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My dream is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, but i am so confused on exactly what steps to take, how to become one, everything about schooling. I am a junior in high school and i rerecently finished a nursing 2 course at my school. I completed the first course my freshmen year, i am applying for the 3rd class that is provided by American red ccross, if i am accepted into the course & finish it i can become a CNA by the time i finish my senior year. My question to everyone is can anything please explain to me what type of colleges i should be looking into, nursing schools included, what is the difference in me going to a nursing school right after high school and a regular college? I am aware that i will be going to get my BNS to become a RN, then i will need to go back to school to get my MSN to become a NP. Can anyone just explain the stuff i will need to be doing after high school and which kind of colleges or nursing schools to look into.
Thanks
-Nay
Over all i want to have my MSN, i want to take the BSN route because i want to go to college for a whole four years and live the college life, i really just want the break down of everything, i think i understand what i am doing with my first four years, getting my BSN, taking the nursing exam then becoming a RN, but after that what are my options and requirements to being a PNP, and i would like to become a primary.
1. Go to a college that offers a BSN
2. Sit for NCLEX and become RN
3. Go to school for MSN
4. Go to school for NP ( I think I read you need a doctorate for NP soon)
You said you want to move to NYC... know that it will be crazy expensive not only because it's NYC but you'll have to pay out of state (assuming here) tuition which can be double
I am currently a Nursing Student in my third semester for ASN in New York City College of Technology, so this might be useful for you. There are a variety of programs in NY, they have the straight BSN programs, accelerated programs and some which require you to get your ASN before you can apply to their BSN program (the one I'm in).
Basically for me, I have to graduate with my associates (should be done after 4th semester) then I will sit for the NCLEX exam. If i pass the NCLEX I will be a RN (Registered Nurse), however as the entry level for nursing is practically BSN-RN now, I will probably continue to go for my BSN straight out of ASN. In terms of pre reqs I would say take your A&P classes, English, Math, Psych classes. In terms of Nursing Programs in NYC, there's City Tech (where I am), Hunter, BMCC, NYU, LIU, Pace, etc.
In the current NYC market, getting hired without your BSN is pretty slim chances. As for Nurse Practitioner programs, I know Colombia has them, but you are still far away from that. Basically ideally you would get your bsn, work several years to get a solid clinical experience before even applying for NP. And as for online programs, it is not the best idea but if you must, make sure that they are accredited programs. Good Luck!
dt70
464 Posts
I'd like to add, look at what classes your BSN program requires in order to apply, and take those at community college for at least two semesters, then transfer to the university in preparation to apply for the BSN program.
The community college may have a few classes that are not required by the university, and missing some classes that are required.
For example the community college may have microbiology on its schedule, but the university has general chemistry instead.
The community college usually just requires an entrance exam, but you miss out on bonus point by not taking some of their classes.