How to become a nurse in San Diego

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HI,

I currently have my BS in biochemistry from UCSD and am working as a research associate in San Diego. I had plans on becoming a doctor (but after starting medical school I realized it wasn't the path for me). Unfortunately, I geared my entire undergraduate education towards medical school and not towards nursing school. I am going to school part-time to earn my Masters in Public Health and I want to become a nurse practioner so I can combine both fields. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I could go about getting my RN first, and then going to a MSN Program? Are there any prequisite classes I can take now before I get into a program? (I understand many of the San Diego programs are impacted). What are your thoughts on schools such as national university or the University of Phoenix?

Thank you for your assistance!!

Alicia

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HI,

I currently have my BS in biochemistry from UCSD and am working as a research associate in San Diego. I had plans on becoming a doctor (but after starting medical school I realized it wasn't the path for me). Unfortunately, I geared my entire undergraduate education towards medical school and not towards nursing school. I am going to school part-time to earn my Masters in Public Health and I want to become a nurse practioner so I can combine both fields. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I could go about getting my RN first, and then going to a MSN Program? Are there any prequisite classes I can take now before I get into a program? (I understand many of the San Diego programs are impacted). What are your thoughts on schools such as national university or the University of Phoenix?

Thank you for your assistance!!

Alicia

Hi Alicia,

I had a similar situation, too. I have two bachelors degrees and decided to pursue nursing much later. I was told that there are some schools that will allow a candidate such as yourself ( and me, for that matter), to pursue an MSN directly without an RN first, if you already have a bachelor's degree. I remember being told that one was in San Diego, but I can't remember if it is SDSU or UCSD. The other ones are in SF and Davis, which is why I can't do it (committed to L.A.). I know for a fact that there is one in Pennsylvania. If you are able to move, though, check it out. Call the California Board of Registered Nursing in Sacramento. Thats how I found out.

Good luck

Andrea

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Alicia,

There is a great program for you at USD (University San Diego). It's called a Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), and despite how competitive the program is, you sound like a shoe-in with your background. The program is 3 years in length with the first year devoted completely to getting your RN license, and then years 2 and 3 to getting your Masters degree, and they offer a Nurse Practitioner track. I would highly recommend checking it out!

I have lots of information on the program, so please let me know if I can answer any questions for you! :)

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Universtiy of San Diego has a Masters Entry Program in Nursing. Here is a link.

http://www.sandiego.edu/academics/nursing/mepn.php

BSN programs are offered at: San Diego State University, Point Loma Nazarene University, and National University.

Associate Programs are offered at: San Diego City College, Southwestern College, Palomar College, Grossmont College, and Maric College.

Here is a link to the California Board of Registered Nursing list of all approved nursing schools in California.

http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/rnprgms.htm#elmsn

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Alicia,

There is a great program for you at USD (University San Diego). It's called a Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), and despite how competitive the program is, you sound like a shoe-in with your background. The program is 3 years in length with the first year devoted completely to getting your RN license, and then years 2 and 3 to getting your Masters degree, and they offer a Nurse Practitioner track. I would highly recommend checking it out!

I have lots of information on the program, so please let me know if I can answer any questions for you! :)

Thank you!!! Do you know what pre-requisites they have for the program? I will contact USD tomorrow. Thanks again!

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Specializes in NICU.

I bet some of the higher biology and chemistry classes you've likely taken will fulfill a lot of the nursing prerequisites. You also need the various GE classes required for any degree, which your previous degree probably already fulfilled.

All of the university and community college nursing programs are impacted. I believe all the community colleges have waiting lists of over 1.5-2 yrs, and you can't apply to get onto the list until several of the prereqs. are completed. SDSU has a points system, not a waiting list. Therefore you could get in one semester after you apply. Again, you can't apply until X, Y, and Z prereqs. are done. I'm not entirely sure what Point Loma Nazarene does.

I'm not sure what National University and U. of Phoenix do. I've always understood that they only do step up type degrees (i.e. you're already an RN and want to get your BSN or MSN). Maric College will start you in their very next RN program, which may be as little as a few months away as long as you have the $60K+ to pay for it.

It sounds like it will be best for you to look into this program at USD since it will take into account your previous BS degree and such.

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Specializes in NICU.

I bet some of the higher biology and chemistry classes you've likely taken will fulfill a lot of the nursing prerequisites. You also need the various GE classes required for any degree, which your previous degree probably already fulfilled.

All of the university and community college nursing programs are impacted. I believe all the community colleges have waiting lists of over 1.5-2 yrs, and you can't apply to get onto the list until several of the prereqs. are completed. SDSU has a points system, not a waiting list. Therefore you could get in one semester after you apply. Again, you can't apply until X, Y, and Z prereqs. are done. I'm not entirely sure what Point Loma Nazarene does.

I'm not sure what National University and U. of Phoenix do. I've always understood that they only do step up type degrees (i.e. you're already an RN and want to get your BSN or MSN). Maric College will start you in their very next RN program, which may be as little as a few months away as long as you have the $60K+ to pay for it.

It sounds like it will be best for you to look into this program at USD since it will take into account your previous BS degree and such.

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Thank you!!! Do you know what pre-requisites they have for the program? I will contact USD tomorrow. Thanks again!

Yes, they require:

A&P I/II

Microbiology

Statistics

As well as some general ones, like English, that you most likely would have completed in your degree. Contact them, they are great. I unfortunately do not have the credentials to get in, but am cheering for you! :balloons:

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Thank you!!! Do you know what pre-requisites they have for the program? I will contact USD tomorrow. Thanks again!

Yes, they require:

A&P I/II

Microbiology

Statistics

As well as some general ones, like English, that you most likely would have completed in your degree. Contact them, they are great. I unfortunately do not have the credentials to get in, but am cheering for you! :balloons:

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