Graduating college and considering pursuing degree in nursing...

[WCSU1987]

Hi, 23 year old male graduating college with a bachelor of science in Justice and Law Administration. Took me 5 years and 1 class this semester this fall will be completed with college. Now though been interested in awhile, but kept selling my self short and something wouldn't be able to handle is going for a nursing degree.

Been looking into the program at my college will look at others. Looking over classes to be accepted into nursing already completed some of the perquisites necessary. Have a total of 7-8 classes may have to re-take a few already taken while back to receive necessary grade.

Few questions not in a rush, but wondering on average how long would you think it take to complete a degree in Nursing? Would have to return back to college for another four years? With the program at my current college and prerequisites needed to take it would take 5 to 6 semesters; with about 20 classes needed to take. Also should consider any programs such as accelerated or second degree? People have mentioned to stay away from programs such as those? Will it be difficult to be accepted into a nursing program with my college GPA being a 2.3?

I have considered the military while in college. Now leaving something I would want to pursue. Been asking on several boards in regards of what direction to go in regards to nursing. Should I wait after completion of active duty, go reserve, or wait till receive my degree in nursing and then look into the military. Many have said the latter obtain your nursing degree and then enter into the military. Secondly is there an age limit into when I can join as a nurse? Am currently 23 would tentatively look to receive degree between 26 to 28 years old.

Will appreciate the responses and will look on this board to help give me some direction.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Hi.

First I started to take my prerequistes for nursing school when I was 27. So, you are never too young or old to pursue nursing. You may actually run into people on here who started NS in their 40's and 50's.

Secondly, there are Accelerated BSN program offered to students who have obtained their college degrees in a non-nursing field. These programs can last from 12-16 months in length (depending on program). Most of them require that your college degree GPA be at least a 3.0. Since, your GPA is 2.3, it may be difficult for you to pursue this route. However, there are some programs that will accept less than a 3.0, but you will have to search hard for them.

In addition, these ABSN program are more expensive and are very intense. Now, if this is something that may not be a fit for you, you can try to go back for your ADN/ASN, which takes 2 years to complete. Of course, this route is less expensive and highly competitive. Once you become an RN and gain experience and desire to continue to climb the ladder in your nursing career, you can always bridge to RN-MSN.

Lastly, if you decide to go into the Military, they'll pay for your education, including the nursing program. So, that's a plus you can look at.

The decision is up to you.