Prospective Nursing Student with Questions!

[Tricia328]

Hello Nursing World!

I am currently enrolled in a bachelors program (in biology), and I am about a semester + 2 summer sessions away from graduating, but I want to switch and enroll in a nursing program. I have had several people look at me like I am crazy to stop now, but I want to get my pre-reqs done so that I can apply in time to be considered for a program starting Fall 2013 or January 2014. I don't want to wait anymore to get this started!

I am looking to apply at J Sargeant Reynolds and NVCC. Anyone have tips/experience on either of these programs? I would be moving to either area, so if anyone has tips about the local atmosphere, that would be great, too! I know a high GPA in pre-reqs is a MUST and that some sort of Kaplan test is involved.

Does anyone have a book they recommend to study for that? Also, what is the TEAS test or whatever it is called? I get so nervous thinking about this, and it sort of consumes me if I think too much about it. This would be a big change for me, and I want to be happy with it! I know it will require hard work but I am willing to do it! Any advice or insight is GREATLY appreciated!

Thank you!

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Tricia:

There are several ways to proceed. You will need a year of prerequisites (A&P, Microbiology, developmental psych, etc) before you can enter an associate's degree nursing program. With some schools you need to complete all of the prereqs before you apply for the 2-year nursing program; at other schools you can apply earlier and complete the prereqs as part of the program. Some Virginia community colleges also have a long waiting list (up to a year) from the time you are admitted until you can start nursing classes. There is no standardized process for the 20+ community college programs.

Another option would be to complete your BS degree, and then apply for an accelerated BSN program designed for those with an undergraduate degree in another subject. These ABSN programs also have prerequisite classes which may be the same as the prerequsites for the ADN programs. These ABSN programs are often short (12-18 months) than pursuing an associate degree program.

Lastly, you will want to consider employment. More and more hospitals are preferring BSN graduates to hire. Community college grads usually are having a tougher time getting hired for preferred positions than BSN grads.