lost and confused. need information on becoming an RN

[just_a_girl443]

im very interested in becoming a nurse. The only problem is i dont know how to begin becoming one. Im lost with the BA and BS. the college terms confuse me. I just want to know what i have to do to become an RN in the shortest amount of time possible. Do i have to become a CNA first or can i fo directly into RN??? please help and be specific. thanks

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

So much depends on where you live, where you apply, and your previous education.

A BA has more non-science credits than a BS.

[frankiebaby]

Hi Just a Girl,

Congratulations on knowing what you want to do and taking steps to do it! Your profile says that you're 17, so I assume that you're finished with High School, or will finish this year? That's the first step to becoming an RN, after that there are several ways to achieve your goal.

In answer to your question, it is not absolutely necessary for you to become a CNA before you start an RN program as most programs will incorporate CNA training into their curriculum. However, if you wanted to learn more about what a nurse does AND get some experience, becoming a CNA first might be a good idea.

You have two basic options to choose from to obtain an RN license.

1.) Go to a local community college (one with a nursing program!) for a two-year degree, usually called an ADN or ASN degree (Associate Degree in Nursing or Associate of Science in Nursing). You will have to take some general education courses such as math and English, and then you will have complete courses called "prerequisites" to the nursing program. These usually include Anatomy, Microbiology, Chemistry, Physiology and some others. Once you complete all the prerequisites, you can apply to the nursing program in your school. Every school will have a counseling center where you can get lots of helpful information.

The second way to become an RN is

2.) Go to a 4-year college or University. The degree that you get from these schools is called a Baccalaureate degree. If you graduate from a four year college or university with a nursing degree it would be a BSN (Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing). If you choose to go to a four year college or University you would first have to decide on one that has a nursing program (many have them, but not all schools do). At 17 I'm sure you know all about the dreaded college application process. You would first have to apply to the school, filling out the detailed application, writing the essay and sending your HS transcripts etc. Then some schools will make you take general education courses before applying internally to the nursing program.

There are many variations on the two options that I've given you. For example you can take your prerequisites at a community college and then apply and transfer to a four year school to finish the nursing portion of your education.

Or, you can go to a community college, obtain an ADN degree (and get your RN license), and then eventually go to a four year college and complete the classes necessary to obtain a BSN degree.

All this degree stuff can be confusing, but my best advice to you would be to first decide if you want to go to community college, or a four year college. Then go to that schools counseling department. They will have all kinds of information and resources for you.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!