Few questions about nursing school. Please help!

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi All. I am brand new to the site and am here obviously cause i'm really considering going to nursing school. I just need help with which direction i should take in pursuing my goal. Currently I am working at a biotech company and have decided to look into nursing school as it is a career i have always considered. Anyway, I do have my bachelor's in general biology, and a year experience with a biotech company. I have spoken to some friends of mine, and they have told me that since I already have my bachelor's that I have a better chance of getting into a masters of nursing program as opposed to the bachelors of nursing program. I really don't know if this is true, for they aren't the most reliable source. Basically, i'm wondering if having my bachelor's degree in biology would help at all? Or would i have to start all over and apply to a bachelors of nursing program or RN? Thanks again in advance! And i apologize if this question has already been addressed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You might be eligible to apply to an accelerated BSN program (bachelor of science in nursing) or a direct-entry MSN program (masters of science in nursing) since you probably have already completed many of the prerequisite classes that nursing programs require. These accelerated nursing programs are designed for people who already have degrees in some non-nursing major. The accelerated programs are short in length (12 to 18 months), offer an intense workload, and tend to be very expensive.

Also, your prerequisite grade point average must be competitive. Although my friend had a previous B.S. degree in public health, her collegiate GPA was only a 2.6, which meant that she was competing against many nursing school applicants with much better grades. None of the community college RN programs would take her, and the only accelerated BSN program that accepted her was a $42,000 program at a private university. She ended up completing an LPN (licensed practical nurse) program, and is now enrolled in an LPN-to-RN transition associates degree program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Keep in mind that some of your previous classes may have 'expired' if you completed them > 5 years ago - sad but true. Best bet? Find out the pre-requisite requirements for schools that interest you and go from there. I would also advise you to conduct a very thorough investigation before commiting to an accelerated program - including reading posts here on AN. Many A-BSN's feel that they lack clinical preparedness, and did not enough time to acculturate into nursing profession.

You may also want to really examine the reality of nursing salaries. Entry level may look good, but there is severe salary compression and opportunities for advancement are not as plentiful as in other careers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU.

I think the best bet is not to ask us but contact accredited programs near you and go speak with them. Check with"

any local tech colleges about RN programs

any local private colleges about RN/BSN/MSN programs

Your state university

I found my state university and the private colleges most willing to have an "informational" meeting. The best advice I got was from the state university.

Just my two cents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the help. I'm most likely going to look up nearby schools and ask them about admission requirements/prerequisites etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment