Need input: Have a BS but want to be RN

Southern Magnolia · Jul 23, 2011

Well, I have a BA in english and will be starting NAU's BSN program in a month ( at the Tucson campus). Since you already have a Bachelor's degree I would highly recommend looking into getting a BSN. Because I already have a BA all I had to take was my nursing prerequisites and the entrance exam before applying. You might already have some of these- though make sure you check on any sciences b/c with some programs your sciences have to be recent ( within 5 years). Now all I'll have to do during the BSN program are the nursing core. It'll take me one semester longer and around 8-10k more than doing a cc program but I'll have a BSN. Also, I'll be done around the time my number would have been up with the cc. I know a lot of people say get the ADN and go back on the hospital's dime but those dimes are drying up and my ultimate goal will require a PHD or DNP so I couldn't see adding another step.

Best wishes.

adlucem6 · Jul 23, 2011

I'd really like to just go to a university and do the BSN, but the money is a major factor. I'm already in debt for my BS in psychology (which I've yet to find useful). The only options nearby seem to be public (ASU) or private (GCU). I can't afford GCU and ASU..well, let's just say I wouldn't touch that university with a ten foot pole. I'm also steering my kids away from it for the future. (Really, I dislike ASU very intensely.)

Good luck with your program. Honestly, I'm torn between going back to become an RN and doing something more along the lines of physical therapy. We'll see. Thanks for the input!

UnicornRN · Jul 31, 2011

I have my BS. I'm going to community college to get my ADN, then I hope to bridge to a MSN in a year or so.

inspiredRN10 · Jul 31, 2011

I have my bachelors as well, and I thought about doing the community college route (I applied June 2010). However, the waitlist is now easily 2-3 years before you even start the 2 year program, hence I have been waiting for a year and I have not been offered a spot to start yet. Because you have a degree already, I would again highly recommend doing the university route. If ASU is out for you (they are starting their post-bachelors nursing program the spring of 2012) then look into GCU. I looked into GCU last fall, completed the prereqs in the spring and applied with them. Luckily, I am starting with them in the fall, for their fast track program!! It is expensive...but there weren't too many options for me, I am in the East Valley. I will have a BSN, and my RN AND working by the time some of my friends begin their ADN programs. Just depends on what you you want to do, and how much time you want to spend. Good luck!

miteacher, ADN, MSN · Aug 17, 2011

I have a BS as well, and am doing the community college route. I don't have 30,000 to shell out for private college, and the other universities are too competitive. I did look into the accelerated BSN in Flagstaff, which seemed doable, but the money and not being able to work was a factor with that as well. I will just get my BSN online after this, or just go ahead and do a RN to MSN program. I'm planning on leaving Arizona anyway once I finish.

Crystal74 · Aug 18, 2011

Hey miteacher I also have a BS and I am planning on going to get my MSN after I finish the community college route, I was just curious to know where you plan on getting your RN to MSN degree? I have been looking a lot into University of Phoenix but I wasn't sure if there were any other options. University of Arizona will start up there program for RN to MSN in January 2012 but they want you to have worked for at least 2 years before you can enter, and I want to start as soon as possible.

miteacher, ADN, MSN · Aug 18, 2011

Hey miteacher I also have a BS and I am planning on going to get my MSN after I finish the community college route, I was just curious to know where you plan on getting your RN to MSN degree? I have been looking a lot into University of Phoenix but I wasn't sure if there were any other options. University of Arizona will start up there program for RN to MSN in January 2012 but they want you to have worked for at least 2 years before you can enter, and I want to start as soon as possible.

I was going to find another program in a different state, somewhere closer to Michigan or in Michigan. I have been looking at a few, but I'm not sure how hard they are to get into. I don't want to stay in the state that long.

Crystal74 · Aug 18, 2011

I hear ya, I'm trying to locate a program back in southern california where I'm from, but I have a long way to even worry about that I don't even start the nursing program next Tuesday.