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Discussion

Question about becoming an RN

I am getting ready to graduate from school with an associates degree in Medical Assisting and I am confused about exactly how to become an RN. Do I have to become a CNA to even begin the process? any answers would be appreciated, thanks

Featured Replies

Hi :groupwelcome: This is such an awesome forum!

But to answer your question... No, you do not need any previous healthcare experience whatsoever.

My experience: I enrolled in college, took my gen eds (the classes like engish, math, and such). Then I applied for the College of Nursing (which is different than applying for the college itself). Where I went, they looked at all the applicants for the enrollment period and chose so many to select to attend. Some colleges have you apply to their nursing school. And instead of choosing a certain number out of a group of applicants, they place you on a waiting list. Obviously, this way is less competitive.

If you are interested, I would call some of the schools offering nursing that you think you might want to attend, and schedule an appt with a nursing advisor. This is the person who will give you the most information that you need, since this process can vary greatly from school to school. Also, realize that some nursing schools offer an associates (ADN) in nursing, and some offer a bachelors (BSN).

Congratulations on the impending graduation w/ medical assisting! And if becoming a RN is something you might want to do, definitely check into it. There are TONS of options in nursing. Just take a little while and browse this forum, so much good info here!

Best wishes :)

  • Experts

hi, neveah!

basically, you just need to get yourself accepted into a school of rn nursing and you are on your way. sounds that easy, but it's not. there are a few hoops you have to jump through to get there. most schools have a few little rules (pre-requisites) that you have to fulfill to actually get into the nursing classes. so, you will need to read each school's catalog and any information their nursing program has about the requirements of getting into their classes. your state board of nursing will have an official list of the rn schools in your state. you should be able to access this list online.

here are some websites that also have information about being an rn and how to go about it.

http://www.discovernursing.com/

http://www.discovernursing.com/nursing-careers - list of nursing specialties

http://www.awhonn.org/ncc/student.htm

http://www.nurse.com/nursecontent/

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/csearch/majors_careers/42226.html - "thinking about nursing school? consider your many options" from the college board.

http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm - about registered nursing from the u.s. department of labor

https://allnurses.com/forums/f198/helpful-books-nursing-studies-135816.html - a post with lists of nursing related books for those who want some inspiration about the career of nursing

http://www.nursingexamprepinfo.com/ - information on the various pre-nursing exams that some nursing schools require you to take as part of their decision to admit you to their nursing school

i'm assuming you are in the yuba city in california. here is a list of all the nursing schools in california http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/rnprgms.htm. currently, the community college tuition in california is $20 a credit hour which is really cheap. one class is generally about 3 or 4 credit hours, so that is only $60 or $80 plus the cost of the textbook. that's cheap considering many students have to pay way more than that. california also has a special website to encourage people who want to become nurses. here is a link to their page http://www.nurse.ca.gov/ (california nurse outreach)

welcome to allnurses! :welcome:

Hi

It varies from what I have researched.

In NC you have to do the CNA course first then go into the RN program.

In VA you didn't have to do the CNA course first.

Only know of those two states for sure as Hubby is doing the CNA component of his RN course. We pray he gets his letter this month to start the RN program in the Fall.

If we stayed in VA he would be doing his RN program now but I can see that doing this CNA course first would be a good way to prepare for nursing. CNA gives you the basics in hands on basic nursing care. Hygiene, vitals etc.

Good luck in your future career. :)

  • Author

Thank you for the replies...they were helpful. :)

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