Question about becoming an RN

Published

i have a bachelor's degree, but it is not in nursing. can anyone tell me what the best way to become certified as an RN would be? i would like to do this and then obtain my masters in nursing. any help would be really appreciated.

thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are a variety of programs for students who hold degrees in other areas and would like to become RNs. If you check out this link: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/issues/Aug02.htm, you will find a list of accelerated BSN and MSN programs. Additional programs are constantly being added, so I would also check in your home state. I'm starting an accelerated program this Fall at Drexel in Phildelphia. The programs usually take about 12 to 18 months to complete a BSN and an additional 1 to 2 years for the MSN. Hope this helps!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So would that mean that I would still have to obtain another Bachelor's degree before working on the Master's?

Thanks for your help!! I found this place and thought it would be a great way to finally get some answers!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not necessarily. Some program give you just a Master's degree, however the time line really isn't any shorter. It will still take 2-3 years total. You will still need to take at least a year of nursing school before you can get RN licensure. Therefore, there really isn't much difference other than getting two degrees (BSN and MSN) or just one (MSN).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I see. Well, thank you for all of your help. I am going to check out the link that you included. I'm thinking about doing Drexel's online eLearning myself. There is nothing like that locally that I could do while working full-time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I see. Well, thank you for all of your help. I am going to check out the link that you included. I'm thinking about doing Drexel's online eLearning myself. There is nothing like that locally that I could do while working full-time.

HI,

I also have a Bachelors degree in something else and I was just accepted to nursing school. Many of your classes should carry over, but you still have to get the BS in nursing before you can move onto the masters.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok. The Drexel program is for RN's that have a degree in another subject matter. How am I supposed to become an RN with a computer degree? I shouldn't have to go back for an entirely new BS degree since I already have one.

Is the link that you send earlier the only way to do this...an accelerated program? As long as I don't have to be an RN before I start, that would be what I'm looking for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternity, quality.

You have a few options...

1) get an ADN - some MSN programs will accept students who have an ADN plus a bachelors degree in another field, but not all, so this is something you'd want to check into

2) go for a 2nd degree BSN - many of these are accelerated and can be completed in as little as a year

3) direct-entry MSN - there is an extensive thread on this in the pre-nursing forum; these are programs for non-nurses with a bachelors degree... the first year or so prepares you for the NCLEX-RN then you go right on to the MSN coursework

The AACN has a rather comprehensive list of 2nd degree BSN and direct-entry MSN programs, which it looks like someone has already posted the link to. That's probably one of your best resource.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you. I am going to check out the pre-nursing forum right now!

Yes, the link was posted and I have been looking at that as well. I am going to do my coursework online. So, I will have to check into who offers this type of program that way.

Thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

All of these programs are for RN's that want to get their Bachelor's or Master's. I want to become an RN first. Any ideas on how to do that?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternity, quality.
All of these programs are for RN's that want to get their Bachelor's or Master's. I want to become an RN first. Any ideas on how to do that?

I'm not sure what you're looking at... here is the PDF from the AACN of BSN/MSN programs for non-nurses http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

When you go to the school's websites look for the term "second degree" or "direct-entry" etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did that, but I need to find an online degree program for non-RN's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion