Going into 2nd year of undergrad. Should I start prereqs, or finish undergrad and do an ABSN?

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Aug 8

Yes grades matter. Bs are fine., but nothing lower than that for pre reqs. If you want to be an RN I would start contacting schools now. Don't worry about "low acceptance rates". Just apply where you want to go. The best information you will get is from the schools themselves. Talk to an advisor..tell them your situation..and develop a plan. I cannot imagine any advantage to paying for a degree you do not want. And "money may not be a problem", but there is no point to being wasteful with it. Start learning good financial practices now. Good luck.

peek · Aug 8

You're right. Thank you!

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 10

"Should I just finish my undergrad as a backup while fulfilling prerequisites, and then do an ABSN? Or should I just switch towards finishing prerequisites as fast as possible and apply to a traditional BSN program?"

It can be difficult getting into nursing programs. I think what you stated above shows your mind is in the right place. Have you done your research on the various nursing programs around you, acceptance rates, NCLEX pass rates, etc.? I don't know which state you are in, but for example, I'm in California and the programs are very impacted here and can be difficult to get into.

First check which prerequisites you have already fulfilled during all your schooling. If you have the majority of the prerequisites, start applying to traditional BSN programs while also completing Bioinformatics. For example, let's say you have four classes left in order to be able to apply to BSN programs. Maybe you can take two prerequisites and then one class for Bioinformatics; in case you do not get accepted, at least you're still on track to get the other degree. The BioInfo degree is not a total loss, as it would serve as the main thing you would need in order to get into an ABSN program, if it ends up you cannot get into a BSN during the next few years.

Just keep in mind, some prerequisites may expire by the time you start enrolling or get accepted. This is something you must also check when you start applying to these schools. There may be some schools which may require the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry classes be taken within the past 5 years prior to applying. If you don't make that deadline, you have to retake the classes.

Have you spoken to your parents about your plans? I suggest this if they are going to be the ones paying for your education. They should have a say in whether they are willing to support you financially in your goal of becoming a nurse or not.

Good luck!

peek · Aug 11

Mergirlc said:

I am in California as well. I have done my research on prerequisites for some schools, and they are generally somewhat similar. I do have a baseline plan for now, and am taking more prerequisites along with my required classes for my intended major.

I've also looked into acceptance rates, pass rates and all that, and I think I would prefer to stay in California. There seem to be a lot of good schools here, but their acceptance rates do scare me a little. I will look into safeties as well soon.

I agree with you that my Bioinf degree is somewhat aligned and saved me some prerequisites, so that helps, but I still need around 5 or 6 classes. I plan to finish those at a cc over the Summer.

There are also some prerequisites that are not offered at any colleges near me. Do you know how I can fulfil prerequisites like that?

Do you have any advice on how to stay busy and prepare during this time? I feel behind. I know there is not much to do at the moment during the Summer, but is there anything you can suggest for me to do in the future? (Internships, volunteering, certifications?)

Thank you again in advance! I know its a lot of questions 🙂

Mergirlc said:

Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 11

"There are also some prerequisites that are not offered at any colleges near me. Do you know how I can fulfil prerequisites like that?"

The California Community College system is vast. You just need to look up and down the state and see which community colleges offer what it is you need. Yes it takes time, but you're bound to find the classes you need somewhere else outside of your area. The only issue may be if it's a biological science class like a chemistry or physiology where there may be in-person labs. Then you will need to decide if you're able to commute to those colleges or not.

Keep in mind, if you do see a class that is available at another California CC, you're going to have to apply for admission and send transcripts. Plan accordingly. The good thing is, community colleges tend to be fairly easy to get into.

Do you have any advice on how to stay busy and prepare during this time? I feel behind. I know there is not much to do at the moment during the Summer, but is there anything you can suggest for me to do in the future? (Internships, volunteering, certifications?

From my observations, nursing schools tend to favor those who have either already worked in some capacity in the healthcare system (CNAs, MAs, technicians, phlebotomists, etc.) or have had some type of healthcare-related volunteer activity. Volunteer activity should be the easiest to get into. Just start looking at your local hospital and major healthcare system websites to see what may be available in your area. Of course, there's always the Red Cross and other organizations such as those which can always use volunteers.

Just make sure to focus on your studies and try to get A's. I would say that would be the number one tip I would tell anybody. There are some schools, where probably half the people applying are already going in with the prerequisites at 4.00 GPA. The 4.00 GPA may not be their overall GPA, but since California schools are very competitive, you need to go in with good grades.