HELP!! Which BSN program? How does licensing work for USA?

WayneStateKatie · Sep 22, 2008

1.) does it matter which bsn program i pursue? state college vs private college? with the obvious factor, expense aside, is that the only major difference?

no, especially with the current nursing shortage. hospitals are happy to have rns and rarely will it matter where you went to school. in employers' eyes a bsn is a bsn (and often times public state schools have better reputations than private colleges).

2.) if i attend a private college in colorado but would like to keep my current residency, ca, an option to come back to... how does rn-licensing work? if i attend school in co, does each state have a licensing exam?

if you are licensed in a state you can endorse your license over to another state. so say you went to school in co, stayed there, worked as a graduate nurse there, take and pass nclex in co you are licensed in co. but if you want to move back to ca it's pretty simple-- you would simply endorse your license over to the other state-- there are very clear instructions on how to do this on each state's board of nursing website.

3.) the nclex... i understand this is the nursing exam. is this the exam one must pass after completion of a bsn program in order to begin practicing?

yes once you complete your bsn program they will submit your name saying you completed your degree. you will then be able to sit for the nclex and once you pass you will be a licensed rn. students who complete an associates in registered nursing also sit for the same exam and are rns as well (not just those who complete bsn programs are rns)

4.) if i am (eventually) wanting to receive a msn does the school i attend for the bsn influence acceptance at all? i know most of the msn programs are completed online, does this make a difference?

the school does not matter as much as your grades. if you go to a prestigious college but have barely passing grades you will not look as attractive as a candidate who may have gone to a less recognized school but who had superior grades and was very involved in activities. actually a lot of programs i know of aren't online for msn... some do offer online course options, but many of them are on campus and have several contact hours on campus and in clinical sites. i suggest contacting potential grad school programs you're interested in (although it's a while off) and ask them what they look for in a candidate. a msn is a msn and it usually doesn't matter where you obtain it from.

5.) word for word... what is the difference between regionally and nationally accredited?

this is the one of your questions i'm the most iffy on. these are simply different types of of accreditation. with a school that is nationally accredited, your degree should be recognized all over the us and you should have no problem with any state recognizing your degree. people i know who have gone to schools that are regionally accredited also have had no problem transferring their rn licenses and having their degree recognized in different states. as long as your school is accredited that's what's important. if you are thinking of enrolling in a college that is iffy looking make sure you check with the state bon to ensure it's on the list of approved programs.

i hope that helped (at least a little bit):loveya: good luck

MyBSN · Sep 22, 2008

thank you so much for all of your information!! are you an rn? it is quite frustrating searching for answers and repeatedly come up empty handed because people (counselors, teachers, schools!) do not know for sure.

if you do not mind me asking another question.. what is bon? what does it stand for, what is the significance? does each state have one? would i literally "google" bon ca or bon co? i have found many copy-cat web sites and would like to make sure my information is accurate! thanks so much, you have been more help then you'll ever know, i'm sure! :redbeathe

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Sep 22, 2008

BON is the TLA (Three-Letter Abbreviation) for Board of Nursing. Each state has a Board of Nursing which regulates the practice of nursing in that state and licenses all the nurses in that state.

rforbesx2 · Sep 22, 2008

Hi - I'm looking for any info as to Accelerated Nursing Programs in Northern California. I currently have a BA from a state college, and completed nursing prerequisites for a local junior college, but am tired of being on a non-ending wait list.

Does anyone have school info for the bay area - or any hospitals in that area which have work programs set up with schools..

Thanks!

MyBSN · Sep 23, 2008

Samuel Merritt has one.. they have one out of Oakland and Sacramento!

rforbesx2 · Sep 23, 2008

thanks - I am setting up a meeting with a counselor there..did you go there? also, I'm trying to figure out if it's a good investment - it is only a 12 month course, but it's a little over $50,000. next obvious question - does anyone know how to get accurate entry level nursing salaries in the bay area? (california)

thanks.

MyBSN · Sep 24, 2008

I met with the counselors and attended the open house. I did not go there. I am searching schools and am just overwhelmed with the options and requirements for each. I have WAY too many units from the community college and just need to make a decision and move forward! :crying2: The only stupid investment I am making now is not making one! Ha, Ha, Ha

Do you qualify for any financial aid? I know many RNs, some ready to retire and other just beginning, but I am amazed at their wide range of income. Overtime is a big factor! Aside from that, based on what I know their particular speciality/field influences their income.