Interested in becoming a NP, have a bachelors in another field

Nursing Students NP Students

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So I am a bio major and am trying to get into PA school however this is my 2nd time applying. I am an old non traditional applicant and frankly need a back up plan in case things don't work out. I am considering ABSN, work for a couple of years then apply to NP school. Now how difficult is it to get into a NP program? I see the requirements on some of the programs and it says 3.0 minimum. However I do know that is just the minimum. I would hate to graduate with two bachelors degree and be stuck in the same situation like I am now. Plus nursing school must be fairly difficult to achieve good grades in.

I have looked into other programs as well such as a entry level masters then you can apply to NP program. However there is no guarantee that I will get into the program. Which paths would you recommend to reach my goal? I was advised to go with the ABSN route, so if I do take the ABSN route what are things I should do to ensure I am a competitive applicant?

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Specializes in medical surgical.

I was a second degree student. Went through the ABSN program. Worked at the hospital where I did clinical for a few years. Became a travel RN and went for my MSN NP at a brick and mortar school. I went part time and travel paid really good so I graduated with no debt. I have my own clinic now. I know this sounds like it was easy....it was not. I did this with 3 young children as a single mom. Hardest thing in the world but my children who are now young adults know what I have been through. Oh, and I started this path at 45 years old. I am now 57.

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absolutely incredible. i have an interest in dermatology I don't see that Np programs seem to highlight this very much. there mostly fnp, psych np etc.. Do you know if Np can work in dermatology and how would you go about doing that?

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Don't know if any NPs who specialise in derm, doesn't mean there are none out there. If you become a family NP I'm sure you'll get to see you fair share of rashes lol

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

For an NP school, you must be an RN (either BSN or direct admit to MSN with RN granted along the way). ABSN programs rarely accept pre-reqs and coursework from other degrees. Some direct MSN programs do, and in all cases it heavily depends on how long ago you did take your coursework.

IMHO, since you're an "old applicant", your best bet would be either direct MSN or ABSN in a place which has "direct MSN" track. This way, you may complete the whole thing in 3 years. These programs are competitive but generally less so than PA schools, and they do not, as a rule, require GRE (which is a big hurdle, great $$$ burner and makes little sense as far as the knowledge tested).

From my non-US medical diploma, only humanities were accepted by both BSN and MSN programs, so my final transcripts look rather funny. BSN also accepted all prereqs like chem, A&P and such but I had to take all "nursing" coursework. Looking back, going to "traditional" BSN, then MSN saved a whole lot of money but, if I could repeat things, I would most definitely go direct MSN.

NPs work in derm but programs do not specialize on it. For derm, one has to do FNP or Adults/Geri Primary Care NP and then seek job in dermatology - usually after gaining a few years of experience.

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I'm doing the same thing...to a point. I'm a Radiology Tech with a BA in Communication. It seems advanced placement into a MSN is the best strategy for gaining the RN licensure, and progressing into a NP.

One thing has me on pause is that it seems many offer a CNL. I am interested in psych. Also, I'd need to continue my studies to obtain the NP after the MSN. Good gravy!

I'm scouring the threads for more information in my travels as I'm taking the prerequisites Radiology didn't offer, microbiology, and statistics.

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i saw the msn too. problem is that its no guarantee and it cost much more money than just getting absn working couple of years then apply to np program. Financially its smarter to do that route unless you just want to go straight through. The problem is tho not many programs will hire you if you have no rn experience

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True. I'm banking on my old experience from Radiology clinicals. Wow em. Fool proof? Of course not. Nothing is guaranteed. I entered Radiology when the market was starting to saturate. Few students got jobs. Big fear of mine. Regardless, I'm damned determined to matriculate into RN, and eventually NP. The hardest part is staying positive.

We can do this.

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yeah i feel ya btw how old are you? to me i kinda feel like a failure since im essentially getting another bachelors while I could have majored in something else and been having a career already like my other freinds.

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i saw the msn too. problem is that its no guarantee and it cost much more money than just getting absn working couple of years then apply to np program. Financially its smarter to do that route unless you just want to go straight through. The problem is tho not many programs will hire you if you have no rn experience

If you are going to work in derm or primary care, you don't need RN experience. How many RNs work in derm? Like none. I have no RN experience, had multiple job offers, and got hired 2 months after completing my MSN.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Why not get your RN at a community college? There are accelerated RN programs for those with BA/BS in another field. Most are 18 months. You can get your RN quicker than doing an ABSN and for less money than the ABSN would cost you. Work as an RN for a year or two and then go for your MSN. There are NPs that work in dermatology and plastics. Many of the NP/PA skills development courses that you can take cover some basic in-office derm procedures.

There are also direct-entry MSN programs that have you earn your RN and then go right to the NP. Check a few out and weigh the cost for each route and figure out what's best for you.

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