Nursing Newbie with Burning Questions

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Hello Everyone,

I'm really new to researching about nursing and all of the different programs out there. I'm really interested in pursuing nursing and had a number of questions that I really couldn't find the answers to anywhere so I'm asking for help please!

I graduated with a B.S. in Biology but unfortunately my gpa doesnt meet the minimum 3.0 requirement so I cannot apply directly for a ELMSN so I was thinking of getting an ASN in nursing and then applying to an MSN program in the future.

My questions are:

1) Can you apply with an ASN degree to an MSN degree program later if you don't have a BSN?

2) Do you absolutely need a BSN to pursue an MSN for California schools?

3) Does anyone know of any ASN nursing programs that start spring 2010

4) Also, does anyone know if a BSN school HAS to be CCNE accredited in order to apply for graduate programs in the future?

Thank you very much in advance for anyone who is kind enough to help me out! That's all for now! :)

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I'm not in CA so I probably won't be helpful, but can you go and retake some of your lower scoring classes? Here (NE) the ADN programs are extremely competitive and you wouldn't get in with a GPA less than 3.0 (most are 3.5

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No you cannot apply to an MSN program without a BSN, and Yes it is absolutely required to have a BSN. Have you looked into any Accelerated BSN programs?They are for those with a Bachelor's degree in another field and want to pursue nursing. More than likely you would be able to complete an accelerated program before you would be accepted and complete an ASN program. I think UC San francisco and Samuel Merritt have these programs, and Im sure there are a lot more - check the CA board of nursing site - http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/rnprograms.shtml . As for ASN programs in the spring - they are going to be VERY competitive for the spring because none of the CSUs are accepting applicants. Community colleges have gotten much more difficult to get into this past year because of the crappy economy. Well I hope this helps some and good luck to you in pursuing nursing, keep us updated!

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Specializes in Oncology/Hematology.

I'm pretty sure you can apply to some MSN programs without a BSN, but you atleast have to have your ADN with your RN license. I think they even offer this option online at select schools. I'm not sure how competitive it is to enter a program like this as I'm going directly for my BSN.

As for ADN programs here in CA for spring, there are a lot! However, most go by the lottery system and I've had friends on the waiting list for 2+ years just trying to get into an ADN program at a community college. Plus, now that the CSUs aren't accepting for spring, the competition is going way up--and it was already fierce!

Best of luck! :)

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Specializes in VA-BC, CRNI.

Yes you can enter into a MSN bridge program with an ADN. Mostly these programs are at private schools.

I found an awesome ADN to MSN program in Portland Oregon but I honestly have not looked too hard into California.

For the BSN you really want the CCNE.

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Wow, Im sorry I did not mean to post incorrect information at all - I had no idea you could go on without a BSN, that's why i wanted a BSN in the first place lol. However now that I think about it I remember that there is a program at UC San Francisco (i think - one of the SF schools if not) that has a clinical nurse specialist program for non-nursing majors.

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You might want to look into Direct Entry Programs, as well (also called Graduate Entry Programs, and I'm sure there are other names, also). Those are programs for people with non-nursing bachelor's degrees who want to pursue a MSN. You basically do the Accelerated BSN the first 12-15 months, then take the NCLEX ad go directly into the MSN program. Usually, it is for people who ultimately want to be Nurse Practitioners. This type of program has several advantages, one being that you are saved from having to apply separately for the MSN upon completion of your BSN (you get both done in one application), and the second being that since these types of direct-entry programs are considered graduate programs, it opens up a TON of financial aid options. Therefore, you do not have to try and secure funding for nursing school, which is often difficult for anyone going back to school for any type of ASN or BSN program. Of course, you have to be okay with taking on the student loan, so if that is your main concern, DEPs probably are not for you, since there is a substantial cost.

Hope this makes sense and helps you out!

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You all are SO wonderful!

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to answer some of my questions.

I just had so many different people telling me so many different things and was so confused.

I've come to realize that the ADN programs here in California are so full it's almost impossible to get in right away. I guess I'll just have to go through a different route to get my RN. Or possible even be an LVN and then go to the BSN-RN track. whoo. lots of schooling.

Thank you again for your help! :redbeathe

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I guess I'll just have to go through a different route to get my RN. Or possible even be an LVN and then go to the BSN-RN track.

I'm not sure about California but here in Michigan there are for-profit schools that are yearlong and graduate you with an LPN license. After that you can find LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN programs...in theory. I'm not sure how well a for-profit LPN certificate transfers to universities, someone else would have to answer that.

There are also schools that offer a paramedic-to-RN programs. In CA I know of Fresno State and Napa Valley college that have those programs. You usually need 1 year of paramedic experience before a program like that will admit you.

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