non-nursing graduate looking to be a nurse?

[mquddus]

I'm a few months from graduating with a BS in Psychology from Loyola Chicago (+ pre-requisites for Loyola's ABSN program) - seeing as there are not many choices for ABSN within the city I was wondering what other paths can I take to become a nurse?

I know there's ABSN, can I use my already-acquired credits to enroll in a normal BSN program but having to take only the necessary nursing classes? What are my options?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

there are rn-to-mn programs and nonrn-with-bachelor's-in-anything-to-mn programs. i recommended the second to the op because of the previous bachelor's degree. op, no, you don't have to specialize in psych if your degree was in psychology. i just suggested it because i thought you might be interested. you would not be restricted to it at all.

[leenak]

Well it also depends if the goal is a MSN. Many require that you know your intended specialty prior to applying.

You can enter a regular BSN program, it doesn't have to be specifically a second degree BSN program. For the fall, I was originally planning to apply to 2 ABSN programs and a regular BSN program. The regular BSN program would treat me as if I was a Junior transfer student. The program would take 4 semesters total. The only difference is the ABSN programs tend to shorten breaks and increase workload so they finish earlier.

[mquddus]

Would they treat me as a transfer even if i've graduated from elsewhere? And this can be done at basically any school with a bsn program?

This is looking like the best option for me, previously I thought absn was my only route.

[leenak]

You'd have to verify with the schools that offer BSN programs. Most of them are aware of the increasing number of second degree students so their websites usually address it. At least for the schools in my area.