pre nursing concerns

[BterrierJO RN hopeful1]

Hello Community,

I am a second-year student at my local community college in New Jersey. I am currently studying biology but might have to change my major due to unnecessary courses that are not required. The nursing program at my school has a two-year waiting list. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner but am feeling a little confused about what my next steps should be due to conflicting advice that I have been receiving from advisors at my school. My concerns are that I may have difficultly finding a nursing program that accepts transfer students directly into a nursing program with the eligibility to earn a traditional RN/BSN degree. I have been doing research for programs in my state and have had some luck but waiting to hear from the admissions representatives. In addition, another concern that I have is that does every school requires the TEAS admission test. If so, when is the appropriate time to take this test?

While I may be ranting, this is my first time posting on this site and my concerns are legitimate and any information that could be provided would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you 

 

[Phoenix94]

Hi! 

I'm not too familiar with those types of programs where students can transfer and get an RN/BSN, but it may depend on the region. I am only familiar with Entry-Level Master's programs, which allow students who graduate with a degree that isn't nursing to enroll for a MSN, which can be a fast track to be an NP. 

As for nursing programs requiring TEAS, I'm almost certain that the answer is yes. Some programs used to have HESI as an entrance exam but most are transitioning to TEAS. I'd ask the admissions office of the schools you are interested in to double check. As far as when, ask the same office for their preferred deadline and then register for the test. 

 

Good luck!  

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

8 hours ago, jondayko1 said:

My concerns are that I may have difficultly finding a nursing program that accepts transfer students directly into a nursing program with the eligibility to earn a traditional RN/BSN degree.

Many BSN schools have a 2+2 progression. You spend the first 2 yrs completing your General Education classes and then you apply to the nursing program. Once admitted, you take 2 yrs of nursing core classes for your BSN. Many students complete the general education classes at a community college and then transfer those credits to the university because the community college classes were cheaper.

[marienb4u]

I have no idea what is available to you locally, but I know in Ohio you can easily transfer into a nursing program from a general studies curriculum. It is difficult to jump from one nursing program to another but it sounds like that’s not where you are at? And I don’t know if it’s on your radar, but I just saw that WGU has a FNP program available in New Jersey.

A word of caution if you are receiving financial aid, or expect to for your ADN: there is a limit on the number of credits you can pursue at the associates level before you are cut off from grants and loans.  It doesn’t matter how they were paid for - you will be deemed ineligible after 90 credits for federal aid. Be careful taking classes to stay enrolled as you wait for an opening in a program.

Best of luck to you!