Accelerated RN degree program?

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Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a way for me to get an associate's degree without having to do the two years? My situation is that I already have a BA in bio/psych along with courses like anatomy and human physiology and other bio courses along those lines. I was planning on attending a two year NP grad program after college or PA school but life intervened!

At this point, I'd like to work as an RN and maybe use it as a stepping stone to a NP or PA career in the future if things work out that way.

I do know of a 12 month accelerated program for people with bachelor's degree to receive a BSN, so I was hoping their would be something along those lines for an RN or maybe I could just take some courses (I assume the clinical courses of course!) and then take the RN license exam? I don't want a slap-dash education however... I want to be a good nurse. I've had to be a "professional patient" for many years (unfortunately) and I've met some terrible ones but mostly wonderful ones.

I'm weighing my options at this point so any input would be appreciated.

Thank you!

I'm a bit confused and I admit that it doesn't take much to confuse me. :rolleyes: It's my understanding that a BSN will prepare you to take the test for RN. Am I wrong? BTW Congrats on chosing to go back to school! All your life experiences will help in making you an outstanding nurse! WTG!!!:balloons:

Cheryl

The best way to find out is to do a search for local schools. I know theri are excelerated progams out there but I am not sure how long they take. Sorry I can't be of much help.

I'm sort of in the same boat. I have a BBA degree but due to a lack of BSN programs in my area, I am enrolled in an ADN program. The program is structured so that you must take certain courses each semester so there's no way for me to speed it up. My only advantage is that as a post-baccalaureate student, I only have to take nursing courses. For instance, this fall semester the program requires classes totaling 12 credit hours. I only have to take 2 credit hours. The accelerated program you are talking about sounds like it will be quicker time-wise (12 months) but more intense.

Some schools (University of South Alabama is one) offer an RN to MSN track for ADN nurses with a bachelor's degree in another subject. I may go that route and skip the BSN step altogether. There are so many different options out there. Just start searching the internet. Good luck!

Specializes in CVOR,CNOR,NEURO,TRAUMA,TRANSPLANTS.

The best thing you can do is go for the Excelorated BSN degree which you can use your current classes that you have . The degree will be the same as the Rn , but with an associates you will have to attend every class and it will take 2 yrs and you will only have the associates degree( they will not accept any classes towards a ADN usless it is in thier program circumlum). The Bsn program that you mentioned is the program you want , the incorporate the classes that you already have and will use them towards the desired degree( they will add the classes you need and they will use and incorporate the classes you already have)(because they go on credit hours and they have a broader spectrum of areas you can go into ), also for you to enter a NP or PA you will need a BS anyway , so you can bridge that program as well and shorten it down to one yr.

I am currently bridging a ADN to MSN now as we speak , so I bypassed all BSN crap and went for the gusto.

Good luck to you, the best advise is to get ahold of the college you want to attend and walk in with your transcripts and tell them what you want your END RESULT to be : be it BSN, or NP,PA they will help you achieve that goal

Zoe

Specializes in CVOR,CNOR,NEURO,TRAUMA,TRANSPLANTS.

Also do contact USA( Univerity of Southern Alabama) they have a great program and alot is online , you can also do a search via the internet , to see if there is anything with in your area. Some places offers a 1 day a week program but it is 8 hrs long and the clincal time is rough but it depends on what you want and can work with . Have your transcrips on hand, because it helps them to see what you need for their programs.

Zoe

http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing/

http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing/CONinfo.html

Zoe,

Are you doing the ADN to MSN program through USA? I think that is where I will probably end up and just wanted to know how it was for someone actually doing it.

Vanderbilt University offers a 2 year Bridge program for people with BS/BA etc. You go for one year taking core nursing courses the second year is specialty courses for your MSN. You graduate with as a RN with a masters and can work as a NP. You could also bridge over with an ADN and that program is offered as a distance program. Some of the specialites are distance also. The only drawback is that is expensive because it's private.

Email me if you have questions.

Specializes in CVOR,CNOR,NEURO,TRAUMA,TRANSPLANTS.

I checked out USA because I graduated from UAB, and my family is from that area , They were a great help , but no I didnt go with them for the classes I went to California State University - Dominques Hills, the price was a little better and the pre reqs werent that bad and I had them covered with some of my other classes I had taken before. So that cut my time down. I did look into and John Hopkins they also offer about the same programs but the Price is well stiff as the upper lip can be, with Dom Hills its majority online and with me going to cali in jan I can pick up what clinicals I want there in LA and be done with it. They were a little more flexable than most wanted to be , with me living overseas part of the time its hard for some to understand that I have a 8-14 hr time difference and some hold web classes that basically would hit me at 2 am or so. But USA was my first choice and I may still take a few classes with them I have personally worked with thier school and thier staff and they are GREAT.

Good luck to you

zoe

Hi all!

Thank u so much for all the replies, it really helped me a lot. Sounds like I have a better idea of what some of my options are now.

Thank u Zoe also for all your help. My newborn niece is named Zoe... just spent sunday with the little peanut who I adore. Maybe this is a 'sign!' LOL!

Thank u so much. I have more research to do.

Jen :)

I am in the same boat Jen. I have a B.S.Ed so I had to go back and take science core pretty much. But yay! I did it! School starts in Janurary for me. I will only have to take Nursing courses b/c I have completed other core classes. But, I am still faced with a year b/c colleges in this area operate on a "track." On the bright side, I will be able to hold a job and go to school now! Best of luck!

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