Getting into nursing with biology background

Nurses General Nursing

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I have a BS and MS in biology. Graduated with my MS in 2001. Would this be any benefit to me at all if I was looking into a nursing program. Basically would it cut any time off my nursing program or benefit my starting salary?

Would it help me to start out in a more specialized position?

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I have a BS and MS in biology. Graduated with my MS in 2001. Would this be any benefit to me at all if I was looking into a nursing program. Basically would it cut any time off my nursing program or benefit my starting salary?

Would it help me to start out in a more specialized position?

Not necessarily, although it will be easier for you in the program since you would have a lot of science classes taken during your old college days, but you would need to retake those because it had passed over 5 years already. Starting salary will be the same regardless, because knowing the sciences does not mean you would be a great nurse. It is the experience you learn in nursing that makes you a enticing nurse to hospitals.

It will definitely NOT cut any time off in your nursing program. The nursing program will always be 2 years plus pre-requisites. Of course, you do not need to take the pre-requisites except maybe for Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology since it would have passed over 5 years already since you graduated.

It will be great if you would be a nurse since it a in demand right now. Jobs would not be hard for you.

I recommend take those three classes and apply to a nursing program. I highly apply to an excellent school since you have a science background, and assuming you have a very high GPA. UPenn and Johns Hopkins are excellent schools.

Good luck!

Jasgop

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I had a 3.5 in BS and a 3.9 in MS.....what school would you think I would most likely be able to get into? I apologize if this is a dumb question as I have no idea about applying to a program of that nature. I originally wanted to go to Medical school, changed my mind, now I just don't have the desire to put that many hours back in to my education.

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Ha!

I was going to go to medical school too, although my intended BS was nursing, but because of long hours of study and its just so freakin' expensive, I'd rather keep and become a nurse.

I would suggest first go to a public university nearest to you and ask them about their nursing program.

If you live in California, I would know a lot about it since I live there. Right now, I am at a university in arkansas getting my nursing pre-requisites to apply to Upenn and Johns Hopkins.

What state do you live in?

Public Universities are competitive because they are cheaper, next would be a private university (more expensive but less competitive).

- J

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Georgia

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Ah!

Just go look at schools in Georgia. I'm pretty sure you will find one that best fits you. You have an excellent GPA. You shouldn't have a problem in getting in to any nursing programs there.

Use Google!

- J

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

You have an EXCELLENT background. Go for it!.

Edit to add: Eventually with some experience under your belt, you can specialize. Nursing is not all biology---and requires a good understanding of human homeostasis.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

Your previous education will not result in any higher pay as an RN. Have you thought about PA school? Same length of school, a little more pay and much better working hours and conditions.

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Specializes in Psych.

Georgia State University has a 16 month accelerated program and it's fantastic. Check it out: http://chhs.gsu.edu/nursing/accelerated.asp

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Your MS in biology may help u skip over certain courses, It did for me, but I don't know if most schools do that. They also considered my MS GPA, but again this may depend on where you go to school. Having an MS degree however, definitely has no bearing on your starting salary, you will be like any other new nursing grad when you are done with school.

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I wish it does though! I was going for BS in Biology too then nursing then work then go to medical school, but with this crazy health care reform. I don't want to go to med school anymore and find out that I will have a hard time finding a job! =(

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Georgia State University has a 16 month accelerated program and it's fantastic. Check it out: http://chhs.gsu.edu/nursing/accelerated.asp

That should be a great program for you! Contact their school and nursing advisor and send your transcript to see what transfers.

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