Other than BSN

[JenKnowles]

I have my RN and have tried two different online BSN programs. I feel the BSN content will not help me give better patient care nor increase my critical thinking abilities. In fact, I have dropped out of both programs because most of both have had non-nursing assignments and both have only focused on APA citing. This is NOT how I want to further my education! Is there anyother degree out there which would be comparable? If I do not get my BSN, can I still continue on to NP after getting a different medical degree?

[loriangel14, RN]

There really isn't anything comparable and you would need your BSN to continue on to NP.

[nurse4ever08]

Look at other programs. The online BSN I did had a lot of nursing content. It was also filler nonsense courses that just have to be done. But the degree is what employers look at when hiring

[JenKnowles]

I'm not looking for a job, I am already an RN with a great job. It doesn't make sense to me if a person has to have a degree, such as a BS in Biology to get into med school, then why can't a person with the same degree plus the RN title get into a NP program???? Is there a way around the BSN? I believe there is I just haven't found it yet.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

As a PP stated, there really is not a way around the BSN. In order to move on to an MSN degree/NP program you will need to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. If you look at NP program requirements I am sure you will find that a BSN is needed.

[loriangel14, RN]

Nope. BSN is the next step if you want your NP.

[vanilla bean]

I don't know if this will help, or not, but think of it like this...you already got your nursing education, you're an RN. The majority of other coursework for BSN programs (outside of the nursing courses) is general ed requirements. Will they help one become a better nurse? Maybe, maybe not, depending on one's perspective. But look at your long-terms goals and if the plan to reach them is to get that pesky BSN, then maybe just grit your teeth and plow through that portion of your education.

I also can't help but think that there must be some programs out there that will move you through from an ADN to an MSN. I mean, if there are MEPN and DEPN programs out there, then why not similar programs for ADNs?

Good luck to you!

[caliotter3]

A quick internet search for RN to dnp programs just showed me such a program from Frontier. It was the second link, however, it said something about ASN to MSN ..... Worth looking into.

[elkpark]

There are some NP programs that take people with RN licensure but no BSN. Some will take you with a BA/BS in another discipline, a few will take you without a baccalaureate degree at all. Most will require you to take additional courses to cover the content you would have gotten in a BSN program. It will also significantly narrow your choice of programs. But they are out there.

[VANurse2010]

There are some NP programs that take people with RN licensure but no BSN. Some will take you with a BA/BS in another discipline, a few will take you without a baccalaureate degree at all. Most will require you to take additional courses to cover the content you would have gotten in a BSN program. It will also significantly narrow your choice of programs. But they are out there.

The BSN may be an "easier" if worthless road for you to obtain an NP, but there are programs that will take an RN with a BA/BS in something else, contrary to what's being posted here.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I would be more worried about job prospects by not having your BSN. Jobs that allow ADNs to apply are getting harder and harder to find!

[Palliative Care, DNP]

There are plenty of accelerated or direct entry programs. It is completely feasible to become a NP when you have a degree in biology or whatever. It is true that there may be some class that you will have to take but it can be done.