rookierunner9

Thank you for you reply. To clear up the "going back for my RN or BSN, misunderstanding" I should have more clearly stated, I already have obtained my Bachelor's degree and I am looking to go back to school to obtain either my RN degree or BSN degree so I can pursue a career in nursing. As I am in the early stages of investigating/Learning about programs/ nursing specialties/ avenues in nursing .. My reasoning for posting here was to see if others out there had any feedback regarding the pros/cons of enrolling in an RN vs. BSN diploma programs in New Jersey as well as employment outlook views between the two degrees. Again this wasn't clearly stated in my original post, my fault. Your feedback is much appreciated, sorry for the confusing post. On a side note I have heard back from a few people who have recommended that I go to back to school to obtain my RN; they have mentioned to me that many employers/hospitals participate in tuition reimbursement programs for RN's who wish to go back to school to pursue their BSN, once they have been employed with them for a certain length of time. I have also have heard from a few RN's who have obtained positions, ie CRA with Pharmaceutical companies here in New jersey in their Clinical departments.

Thank you!

Anyone out there that has any advice I appreciate it, a few questions: I am debating between going back for either my RN or BSN. I have my Bachelor's degree in Psychology but really am interested in pursuing a career in Nursing. First question: is the RN the better route to go or the BSN? Job opportunity wise is there a big discrepancy between the two? Second: Recommendations on good programs in New Jersey? or Colorado?, I am considering both states, I live in Jersey now, but graduated from U of Colorado and have been contemplating moving back. Third: Do programs ever allow students who've completed their Bachelor's degree to apply to their program, and if they are accepted take the pre-reqs, which for me at this point are 2 classes in the first year of the program? Thank you...

Here goes...after some soul searching and a few defining moments in the last year and a half I have decided to make a career change from teaching into nursing...Although some of the posts here have got me a little nervous; not enough to sway me away though. I received my Bachelor's degree in '99 in Psych/and English..My advice that I am asking is a two parter: Upon first contacting a few RN Nursing programs I was told the pre-requisites I would need to take were Microbiology/Anatomy and Physiology I &II. Does this sound about right? As far as course work admissions counselors are looking at, what do they scrutinize? GPA what do they look for? Mine wasn't a 4.0, it wasn't too far south of that either. Part two: I currently live in Northern New Jersey, any advice as far as programs to look at? Do hospitals scrutinize the programs that you go through..when you apply for positions with them? Thank you any advice is much appreciated!