Getting into a Nursing Program

RhodyGirl, RN · Jan 12, 2009

You would probably need to go back and take those courses. Do you have any of the prereqs done, or would you need to do them all? If you have the opportunity/time/money, I would recommend BSN right away, rather than RN-BSN. I am doing the BSN straight through and I'm glad I made that choice....in today's job market we need to be as marketable as possible, and it's also a good foundation for higher education (should you decide to go back).

Good luck!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

i choose the rn-bsn route due to finances. i suggest that you look at all of your options. fyi if you wish to get a job in today's job market, the best thing to do is to get a job as a nurse extern or a cna at the hospital you wish to work before you graduate. this way you will be the first person directors look at rather then the last. btw, yes you will need to take pre-reqs and possibly co-reqs before entering nursing school. most schools are competitive, so much so that they issue points for admission based on the number of courses completed before applying. your best bet is to be a constant reader of threads on the pre-nursing forum to gain more insight and support. https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/ gl! :twocents:

-new grad

VenaKavaRN · Jan 12, 2009

Most schools don't allow you to take anything but the nursing courses because it is so time consuming. There's really very little time for doing prereqs between clinicals and classes. My school loves to throw stuff in on days when we wouldn't normally be having our nursing classes, because it is expected that these be the only classes we take.

Also, doing prereqs will allow you to boost your GPA (should you need it), allowing you to be more competitive when applying for nursing school. In addition, in my area the associate RN programs seem to have 2-3 year waiting lists, while the RN-BSN programs do not. So in theory, you would probably save time by spending a couple semesters on prereqs and getting straight into an RN-BSN program, as well as having a higher level degree with a little more flexibility.

As always, your mileage may vary and you should talk to the nursing department of your chosen school to see what they think.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 15, 2009

in addition, in my area the associate rn programs seem to have 2-3 year waiting lists, while the rn-bsn programs do not. so in theory, you would probably save time by spending a couple semesters on prereqs and getting straight into an rn-bsn program, as well as having a higher level degree with a little more flexibility.

ok, i think there is some confusion. i graduated from an adn program and am now in a rn-bsn program. you must be a rn or a new grad of a adn program to attend most rn-bsn programs. i paid cash for the adn program and am paying cash with support from my employers to attend my rn-bsn program (i also won a scholarship too). so, when i said i choose the rn-bsn route, i mean i decided to get my adn first, and then apply for rn-bsn program. btw, i started my rn-bsn program early (before graduating the adn program) because the local university will accept good adn students early with permission from faculty. i found out about this before i attended my adn program and made a it a goal to be one of those students (and i was).

op: there are many options for you to choose. you can also try a traditional bsn program, an accelerated bsn program or an accelerated msn program. however, those are very very expense options. most places with the exception of the federal government (health services) or the military will not pay off loans that are huge for nurses. so i made the choice i made because i already have a ton of loans from prior degrees and was in the mind set that if i cannot figure out a way to pay cash to be a nurse, i was not going to be a nurse. with that said i was determined and earned a 4.0, worked two jobs, and saved over a few years to attend nursing school. i do not regret having not graduated years ago because i would have over $100,000 debt right now that would take me a lifetime to pay off (you cannot declare bankruptcy on student loans). :twocents:

FLmomof5 · Jan 15, 2009

Technically, you include student loans in your bankruptcy.. they just won't be discharged.

CUBritt08 · Jan 15, 2009

Thank you very much for everyone's advice- it is MUCH appreciated! I have spoken with the majority of the admissions directors from the schools I am planning to apply to and they have all told me that as long as my prereq's are completed before the Nursing classes start then I can still apply and be accepted. So, I signed up for two prereq. classes for this semester and I plan on taking the last one over the summer. Also, in response to "MBA2BRN"'s advice, I actually did go through a CNA course last semester and I take the CNA state exam on January 24th. I am hoping to get a job at the University of Colorado Hospital after I get my license and also apply to their nursing school so that I can get my foot in the door, as you said.

Again, thank you so much for all of the great advice and kind words!