Help!!!!!

[nursingquestions]

Hi All. I would like to become a RN. I already have my BS in Psychology and I am a full time elementary school teacher. I am getting married in July and I will not be able to quit my job and go to school full time during the day. I have looked into evening programs, but I am being told that I need to take the full associates degree program (3 years). It seems a little silly to me that I would have to get my associates when I have already taken all the gen ed. classes and have a degree. Does anyone know of any programs in MA that I can just take the nursing classes and complete the clinical aspect? Thank you for any advice or help you can offer. :)

[Salamanda NP, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hi. I'm a student nurse in Massachusetts. Most of the programs that I know of that are designed for people working full-time are night/weekend community college programs. I doubt that the college would require you to repeat your gen ed requirements, though. But...how long ago did you go to school? Have you completed your pre req's like Micro and A&P? If those are more than 7-10 yrs old (depending on the school) you may have to repeat them.

Anyway, you could also consider one of the accelerated BSN programs or direct-entry programs. There are many in MA now, though it would not be possible to work full time as a teacher in any of them that I know of. Look into Simmons, MCPHS, Regis (they have many nursing programs), UMass Boston (they have a new accelerated program), Salem State, Northeastern, BC, Endicott, and all of the community colleges. I have heard North Shore has a good nursing program, and I think that all of the community colleges offer flexible nursing programs. Which school told you you must repeat all of your gen ed classes, anyway?

Hope some of this helps you and good luck!

[Missy80]

I have my Bachelors in Psychology too and I decided to go back to school for my RN. Pretty much all of my courses from my bachelors program transferred over to the RN program, except that I need to take Microbiology. So I just have to take the Clinicals courses, which is what I am doing now.

This is my first semester and I am enjoying it.. From what I understand, you need to take the clinical courses under the Associate program first, pass everything, then sit for the NCLEX to receive your RN license. Once you receive your license, then you would go on to get your BSN. If I am misunderstood, I hope someone can clarify that for me so I can make sure I am following the right path.

Hope that helps.