Primary Degree & Secondary Degree

EmDash · Dec 14, 2018

Assuming you're in the U.S., a second-degree program is certainly an option. A lot of places that have both types will let you apply to the second-degree program if you qualify and if you'd like to go at an accelerated pace, but all the places I applied to at least let you also apply for the traditional-paced route. So it's an option, but is not necessarily a requirement.

Rayvnm · Dec 14, 2018

Will it be beneficial? I am a later in life soon to be nursing student. I want to do what I love and get paid for it the best way I know how. I have a BFA in an unrelated field and switching careers is my best option. I like being indispensable and well educated in my field. I went ahead and got my CNA's license to start moving forward. I wont know everything but I am trying to get a leg up on a late start in my field.

EmDash · Dec 14, 2018

Depends a bit on the options you have, I'd think, and if you are wanting to start with an ADN or BSN.

Ultimately, the degree is the same BSN as the traditional programs, so it's not going to help with employers, etc, and you don't really learn anymore than anyone else. You'll just get your degree at an accelerated pace, which obviously will save you some time if you are wanting to start off getting a BSN rather than ADN. (They are also faster than some ADN programs, but I imagine not all.)

One thing that may put a kink in that benefit is if the only second-degree programs around you are the overly expensive kind, which there is quite a few. However, there are some good, affordable programs, especially the ones at state universities.

I think it can certainly be a benefit in getting you to a BSN faster than you would otherwise, which would get you into a career sooner. However, an ADN might also be faster, and a BSN may or may not be needed to get started in your area (depending on how saturated the job market is). So it's a little situation-dependent.

Luchador, CNA, EMT-B · Dec 15, 2018

Ok so I was poking around my schools website and saw something that said "How about a secondary degree?". I have a BFA in Graphics and I am switching careers to nursing. I will be applying for the nursing program soon and wondered with all of my past classes, should I be on a Secondary Degree track or not?

I have a MFA in Creative Writing and I just finished my first semester of RN (ADN) school.

You will have to research programs, but for me, the pre-reqs to get into a BSN would have added another year-- chemistry and organic chem-- because I would have had to take them in sequence. Just for an ADN the pre-reqs will take at least a year to get through. You will find, like me, that your fine arts background doesn't satisfy many pre-reqs. And there might be other hoops to. How is your math? You might have to test out of, or take college algebra and so on. And you don't want to load up on pre-reqs because unless you have a GPA around 3.5, your chances of getting into RN school are slim.

So it really depends on the program. Do your research and meet with advisers.

P.S. there was a private school that could have gotten me in quicker and my RN sooner, but I could not afford it.

Consider that route, but DO NOT gamble on an unaccredited private school. This forum is full of horror stories.