I don't understand how to get a BSN...

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OK, so I have decided I want to get into nursing because of the diversity of fields within it. I am not understanding how you get a BSN. From what I see I need to become an RN first to enter a BSN program?

I have more questions, but can you answer this first so I will know if my next questions make sense.

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The title Registered Nurse may be used by nurses who have an ADN (associates degree) or a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

Many people get an associates degree first and then go on to earn their BSN. That might be why it looks like you have to be an RN to pursue a BSN.

Many other people go directly for their BSN degree. They are not RNs when they start.

Not to confuse you, but there is another classification called diploma nurse. These nurses attend a program that is almost always run by a hospital and the students do both their academic program and their clinicals in connection with the sponsoring facility.

ADN programs generally take two years, diploma courses three years, and BSN programs four years. This is somewhat muddied by the fact that you might have to take prerequisite classes before beginning clinicals. There are also a number of schools with waiting lists.

All ADNs, diploma grads, and BSNs have to take and pass a test called NCLEX before they can use the title RN.

If you are interested in nursing, contact tech schools, vocational colleges and universities in your area and ask to speak to an academic counselor or advisor. Such a person should be able to help you sort out your options and pin down the steps to take to enroll. Talk to a number of people to give you a range of choices.

I hope this helps.

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

You do not need to become a RN first before getting your BSN. I am an RN who entered the field with a BSN without first getting an ADN. (Not that there is anything wrong with ADN programs- I do not want to get into that debate here- this is just the path that I chose for myself).

There are 2 ways to become an RN. You can either get an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in nursing. Look at universities in your area for nursing programs. You will find that there are BSN programs which do not require an RN license to be admitted. There are, however, BSN programs out there that are designed for RN's with associate degrees, but this is not what you are looking for. I hope that I have helped to clear this up for you a bit.

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RN - registered nurse

BSN - bachelor of science in nursing

The BSN degree allows one to work as a registered nurse, and different schools have different requirements to join their program.

To become a registered nurse, there are several paths you can take. One of them is to join a 2 year RN program, which is what many people like to do. That two year program will allow you to work as a registered nurse, but it's not the same degree as a BSN, which takes typically 4 years at a university.

Some schools will allow you to apply for a BSN degree without being an RN. There are some good websites out there with this kind of information, but I just realized that I have to jet, so sorry! When I have time I'll try to post some. I hope that this ... sort of clarified anyway.

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Thank you for the responses.

Where can I look at the schools that offer BSN programs without requiring being an RN? My school seems to offer RN to BSN program which was confusing me. I need to find out soon because I am finishing my General Education requirements this semester and want to apply ASAP. I would like to take summer courses but I realize this is probably not possible at this point...

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Specializes in acute care.

I would look around at 4 year colleges in your area for BSN pograms. Also, search for your state board of nursing and see if they have nursing schools listed on their site. My state BON site does. ALSO, check our your state forum for different postings of schools in your state. Good luck!

Thank you for the responses.

Where can I look at the schools that offer BSN programs without requiring being an RN? My school seems to offer RN to BSN program which was confusing me. I need to find out soon because I am finishing my General Education requirements this semester and want to apply ASAP. I would like to take summer courses but I realize this is probably not possible at this point...

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

What city and state are you in? That will help us recommend universities in your area. Most bachelor degree in nursing programs do not require that you have an ADN first.

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What city and state are you in? That will help us recommend universities in your area. Most bachelor degree in nursing programs do not require that you have an ADN first.

NY. I have narrowed it to 2 schools, Pace and Mt Saint Vincent, based on proximity.

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Specializes in pediatric ER.

Here are links to each of the nursing programs at the two Universities you mentioned:

http://www.pace.edu/academic_psearch/display_program.cfm?School=NUR&Cred=BS&Maj=RN4&Location=PLV

http://www.mountsaintvincent.edu/nursing/

It looks like Mt. Saint Vincent has an open house, that may help to clarify some questions.

Hope that helps,

Analee

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I strongly recommend taking your transcript and meet with the advisor from each school since each school has their own requirements. With my BS and MBA background, it turns out that it would take me about the same amount of time but less pre-reqs to take for the BSN rather than ADN. Thus, I concluded to take the BSN route. Plus, I don't need to have CNA cert. MS Entry program would have been ideal, but I don't want to give up my full time job or commute.

Good luck to you.

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