Graphic designer going back to school to get an nursing degree

perioddrama · Nov 24, 2012

Hello,I have been working as a graphic designer for about 8 years now, but would like to have a career change to become a RN. I am tired of having a desk job that constantly requires you to meet deadlines. I want a hands on job and after having kids...I want to have a job that might possibly help parents and children. I have a BS in graphic design and since this was a totally different field I don't know where to start. I've seen on some posts that some people recommend the accelerated BS program for people with a BS degree. What are your recommendations? I was thinking of getting my ADN then possibly get a BSN in the future. How long does it usually take?I haven't been in school for about 8 years now and I am wondering if I need to get my old transcripts trasferred to attend a community college. I honestly am kind of lost since it's been a while. Also, do you recommend a community college over the institutes that offer the nursing program? Any help would be appreciated.

After you take your prereqs, you have a variety of pathways to obtain your RN. You have to factor in waiting time for acceptance (private schools may have a lesser time than a community college), cost of tuition (private schools and ABSN programs cost more vs. state and community schools), location, and whether or not you want to do baby-steps (LVN-RN-BSN, RN-BSN, ASBN, AMSN), and lastly, time of program to finish your desired terminal degree.

Look at your local community college to see what the prereqs are. You can start by taking the prereqs while you decide which path you want to take.

Good luck!

astronomia · Nov 25, 2012

Because you already have a B.S. in graphic design, an accelerated program is an option, because, in an accelerated BSN program, there is only time for your nursing courses. All core classes and pre-reqs must be satisfied before acceptance into an accelerated program, whereas you can fulfill your last few while in a traditional program. Do know that accelerated programs are tough though. All schools are different, but my institution's accelerated program gets you a degree in 16 months (as opposed to 3 years) and consists of 81 hours of school + clinicals per week. That doesn't include studying.

A traditional BSN program only requires you satisfy the nursing pre-requisites, and is at a slower pace.

Another option would be attending a community college and getting your associate's degree in nursing, which allows you to be an RN, and then doing an RN-BSN bridge at another school. Several universities offer these programs via online classes.

Regardless of what path you choose, you do need your old transcripts transferred over to your new institution. Those follow you wherever you go.

Community college vs. University is totally up to you. Community colleges are cheaper, but typically only offer an associate's degree. They are sometimes easier to get into (GPA-wise) than universities, but it varies between locations.

mrsjulie · Nov 25, 2012

Thank you so much for all your help. I think you guys answered all the questions I needed. I think I will take the accelerated route. Once again...thank you!

melc0305 · Nov 26, 2012

Even if you go the accelerated BSN route, I would recommend taking any pre-reqs you need at a local community college. Much cheaper. Just make sure you check with your program(s) of choice to ensure you take the right courses that they will accept.