Prerequisites and Choosing Accelerated Programs

jag.ny · Dec 20, 2013

Hi everyone!

I have completed my BA in Politics and Public Health, but have recently determined that I would like to do nursing after my Peace Corps service. I have a number of prerequisites to complete before entering many of the accelerated tracks that I have been researching, including:

-Statistics

-Developmental Psychology

-Microbiology

-Anatomy & Physiology I/II

-And others (depending on programs)

I will be doing statistics and psych online starting in January and will complete my PC service in March. This leaves many prereqs to complete.

My vision is to pursue an accelerated program in nursing with the intention of certifying in nurse midwifery, as well as getting my MPH (focus on epidemiology). I know there are programs that have dual programs (MSN-MPH).

My question is how to move forward in nursing considering that I KNOW that I want to do MPH and midwifery, I want to work in a developing country/underserved area where I will likely accept lower pay and thus want to pursue these paths as economically as possible, and I don't want to delay completion of my studies more than need be.

Thus, my question is which path is the most viable/realistic?:

1) My RN friend recommended applying for a BSN to MSN accelerated program because these programs allow me to be admitted without having completed all of the prereqs by time of admission (is this true? I have not found this).

2) Do remaining prereqs over summer and fall 2014 in community colleges and apply for admission for Spring 2015 to a nursing program. Unfortunately, this would delay my entrance into a program.

3) Do #2, but then enter an accelerated BSN track and then enter a MSN-MPH dual program track (if anyone is doing this track and can comment, I would love to hear from you as well! Just want to hear economic viability and rigors of program).

Any advice or personal experiences shared would be greatly appreciated! Doing research abroad is difficult and I am open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance aspiring and current nurses!