* * Help - - Second Career * *

JAshley · Nov 10, 2008

Have you looked into accelerated BSN programs? That's what I did... it took 16 months.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Nov 10, 2008

You already have a bachelor's, so you can enter an accelerated program designed to get your nursing degree in less time than it would normally take if you started from scratch. You don't have to take the fillers and electives normally associated with the bachelor's, just concentrate on the nursing coursework and clinicals themselves.

I've only seen the ones that take 18 months, but then again, I wasn't exactly looking. Keep in mind that the faster the program goes, the more intensive it is going to be: there are no shortcuts, only shorter periods of time to complete the same components.

Once you finish the program and become licensed as an RN, you can continue on to an NP program. I believe most (if not all?) require you to have actual nursing experience before you can be accepted into the program. Someone will certainly correct me if I'm wrong, but even if I am, I think you'd WANT to work as a nurse for awhile to be absolutely certain that you want to proceed, and in what direction.

Most of us graduated from school and began work "knowing" what career path we wanted to take, and most of us changed that course once, twice, many times once we began the actual work of nursing. You might, too; hard to know you want to be a NP specializing in peds without being in the trenches for a bit, IMO.

First step: look into an accelerated BSN program :)

xenonaut · Nov 10, 2008

Accelerated BSN program would definitely be the way to go. I'm beginning one in the Fall. Since your BA is over 10 years old, you will have to retake any prereqs first. Your local community college can help you there. Good luck!

Winnie04 · Nov 11, 2008

Hi,

you have lots of options. Unfortunately, I don't know much about schools in NY, but I will tell you what I found out during my school search. As previously mentioned, there are accelerated BSN programs for people who already have bachelors (some programs, like Johns Hopkins, are only 13.5 mos). There are also masters entry/direct entry programs that bring you straight through to the masters so you can end up as an NP. The shortest one I know of is Boston College, 21 months for the masters.

All/most of these programs require some pre-reqs (the pre-reqs can vary widely among schools, which is frustrating when applying). I know that Yale's master's entry program (called the "graduate entry program") stands out as having relatively few pre-reqs (I think they "recommend" a stats course). Best way to get details is to call the programs you're interested in.

Some master entry programs make students in certain specialties (ie. nurse anesthesia, maybe others) step out of the program for a year while they get RN work experience before proceeding onto the masters portion. On the other hand, in some schools/specialties, students can go straight through the masters without working as an RN first. You will probably hear various opinions from nurses about the wisdom of doing this.

Another option that hasn't been mentioned would be to become an RN through an associates program (which could be more affordable than a BSN), and doing a RN-MSN program later in order to be an NP.

I found the BSN and MSN programs that I looked into to be surprisingly expensive, fyi, in case that is a consideration for you.

DPBEGIN · Nov 13, 2008

Thank you so much for your detailed and informative comments. I am intiating a search.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 13, 2008

DPBEGIN,

Congratulations - it's always a great thing when you arrive at a point in your life when you are ready for new challenges.

Unfortunately, "BA" does not translate well to "BS". You will probably find that most of your undergrad courses will only count toward electives because the major emphasis is on hard science & math. Statistics was mentioned - most graduate programs require competency in research - meaning not only basic, but also applied stats.

Another disturbing element is the fact that science courses tend to 'expire' after 5 years or so... and have to be retaken. I guess this makes sense, because of the continuing discoveries in these areas.. but it can be very discouraging.

I would advise you to think long and hard before deciding on an accelerated program - If you look through this site, you will discover many new grads who wish they had taken a more traditional route. The faster pace simply does not allow sufficient time to socialize yourself into the nursing role. Graduate programs are NOT designed for beginner nurses. The curriculum is designed to advance the skills of an (already competent) experienced nurse.

If I were you, I would gear up to spend at least 5 or 6 years to achieve your goal. I know it seems like a long time, but by that time, the job market will probably have opened up again.