Do I need...

Yes, you have to have to be a registered nurse to get into an RN-BSN program. This is for someone who has their RN already but didnt get a bachelors and now wants one. A basic student who is on the nursing tract and finished their pre-reqs would go for a BSN. They get their RN and BSN at the same time. Hope this helps. :)

Thanks. I was hoping to be able to apply and then get my license, and then begin the program. That way I would have an active license before beginning the program, just not before applying, kwim? I know that there are some programs that I can just go right in to in the fall. I wasn't sure if this was one or not... blah.

The school I went to allowed you to apply to the school prior to getting your license. This way you could get your application in before the deadline. Your acceptance then was conditional upon you passing your NCLEX exam. One girl in my class didn't even pass the first time around and they still held her spot for one more attempt. Hope that helps some. However, I would definitely get in contact with an advisor for the program to double check how the program you are interested works.

I had a hard time reaching anyone to tell me if I could apply or not. Finally I got an email stating that yes, I can apply but passing the NCLEX would be a requirement of admission. I just wanted to make sure before I spent all the time finishing the application. The admission "essay" is recommended to be 3-5 pages long! wow.

I'm glad that all worked out for you. Wow! an admission essay. What is the essay supposed to be about? Is it an autobiographical essay or an example of your previous work?

Actually they give you 3 or 4 topics that you must address in your essay. I still haven't done it! I am working on it though. I have to write different essays for the schools that I am applying to and I am trying to get my resume out plus my first test of the semester is next week. So I'm juggling lots of stuff...but hopefully I will make all the deadlines!