How to become a RN with a BSN

[dfdgsag]

I have been doing some research and it's gotten more confusing then clear, I am interested in becoming a crna but to do that you must first get a bsn. Now the question is what is the best way to do it? I read that you can jump straight into a BSN program but then other sources say you need an AA to get into a BSN program but then theirs a ASN as well which i'm assuming is the same thing as both? also from what i understand you spend 2 years getting an AA to get into a BSN program which is 4 additional years. Then there are RN to BSN programs which i know little about, i am assuming you take 2 years in a AA program and then 2 years in the bsn? could someone please give me a elaborate explanation and the best option as a junior in high school, thank you in advance.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

I thought this was going to be an easy answer until I started reading the replies. With so many ways to get to the end point of a BSN I can see why OP might be confused. I have never heard of an AA degree being required for entry in a baccalaureate nursing program but if the school you are certain you will be attending requires this it has to be the way for you to go. I would be very certain if I were you though that this is the school you would be attending for your BSN as an AA degree might not help as much for entry into a different program unless the classes involved in getting that degree meet other schools prerequisite requirements.

On the other hand, if you are not 100% committed to this college you would probably be better off entering directly into a BSN program if you are accepted right out of high school.

No matter how you get where you want to be, good for you for doing the research early enough to be prepared when the time comes.

[sara567]

Nursing school is difficult to get into. Where I live there are easily 10 different options, and there is still a good 3 year waiting list, or a lot of requirements (which will take about 2-3 years) before getting in.

As for options, I assume you do not have a degree, so:

Option 1: Get an associate's degree in general studies or science/applied science. Apply to BSN programs. Some BSN programs may require an ADN, not just an AA/AS/AAS. This is the most limiting option.

Option 2: Get an ADN. Take NCLEX. Work as a nurse while getting BSN.

Option 3: Get a BSN. Take NCLEX. Work as a nurse.

For time frame: option 3 is probably the quickest due to not having to apply to multiple schools and wait for admission. Option 2 is probably the cheapest. I don't recommend option 1, but you are stating that the program you are looking at requires that (doesn't sound right, get that clarified).

It takes about 2 yrs to get your associates. Another 2 to get your bachelors. Another 2 to get your masters (CRNA). Most people take a lot longer, though.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I also forgot to mention the educational trajectory that resulted in my BSN degree, although I wouldn't recommend my way because it takes longer and is pricier:

1. First, I completed a 12-month LPN/LVN program at a trade school and obtained licensure as an LVN (licensed vocational nurse).

2. Secondly, I completed a 14-month LPN-to-ASN bridge program at another trade school in a different state and obtained licensure as an RN.

3. Third, I took 10 months to earn an online BSN degree.

[Extra Pickles]

I want to point out that this is not true.

I have an AA and tailored my courses to not only fulfill my BSN requirement, but was able to fulfill my degree requirement; it was the best option because my pre-reqs saved money, and when I did return to school, I didn't need to repeat any courses.

AS has FAR more Science course that you may not need for the BSN programs that you are interested in.

Interesting, I didn't know of an AA program that had enough science courses to get someone into a nursing program! I recently saw what a friend's daughter had to do after getting an AA (Associate of Arts, to make sure we're talking about the same thing) and wanting to get into a BSN program. She didn't have enough science courses, but she definitely did have an AA degree. I thought they'd be pretty much the same, but I guess not.