MSN programs in your area? I'm assuming the accelerated one you're talking about right now is a BSN right? Or even if it is an MSN, try looking around for BSN ones, you could knock that out in probably about a year and a half, two years, then go on for your MSN and doctorate (perhaps take the majority of those courses online?). I applaud you for wanting to go in to the education aspect of nursing, :yeah: . We have far too few educators for the amount of perspective students wanting to get in to programs.

Yes, maybe don't put all your eggs in one basket. I did do that, had all intentions of getting in to an accelerated BSN at one of my state schools, and it didn't pan out...put me back about a year, because then I missed out on other opportunities that I could have pursued...just my experience and :twocents: .

Good luck, stay focused, stay positive, and you'll achieve your goals!:heartbeat

mommy2three2 · Aug 8, 2008

I just posted this link on another thread, but this list programs by state:

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:XGRYykuQvkIJ:www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF+accelerated+bsn+%2B+illinois&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a

The programs listed are both ABSN and DE-MSN